Epidural Bag Shortage in the UK to Persist for a Long Period
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the British government has warned that the shortage of epidural sets will continue until at least March. The agency sent an alert to healthcare providers earlier this month, stating that the shortage is a result of manufacturing issues involving epidural bags.
Hospitals are providing alternative bags for pain relief medication for expectant mothers, while the Royal College of Anaesthetists is working with the National Health Service (NHS) to provide advice to hospitals on how to manage the situation.
Medical staff have expressed concern about these plans, according to the BBC’s understanding, although the NHS stated that women “should continue to seek care as normal.”
The medication shortage arose after a major supplier stopped manufacturing epidural bags. In a warning issued by the MHRA on December 2, it stated that there are “a number of available alternatives” for the bags during the “affected period,” which will necessitate a “Trust-level approach to ensure safe implementation.”
Hospitals are being sent alternatives, but these contain higher medication doses and therefore require very close monitoring. All Trusts have been asked to establish teams to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
However, hospital staff, pharmacists, and anaesthetists—who administer epidurals to women during labor—have expressed concerns about the plans. Dr. Kim Thomas, CEO of the Birth Trauma Association, argued that there has been “insufficient communication” regarding how these teams should be established.
“Leaving Trusts to manage situations like this is unfair, as you will get different responses in different Trusts,” she explained. “This will add pressure and workload for staff who are already overworked, especially at this time of year.”
An NHS spokesperson said: “Ensuring the continued safety of women in the care of NHS maternity services is a top priority.” They added: “A variety of alternatives are available, and Trusts are also sharing supplies with other nearby Trusts where necessary.”
United News Network – UNN Arabic
An independent media platform providing reliable news and objective analysis, seeking to promote peace and cultural dialogue around the world, to convey the truth and build bridges of understanding between peoples.
For more news, you can visit our homepage:
