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Picc line flush

Jance
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Hi I joined this page 3 years ago whilst undergoing breast cancer treatment and found it a great help. X

My brother lives in France and has a PICC line inserted that needs flushing everyday. He would dearly love to return to the UK one last time but would need it flushing while here. To look at him you wouldn't know he was so ill. He's still very active otherwise. Is there anywhere he could attend if he came over. It would probably be the Northwest of England. He is willing to go private if needed. He dearly wants to visit home once more.

Thanks for any help. Xx

  • Hi Jance

    Thanks for getting in touch with us and welcome to our online community. I hope you find it a helpful and supportive way to communicate with others. My name is Joanne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the  Macmillan Support Line.

    I’m sorry to hear about your brother and it’s natural that he would like to visit the UK whilst he is still well enough to do so.

    It may be possible able to access care through the NHS, but this will depend on how long your brother has lived in France. The usual requirement is that you must have been resident in the UK at some point in the previous 2 years. Even if he isn’t eligible for free NHS care they may still be able to help but there would be a cost attached to it.

    Most PICC lines are only used (including flushing) in specialist centres. Your GP practice may be able to put you in touch with the nearest one. If not, the local Integrated Care Board should be able to advise.

    If you are not able to access support at your local hospital, then any private hospital that offers chemotherapy should be able to flush the PICC line. The Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) is a good starting point to find a hospital close to you. We would always advise that this is arranged before your brother travels.

     

    If there is anything else we can help you with please, feel free to get back in touch.

     

    Best wishes

    Joanne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

    Ref/ JF/DC

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