The Unit is very ‘high-tech’, relying heavily upon up-to-date medical equipment and the ability of staff to operate it. Complex equipment is required to help diagnose the underlying condition that the children suffer from, monitor patients through their transplant period, and in particular, to monitor how their immune system is recovering following the transplant. Most of the equipment is used 24 hours per day, all year round, so the life of the machines is limited, requiring frequent repair and replacement. Whilst the NHS provides an overall budget, the children’s needs exceed the monies available, therefore we have to seek additional support.
Our current needs include:
- Syringe drivers Graesby 3100 – administers slow infusion of low volume drugs over long periods, ensuring the child receives the right drug, of the right amount, at the right time
- Volumetric pumps (IVAC 572) – administers infusion of larger volumes of fluid, drugs, blood and bone marrow over a controlled time interval
- Spacelab monitors – monitors all babies’ vital signs – blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, giving signals for any emergency intervention required
