Jenny McDonald Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Acute Pain Service holds the old pump while Lisa Doughty, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist, for the team holds the newer, more portable model
PATIENTS at Blackpool Victoria Hospital are benefiting from state of the art pain killing aids.
Blackpool Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s acute pain service has introduced new CADD Solis PCA pumps that allow the patient to give themselves pain killer (analgesia) medication as they need it. The pumps are pre-programmed to ensure the correct analgesia is given at the correct dose, in the correct volume.
There is a five minute lockout period in between doses that ensures patients cannot give themselves too much analgesia, which is vital to patient safety.
Lisa Doughty, Lead Specialist Nurse, said: “The patient has the pump attached to them intravenously after surgery and they press a button to give themselves pain relief when they feel they need it.
“This gives the patient more control over their analgesia requirements and the fact they can self administer the relief means nursing staff can concentrate on other duties to help patients.
“The new pumps are a lot smaller, safer, lighter and more compact than the old pumps which make it easier for the patient to mobilise after their operation, promoting a faster recovery and discharge home.’’