Improved Hospital Safety The Story of G-Sleeve

The G-Sleeve was designed by Gina M. Santosuosso, RN, BSN, to protect patients by preventing accidents that may easily occur in any hospital or outpatient setting.

When taking blood pressure, administering an IV or taking blood draws when treating mastectomy, lumpectomy with lymph node removal and dialysis patients, it is highly advised “not to use the affected arm in fear of the risk of injury that may possibly lead to more severe conditions such as lymphedema.

After mistakenly using one patient’s affected arm, but not causing any harm to the patient, Nurse Santosuosso, found herself trying to solve the problem.

As Nurse Santosuosso and her fellow colleagues knew, it was sometimes difficult to remember which arm to administer blood pressure; IV’s and blood draws from. “We would document this in the patient’s chart numerous times, but these procedures are so common, they are sometimes done in the dark, the patient’s cannot always alert us because they may be sedated and there are usually just so many things going on at once that can easily cause the medical staff to forget, therefore compromising the patient’s safety.”

We were constantly worried about forgetting. The patients were very nervous as well! Some of them were even writing “Don’t Use Arm” on their arms in lipstick!!!

Nurse Santosuosso came up with the idea and originally designed the pink; cloth sleeve designed for mastectomy, lumpectomy with lymph node removal and dialysis patients. She then also included blue sleeves for men and brought them to work.

And so the G-Sleeve was created and the doctors and nurses immediately loved it!!! The Lymph Notes team believes that when the word gets out, the patients are going to love it too! For details visit the G-Sleeve website.

 Congratulations to the G-Sleeve for being awarded the 2012 the first place Winner for Patient and Staff Safety.

Got a question or comment? Post in the 'Living With Lymphedema' forum. Share your stories in My Stories.
Category: Living well with Lymphedema