As noted in their recent board notes, Sun Country Health Region is among the first health regions in the province to install new digital Smart IV (intravenous) Pumps throughout their primary care facilities and home care situations.
The installations were being carried out this week, said CEO, Marga Cugnet.
“These are another way for us to improve patient safety and reduce medication errors,” she said. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to implement these for patients and clients.”
The new Smart Pumps will administer intravenous medications to patients using a pre-programmed provincial drug library containing drug dosing information that includes minimum and maximum dosing limits. Infusion pumps are used to deliver medications, fluids and nutrients to patients at precisely controlled rates.
“The new Smart Pumps to be used in Sun Country Health Region will include error reduction software to assist health-care providers with programming and calculating dose and delivery rates. When used properly, these features will help prevent IV medication errors and reduce patient harm in all care settings,” Cugnet added.
The pumps are being introduced through a provincial initiative supported by all the health regions, the Sasktchewan Cancer Agency, eHealth Saskatchewan and 3sHealth. About 3,000 new Hospira Plum 360 IV pumps will be introduced through through a provincial initiative supported by all the health regions, the Sasktchewan Cancer Agency, eHealth Saskatchewan and 3sHealth. About 3,000 new Hospira Plum 360 IV pumps will be introduced through the program including the home care environments, over the next 10 months.
