Vital IV treatment now closer to home for more patients
Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital has expanded access to intravenous treatment with peripherally inserted central catheters, also known as PICC lines, allowing more patients to receive care closer to home. This advancement is made possible by introducing new ultrasound technology and the dedication of clinical teams in Waterville and Fredericton.
PICC lines are long, thin tubes inserted into a vein in the arm and guided toward larger veins near the heart. They’re used to deliver long-term intravenous treatment, like antibiotics, chemotherapy or nutrition, for patients with cancer, infections, or gastrointestinal conditions.
In February 2025, Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital installed the BD Site-Rite ultrasound machine, featuring the Sherlock 3CG Diamond Tip Confirmation System. This advanced technology enhances clinicians’ ability to insert PICC lines with greater ease and accuracy, whether at the bedside or in an ambulatory care setting, minimizing patient travel to Fredericton for the procedure.
“This service means we can now provide a vital form of care closer to home for our patients, especially those in oncology or with chronic illnesses who often require long-term treatment and frequent procedures,” said Gillian Gillies, Horizon’s Clinical Director of Ambulatory Care Programs. “Avoiding travel to Fredericton reduces stress and supports the overall well-being of our patients and their families.”
The advanced system lets clinicians view the procedure in real time and use the patient’s heart rhythm to guide the catheter tip, reducing the need for confirmatory X-rays and making the experience faster and safer.
Since the equipment was introduced, nearly 40 PICC insertions have been completed at URVH. Demonstrating the immediate impact this technology has on access to care in the region.
By contrast, in 2024, around 70 patients from the Upper River Valley region had to travel to Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH) in Fredericton to undergo the same procedure.
Enhancing PICC line access at URVH aligns with Horizon’s commitment to excellence in hospital care while also advancing the transformation of clinical services to better meet the changing needs of New Brunswickers.
Horizon says it is proud of the clinical staff who completed specialized training to make this local service expansion possible.
