The Aseptic Units no longer produce syringe drivers containing one drug, and from Friday 15th February they will stop producing all syringe drivers. Read on to see the benefits to patients and what you need to do on your wards.

We are preparing for the refurbishment of the Aseptic Unit at CRH in the summer, and once complete the unit at HRI will be closed completely, though we expect this to be much later this year, or early 2020.

What are the benefits?:

• Your patients should get their syringe drivers in a timely manner as they are prepared on the ward when they are required
• A reduction in wastes as approximately 25% of syringes are wasted after they have been prepared

Second check required

Preparation and administration (and disposal) of all syringes must have a second independent check  

Ward Managers/Matrons

Ward manager/Matrons will need to ensure there are adequate stocks in their clinical areas of 20ml and 30ml Luer-Lock syringes for preparing syringe drivers

Queries

If you have any queries about preparing syringes on Wards/Departments, please discuss with your Manager/Matron.

If you have any other queries about the above changes, please discuss with the Aseptic Unit Managers:

CRH – 4147 (Helen)

HRI – 2747 (Jen)

Pharmacy support

• Pharmacy staff are ensuring that adequate drugs are available on all Wards/Departments by examining stock lists and adjusting stock levels to meet future requirements
• Pharmacy are producing a Syringe Driver Drug Compatibility Chart which will be quickly available resource accessed via the Intranet before Friday 15th February 2019
• A medicines management newsletter special is also being developed

The Palliative Care Guidelines are accessible via the Intranet: https://intranet.cht.nhs.uk/clinical-information/end-of-life/