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NHS demands safer spine drug jabs NHS demands safer spine drug jabs
(20 minutes later)
The NHS is threatening to stop using current drug equipment in a bid to get firms to start making safer devices.The NHS is threatening to stop using current drug equipment in a bid to get firms to start making safer devices.
The National Patient Safety Agency wants to see an end to universal syringe connectors which can be used for jabs into both the vein and spine.The National Patient Safety Agency wants to see an end to universal syringe connectors which can be used for jabs into both the vein and spine.
The watchdog has set a deadline for 2013 - even though separate connectors to stop drug mix-ups are not available.The watchdog has set a deadline for 2013 - even though separate connectors to stop drug mix-ups are not available.
The move has been demanded since the 2001 death of Wayne Jowett when cancer drugs were injected into his spine. The move follows the 2001 death of Wayne Jowett when cancer drugs were injected into his spine.
Since the death of the Nottingham teenager, a number of safety measures have been introduced across England and Wales.Since the death of the Nottingham teenager, a number of safety measures have been introduced across England and Wales.
Error cannot be eliminated just by imploring people to take more care Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer Error cannot be eliminated just by imploring people to take more care Sir Liam DonaldsonChief medical officer
Staff have been given extra training and there are now strict rules governing the separate storage of spinal and intravenous drugs.Staff have been given extra training and there are now strict rules governing the separate storage of spinal and intravenous drugs.
But despite improvements in safety, mistakes are still occurring.But despite improvements in safety, mistakes are still occurring.
There is one error a month on average - although the last serious case was in early 2007 when a patient died.There is one error a month on average - although the last serious case was in early 2007 when a patient died.
The continuing problems have prompted the safety watchdog to issue this recommendation for the health service.The continuing problems have prompted the safety watchdog to issue this recommendation for the health service.
By making separate connectors it would make it impossible for hospital staff to connect drugs meant for veins to syringes to administer drugs to the spine and vice-versa.By making separate connectors it would make it impossible for hospital staff to connect drugs meant for veins to syringes to administer drugs to the spine and vice-versa.
In many ways it is a game of bluff with manufacturers.In many ways it is a game of bluff with manufacturers.
They do not yet make separate connectors, but experts hope this warning will prompt them to act.They do not yet make separate connectors, but experts hope this warning will prompt them to act.
Indeed, it is a source of irritation to many within the health service that it has not happened already.Indeed, it is a source of irritation to many within the health service that it has not happened already.
MPs and Sir Liam Donaldson, the government's chief medical officer, have already called for different connectors to be made.MPs and Sir Liam Donaldson, the government's chief medical officer, have already called for different connectors to be made.
Injections Safety improvements
Dr Kevin Cleary, the NPSA's medical director, said: "We hope this will encourage industry to act.Dr Kevin Cleary, the NPSA's medical director, said: "We hope this will encourage industry to act.
"This is in the best interests of patients.""This is in the best interests of patients."
Sir Liam agreed. "Error cannot be eliminated just by imploring people to take more care."Sir Liam agreed. "Error cannot be eliminated just by imploring people to take more care."
The move by the NPSA has also received the backing of anaesthetists who carry out spinal injections, such as epidurals which are commonly used during labour.The move by the NPSA has also received the backing of anaesthetists who carry out spinal injections, such as epidurals which are commonly used during labour.
Professor Ravi Mahajan, of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said it would "significantly improve patient safety".Professor Ravi Mahajan, of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said it would "significantly improve patient safety".
Harrie Cooke, secretary of Barema, a trade association for the industry, said firms would work hard with the NHS and government to make changes.Harrie Cooke, secretary of Barema, a trade association for the industry, said firms would work hard with the NHS and government to make changes.
"Manufacturers have a vital part to play in making the safe even safer.""Manufacturers have a vital part to play in making the safe even safer."
But he added it was not "as simple as first seems".
Part of the problem is identifying which of the separate connectors put forward by manufacturers should be used.
It is possible that by 2013, there will be several on the market - perhaps even different ones for different types of spinal procedure.
Mr Cooke added: "If there are too many it could cause more problems than it solves."