PLEASE send me your views, problems helpful hints and stories to help me compile our newsletter. How about sharing this years holiday experiences. You can contact me via Amanda our Secretary on support@actfortrachykids.com or by letter phone or personal email as printed on the back page of the ACT Newsletters.
Hope that you had a great Summer.
Every best wish
June Newsletter Editor.
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4 comments:
Bivona supply problem!! Is anyone else having problems getting hold of 4.5mm Bivona paediatric trach tubes? I have heard that it is a UK wide problem. I phoned Smith Medical today, and they said that there is a "manufacturing problem" and that they will not be able to deliver any until the middle/end November! Even then, there are no guarantees. ::sigh::
Angus changed size of tube 2 months ago. We managed to get one tube then, but none since so things are pretty dire; one 4.5mm tube in him, and one old 4.0mm back up. For trach changes I've been slotting in the 4.0mm as a stop gap, while I clean and sterilise the 4.5mm. Our trachy nurse has managed to get us one from ICU or theatre, but that's our lot now unless we change brands temporarily.
Does anyone know what's really going on?? How can they be having such a bad "manufacturing" problem, and what does that mean exactly??
Kate
Hi Kate, Thanks for raising the issue of Bivona supply problems. Back in March 2006 there was a problem with obtaining Shiley Paed. Trachy tubes due to a problem that Tyco Healthcare was having, trying to fulfill backlogged orders due to a review of the manufacturing process of Shiley neonatal & Paed trachy tubes. GOS and various other hospitals were affected and ended up recommending that parents used Bivona or Kapitex as a temporary alternative. By the way, "manufacturing" problems I think means that they have found a potential problem with the tubes during the manufacturing process and they need to check them all to avoid legal problems if something goes wrong. This then means there is a backlog once manufacturing restarts. This is what happened with Shiley.
Haven't heard from anyone else so far about supply issues with Bivona but will do some calling around - GOS, Alder Hey, Addenbrookes etc to see what's going on and will report back to you. Could you let me know the product code for the tube you are trying to obtain? What does Angus' Nurse Specialist/Consultant have to say on the matter?
If it's easier, email me or phone, but will try to get some answers for you!
Best wishes
Amanda
Tube supplies:
TO ALL YOU MUMS
I am afraid this is a continuing problem with one make of tube or another that has reared its ugly head since the disposable tubes took over from the silver variety.
Because of the threat of shortages both parents and professionals are inclined to stockpile. I don't like to encourage this but it is really essential that you keep one or two tubes in front. In other words, be prepared but be reasonable. Just changing to another make isn't that easy, it is something that must be done by your consultant, even the most minimal difference in curve or length can feel like half a brick(putting it graphically) in a childs tiny trachea.
Is there anyone reading this blog that can help Kate out with a 4.5mm Bivona paediatric tube???
All the best Kate.
June.
Kate, I didn't realise things were so desperate! Sorry, but Sam is in Shileys and I don't get as many of those as I used to (I hate cleaning the darn things!) I hope someone out there has some. I can offer a 4.5 shiley if it will help, but I know Angus is vented so don't know if that would be any use, plus as June says, changing make isn't that easy. Let me know if I can help (you know where I am! all the time hehehe)
Juliex
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