High-tech pumps to administer drugs to patients at West Suffolk Hospital will help to avoid dosage errors, health bosses have said.
The Bury St Edmunds hospital has spent £300,000 on the new equipment, which can be pre-programmed with details of drug dosages and volumes.
A total of 260 of the intravenous infusion pumps have been bought, including syringe driver pumps which administer concentrated intravenous medicines, and a pump which administers intravenous fluids and blood.
The hospital says they should minimise the likelihood of errors.
Nichole Day, executive chief nurse, said: “These new pumps are a significant investment and will make a big difference to patients and staff alike.
“As well as providing us with much more advanced technology, they will further enhance patient safety by ensuring drugs are given at the right rate and in the correct concentration. This is especially important in areas such as critical care and the theatres, where there are a lot of very advanced drugs being used.”
She added that the pumps’ design made it easier to train staff in their usage.
West Suffolk MP Matthew Hancock said: “I’m delighted to hear this fantastic news for West Suffolk Hospital and for everyone across Bury and West Suffolk who uses this vital service.
“Even in these tough financial times, the new government is protecting spending on the NHS and it is good news that this money is being put to good use improving patient safety.”
The pumps will be in use by the end of this month.
Source: Bury Free Press 22nd July
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