Needle-free arterial non-injectable connector

Equality considerations

NICE is committed to promoting equality, eliminating unlawful discrimination and fostering good relations between people with particular protected characteristics and others. In producing guidance and advice, NICE aims to comply fully with all legal obligations to: promote race and disability equality and equality of opportunity between men and women, eliminate unlawful discrimination on grounds of race, disability, age, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity (including women post-delivery), sexual orientation, and religion or belief (these are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010).

The needle-free arterial non-injectable connector (NIC) would be used for patients needing arterial lines, who may be critically ill. Older people may have more critical care periods than younger people (Health and Social Care Information Centre 2016). The NIC is not currently licensed for use in children. Age is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act (2010).