10 September 2009

Hospitals Get $70 Million Injection For IV Pumps

Minister for Health John Hatzistergos today announced a $70 million injection to improve safety in public hospitals across NSW, and presented significant cost savings in the long term.

“The NSW Government has ordered more than 10,000 state-of-the-art infusion pumps to deliver IV fluids and medication to patients,” Mr Hatzistergos said.

“For the first time, doctors and nurses will have a uniform system for providing intravenous medication to patients in our hospitals.”

Mr Hatzistergos said using the new pump would save the health system up to $5 million annually which could be used for capital works and other expenditure.

“The Volumat MC Agilia volumetric pumps will replace existing devices, providing a safe and efficient system for patients receiving IV fluids and medication.

“The new pumps feature the most up-to-date software available including a unique built-in safety mechanism to ensure patients receive the correct doses of intravenous fluids or medication.”

Mr Hatzistergos said the $70 million contract with Pharmatel Fresenius Kabi (PFK), is believed to be the largest single contract for infusion pump supply in the world.

“By selecting a sole supplier, we have secured clinical uniformity and enhanced technical support while delivering significant savings to the taxpayer.”

Mr Hatzistergos said the pumps will be used for patients undergoing surgery in a public hospital or being treated in an intensive care unit, as well as in general wards, emergency departments and oncology clinics.

Mr Hatzistergos said a dedicated team of about 35 specialists will roll-out the pumps over an 18-month period, starting later this year.

“They will custom fit each pump to individual hospital settings and provide comprehensive training for more than 40,000 doctors and nurses,” the Minister said.

“A three-month audit of existing IV pumps and their usage is underway to ensure hospitals most in need receive their pumps first.”

Those hospitals earmarked for some of the first batch of the new pumps include:

• Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service (Royal North Shore, Gosford, Wyong, Manly and Mona Vale Hospitals);
• Greater Western Area Health Service (Orange and Bathurst Hospitals); and
• Greater Southern Area Health Service (Wagga, Goulburn and Albury Hospitals).

Director of Anaesthesia at Royal North Shore Hospital, Associate Professor Greg Knoblanche, welcomed the announcement.

"We will now have a new universal standard in high quality medical technology throughout NSW," Associate Professor Knoblanche said.

"Money saved from using a single supplier will allow us to implement further initiatives in better patient care."

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au