What is Intravenous Therapy?
Intravenous therapy is the infusion of fluid directly into your vein. This can be done safely and effectively in the community, often without the need for hospital admission. Intravenous therapy is administered for several reasons, including treatment for a variety of infections (such as cellulitis) and conditions (such as anaemia).
Intravenous therapy is administered through a small plastic tube, or line. This will be inserted into your vein to allow the nurse to administer the treatment regularly. Depending on the type of line used and length of treatment necessary, it can safely be left in your vein and will reduce the need for the nurse to put in a new line on a daily basis.
The Community Intravenous Therapy Service, is based at South Shore Primary Care Centre. It is run by a team of specially trained nurses, with input from hospital consultants and GPs. The service is available for residents of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, who are registered with a GP in this area.
You may be referred into the service from your GP practice, or following a visit to hospital. The nurses regularly liaise with GP’s and hospital Consultants to ensure the treatment you receive is right for you. You may be required to attend the hospital or your GP for a review during your treatment.
The team will be able to answer any questions you may have about the service or your treatment, so please don’t hesitate to ask
When you have been referred to the service, you will be given an appointment time. When attending the clinic, please ensure you arrive on time. Please bring any medication or paperwork you have been given, as we may not be able to give you your treatment without this.
If you are running late, please contact the clinic on the telephone number on this leaflet.
On your first appointment, a nurse will talk to you about your health and the service, and give you more information about your treatment plan. You may be asked to sign a consent form to agree to your treatment.
There may be up to four other patients receiving treatment at the same time as you.
The treatment is unlikely to cause side effects, so you do not need to be accompanied. There is however a waiting area available for family & carers if needed.
Please discuss any concerns or worries with your nurse, who will be happy to answer any questions you have
How To Find Us
South Shore Primary Care Centre Lytham Road Blackpool FY4 1TJ
Clinic Telephone Number: 01253 951 223 7 days per week, 8am to 8pm.
Outside of these times, please contact Fylde Coast Medical Services on 01253 951 345.
On-site parking and wheelchair access is available.
Buses 11, 18 & 68 stop outside the centre.
Access is via the main entrance of South Shore Primary Care Centre. Report to the reception desk on the left.
At the weekend or on bank holidays, the access is via a side door to the health centre, marked IV Clinic
Author Jennifer Pepper
Date if Publication 22/02/2023
Review Date 01/02/2026
Reference No CPL/148 (V3)
