Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says
A shortage of epidural kits in the UK is expected to last until at least March, the government’s 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 problems with epidural bags.
Hospitals are receiving replacement bags for painkillers given to women in labor, while the Royal College of Anesthetists is working with the NHS to advise hospitals on how to manage the situation.
Medical staff have expressed concerns about the plans, according to the BBC, although the NHS has said women “should present for care as usual”.
The shortage arose after a major supplier reportedly stopped making epidural infusion bags.
The MHRA alert on December 2 said there was a “range of alternative bags” available during the “affected period”, which would require a “trust-wide approach to ensure safe implementation”.
Hospitals receive substitutes, but these contain higher doses of drugs and therefore require very careful management.
All trusts have been asked to create teams that keep mother and baby safe.
But hospital staff, pharmacists and anesthesiologists – who administer epidurals to women during labor – have expressed concerns about the plans.
The head of the Birth Trauma Association, Dr Kim Thomas, argued that “there hasn’t been enough communication” about how to put these teams together.
“Letting the trusts handle a situation like this is very unfair because you will get different answers from different trusts,” she explained.
“This is going to mean extra stress and extra work for staff who are already overworked, particularly at this time of year.”
An NHS spokesperson said: “The safety of women cared for by NHS maternity services remains a top priority. »
They added: “There are a range of alternatives available and trusts also share their supplies with other nearby trusts where appropriate. »
Additional reporting by Hafsa Khalil
