Remember to return syringe drivers when not in use

November 3, 2022

Colleagues are reminded to ensure they return Syringe Drivers to Medical Engineering when they’re no longer in use or required, due to the fact that we frequently have times when we have very low stocks of syringe drivers, they are essential for the symptom control of our end of life and palliative patients.

A syringe driver is used to administer medication at a regular rate over 24 hours. The syringe driver is used to relieve symptoms such as pain in palliative patients.

When it is identified that a syringe driver is required the clinical team will collect a syringe driver from the medical engineering department (available on City and Sandwell site). When the syringe driver is collected a record is left of the patients details and place of care (ward, care home, home address). When the syringe driver is no longer required it must be returned to medical engineering for essential maintenance.

If the syringe drivers are not returned to medical engineering the essential maintenance cannot take place and we will find that there not be enough for all of the patients who require them.

It is essential that all Syringe drivers are returned to medical engineering as soon as they are not in use. 

Please check your clinical areas for any syringe drivers not in use and return them immediately