New ultrasound technology reduces needle pokes for cancer patients

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Friday, July 24, 2026, …. For patients receiving chemotherapy, starting an IV is usually a routine part of treatment. But after repeated treatments, finding a suitable vein can become more and more difficult, sometimes requiring multiple attempts before a successful placement.

Thanks to funding from the Aberdeen Health Foundation, nurses at Aberdeen Hospital’s oncology department now have access to ultrasound guided IV technology that helps make IV placement more accurate while reducing pain and stress for patients.

“Patients often have more fragile veins over the course of their treatment,” said Registered Nurse Jessica Veenhuis. “Things like dehydration and medications can make the veins smaller and harder to access, so we’re often trying to find deeper veins that are difficult to see or feel.”

Photo Caption: A Registered Nurse uses the new ultrasound technology funded by Aberdeen Health Foundation to place an IV for an oncology patient. The new equipment is making it easier for staff to locate and access veins impacted by repeated cancer treatments, reducing the number of needle pokes and increasing patient comfort.

The new equipment uses ultrasound imaging to allow nurses to see veins beneath the surface of the skin while inserting an IV. Rather than relying solely on sight and touch, nurses can watch the needle enter the vein on a screen in real time, improving accuracy and patient comfort. Reducing the number of needle pokes also helps to preserve veins for future treatments.

“The people coming here are often going through one of the hardest parts of their lives. We want to cause as little pain as possible,” said Veenhuis. “Before we had ultrasound guided IVs, I’d seen patients go through seven to nine attempts to start a single IV. Every time we’re poking, that’s a little more trauma to those veins. Now, when we know someone has difficult-to-access veins, one of our first thoughts is to use the ultrasound guided IV.”

Photo Caption: Registered Nurse Jessica Veenhuis (centre) demonstrates the new ultrasound guided IV technology for Dr. Patricia Craig (right) and Bob Sharkey (left) in the oncology unit at Aberdeen Hospital.

The technology is still relatively new and staff continue to build confidence using it. Oncology nurses completed hands-on training before introducing the equipment into regular practice.

“There was definitely a learning curve,” said Veenhuis. “But the more we’ve been using it, the easier it has become, and the quicker we are to say, ‘okay let’s go right to the ultrasound guided IV.’”

Veenhuis is grateful for community support through the Aberdeen Health Foundation. “To be able to reassure our patients that we have the best technology available to help minimize the number of needle pokes and the amount of pain they’re experiencing, that’s just wonderful,” she said.

As the Foundation celebrates its 40th anniversary, this is exactly the kind of investment it was created to make, added Heather MacDonald, Board Chair.

“Investments like this help improve the experience of care for people who are already going through an incredibly difficult time. Our founders recognized that essential items were the responsibility of the health care system, while donor support through the Foundation could provide the extras that enhance patient care. This technology is a perfect example of that vision. It brings equipment to our community that wouldn’t otherwise be available, improving the treatment experience for patients and the health care professionals who care for them every day.”

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The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2025, the Foundation invested over $3 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.