NHSE declares emergency over IV shortage

NHS England has declared a national emergency over shortage of feed for babies and disabled patients, with some patients being told to go to Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments.  Hundreds of NHS patients, including children, who depend on intravenous (IV) nutrition, have been experiencing delays in deliveries.

It follows an inspection by watchdogs which found manufacturers were failing to meet safety standards, and the presence of potentially fatal bacteria. The NHS National Patient Safety Director, Aiden Fowler, has written to all NHS hospital trusts, and affected patients, warning that the incident has been designated as an emergency incident, under the Civil Contingencies Act, at the highest level. 

British manufacturer Calea had already said the shortages could last up to four weeks. But the letter warns that the crisis could last far longer, outlining plans to ration the product to those most in need. 

Parents said the situation was “terrifying” with some told to go to A&E if vulnerable children were left too long without being fed. 

Hospitals have now been asked to review all patients receiving such IV feed to ensure only those deemed at high-risk are allocated the supplies, which are tailored to meet specific individual needs. Others will be allocated standard bags of nutrition, with extra supplements. 

In the letters from Dr Fowler, disclosed by the Health Service Journal, he warns that the NHS is facing a “difficult balance” between the risks caused by the shortages, and the dangers of allowing production to continue, without safety improvements. 

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Source: The Telegraph, 13 August 2019