Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says

What’s Happening

Here’s the thing: The shortage is because of a major supplier stopping manufacturing epidural bags, the government says.

Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says 3 hours ago Save Sharon Barbour Health correspondent Save AFP via A shortage of epidural kits in the UK is expected to last until at least March, the governments medicines regulator has warned. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) told healthcare providers in a patient safety alert earlier this month that the shortage followed manufacturing issues concerning epidural bags. (let that sink in)

Hospitals are being sent substitutes bags for the pain relief drug given to women in labour, while the Royal College of Anaesthetists is working with the NHS to advise hospitals on how to manage the situation.

The Details

Medical staff have expressed concern about these plans, the BBC understands, though the NHS dropped women “should come forward for care as usual”. The shortage arose after a major supplier stopped making epidural infusion bags, it is understood.

The MHRA alert on 2 December dropped there was a “range of alternative” bags available during the “affected period”, which will require a “trust-wide approach to ensure safe implementation”. Hospitals are being sent substitutes - but these have higher drug doses and so need careful managing.

Why This Matters

All trusts have been asked to create teams that ensure mother-and-baby safety. But hospital staff, pharmacists and anaesthetists - who administer epidurals to women during labour - have expressed concerns over the plans. The head of the Birth Trauma Association, Dr Kim Thomas, argued that “there hasnt been enough communication” on how to put together these teams.

Health experts are weighing in on what this means for people.

Key Takeaways

• “Its going to mean added stress and added work for staff who are already overworked particularly at this time of year.
• ” An NHS spokesperson dropped: “The safety of women in the care of NHS maternity services remains a top priority.

The Bottom Line

“Its going to mean added stress and added work for staff who are already overworked particularly at this time of year. ” An NHS spokesperson dropped: “The safety of women in the care of NHS maternity services remains a top priority.

Is this a W or an L? You decide.