Published: September 2010

Publications

Graseby pump withdrawal - change to target date and alternative

Information on this subject has been updated. Read the most recent information.

Prescriber Update 31(3): 24
September 2010

Healthcare professionals are advised that Medsafe has extended its target date for the withdrawal of Graseby MS-Series syringe drivers from clinical use to 30 June 2011. This change is due to further problems being experienced with the supply of alternative syringe drivers.

CareFusion, the supplier of the alternative AD syringe driver, has advised that it is no longer able to guarantee timelines and support for the AD syringe driver and cannot continue its supply.

A transition team has been established to provide advice on alternative options; however a recommendation on the alternative supplier is yet to be finalised. The transition team includes clinical, operational, biomedical engineering, procurement and Medsafe representatives.

In the meantime, please note the following key points:

• The AD syringe drivers can continue to be safely used until transitioned to an alternative device.
• No new AD syringe drivers will be supplied in New Zealand via CareFusion.
• All Graseby syringe drivers must be removed from clinical use by 30 June 2011.
• A transition plan will be circulated once an alternative device has been confirmed.
• Appropriate clinical and technical training will be provided for the new device prior to any transition.
• Current AD syringe driver customers will be contacted in the coming weeks to assist with transition planning.

Medsafe continues to closely monitor this process and will ensure regular updates are provided to healthcare professionals during the transition process.

Safety concerns over the use of Graseby MS-Series Syringe Drivers were first raised by Medsafe in 2007 and prompted the manufacturer, Smiths Medical, to discontinue further supply later that year.