About Portage Vascular Access

Sarah Smees has developed an entrepreneurial service dedicated to providing on-site vascular access to avoid the unnecessary transportation of patients to acute-care facilities for service that can be safely and efficiently delivered at the point of care.

Portage Vascular Access provides a wide variety of services including: peripheral intravenous catheter insertion (ultrasound guided as needed); peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) insertion using ultrasound-guidance, tip tracking and electrocardiogram (ECG;) technology to expedite confirmation of tip placement;

Venipuncture for phlebotomy; consultation, assessment and troubleshooting; data collection and outcome tracking with the potential for dissemination through publication.

About Sarah Smees

Nurse Innovator Award Amount: $25,000

Sarah Smees is an APN Educator and Clinical Specialist. Her nursing career includes experiences in oncology, infusion therapy, homecare, vascular access, end of life care, education, mentorship and leadership roles in Ontario, California, and Washington State.

She is a member of INS, AVA, CVAA, an Oncology Certified Nurse and certified with national vascular access associations in Canada and the United States.

Evidence informed practice drives her to improve practice and develop efficient workflows in a complex healthcare environment. By integrating a mobile vascular access service into the healthcare system, patients will receive timely care by a skilled provider wherever they may call home.