Click here to download Cheltenham Hospital Case Study.

Airglove implementation at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: 6 Years using Airglove from 2020 – Julie McNally, Ward Manager, Cheltenham Hospital, Oncology Services

Introduction:
Cheltenham Hospital, part of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, delivers oncology care to a diverse patient population with varying levels of venous access complexity. Many patients undergoing Systemic Anti Cancer Therapies (SACT) present with fragile, hard to locate veins due to age, repeated chemotherapy cycles, comorbidities, and the physiological effects of their disease.
To support more consistent cannulation outcomes and improve patient comfort, the oncology team evaluated Airglove, a regulated warm air device designed to enhance vein visibility prior to cannulation.

Clinical Need
Achieving reliable venous access in oncology patients is often challenging. Traditional warming methods can be inconsistent, time consuming, or impractical in a busy clinical environment. Multiple cannulation attempts can increase patient anxiety, delay treatment, and add pressure to nursing work flow.
Cheltenham Hospital recognised the need for a safe, standardised, hands free warming method that would support more successful first attempt cannulation while improving the overall patient experience.

Implementation of Airglove
Airglove was introduced into the department for evaluation, and it quickly became incorporated into routine practice. The oncology nursing team found the device intuitive and easy to integrate into their workflow. Staff also highlighted the positive reception observed across other wards following training:

“I went on to the ward and did the training and they loved it.”

This early positive feedback supported broader consideration of Airglove across additional clinical areas.

Results & Clinical Benefits
Successful Adoption & Continued Use
The department confirmed that Airglove not only met expectations but became a valued part of their cannulation practice:

“The outcome of the evaluation was that we have them… and we continue to use them and we continue to hopefully increase the amount that we have in the department.”

Recommendation from Clinical Staff
The oncology team expressed clear endorsement for Airglove as a tool to improve patient care and support cannulation:

“Regarding recommending, yes, we would. Yeah, definitely.”

Cross Departmental Interest
Following its success in oncology, staff reported that additional wards expressed interest in adopting Airglove, including the Edward Jenner Unit which provides services for patients with blood conditions, immune problems and allergies:

“She was hoping to get one for the Edward Jenner… training was done on the ward and they loved it.”

This momentum reflects confidence in the device’s benefits and its suitability for broader clinical environments.

Patient & Staff Experience
Airglove’s warm air technology supports patients who may otherwise feel anxious about cannulation. By improving vein visibility and comfort, staff noted calmer, more positive patient interactions.

The hands free nature of the device also allows nurses to manage workload more efficiently, especially during peak clinic times. Reduced reliance on manual warming methods helps streamline workflows and improve treatment flow through the unit.

Conclusion
Airglove has delivered clear clinical, operational, and experiential benefits to Cheltenham Hospital’s oncology services. Improved warming consistency, reduced patient anxiety, and stronger cannulation outcomes have supported its rapid adoption and continued use.
The oncology team’s confidence in recommending Airglove to other healthcare professionals underscores its value:

“Yes, we would definitely recommend it.”

With growing interest from additional wards and ongoing positive patient feedback, Airglove is now a trusted and integral part of venous access practice at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Click here to download Cheltenham Hospital Case Study.