Dear colleagues,

You might be aware that on March 12, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) advised of issues identified with Becton Dickinson (BD) Alaris™ Pumps (GP, VP, CC and SE) and Non-Dedicated Infusion sets and accessories.

Across Metro North we use BD pumps and infusion sets as well as alternative products.

This issue has a national impact and given the prevalence of BD pumps in use in Australia, coupled with no evidence of increased infection rates, it’s been determined that discontinuing the use of the pumps would likely increase the risk of patient harm due to the lack of immediately available alternative products in the short term.

While the TGA investigates and the manufactures considers alternatives, there is likely to be a disruption in the supply of BD consumables. We are looking at options and strategies to conserve our stock of consumables across Metro North. Until a reliable supply of IV consumables can be assured, we need to make every effort to conserve consumables and administer safely by means other than IV infusions wherever possible.

Alternative options for infusion therapies include:

1. IV to Oral Conversion: where clinically appropriate (consult Pharmacy for guidance).
2. Use IV push instead of infusion: or via syringe driver rather than large volume pump where clinically appropriate (consult Pharmacy for guidance).
3. Potential role for gravity infusions: where clinically appropriate for medicines that are not high-alert and high accuracy of administration is not required
4. Other alternatives: where appropriate may include spring-loaded or elastomeric devices, which will be investigated and advised upon in coming days.

Pharmacy at each directorate will be pivotal in providing support to identify therapies that can be converted to oral administration and given via IV push.

Thank you for your support.

Regards,

Michele