What is a syringe pump?

It is a small portable battery operated pump. It gives medicines over a 24-hour period.

A syringe, connected to the pump is filled with medicine that has been prescribed to help your symptoms. Your medicine will be reviewed on a regular basis and may be changed if necessary.

The pump will be locked during medication delivery to prevent the buttons being accidentally pushed. The pump will also be placed in a locked plastic case to protect the medication syringe from being displaced.

You do not need to do anything to the syringe pump. The medicine will continue to be delivered, helping your symptoms.

Please ask if you have questions about your treatment.

Why do I need a syringe pump?

It’s a different way of giving medicines to control your symptoms and will reduce the number of injections you need.

There are a number of reasons a syringe pump is used, for example for pain, controlling sickness or to help you relax. You may need it if:

• you are finding it difficult to swallow medicines
• you are being sick
• your symptoms need better control.

The reason for using a syringe pump will be explained and discussed with you. It may be used at any stage of your illness and can be stopped if it’s no longer needed.

How does it work?

A thin tube is connected to the syringe, with a tiny needle at the other end. The needle is inserted just under the skin, usually in your stomach, chest or upper arm. This is called the infusion site. It will be held in place by a small clear dressing.

It usually needs changing every few days but if it gets sore, it can be changed sooner.

Who will look after my syringe pump?

We will check your syringe pump regularly to make sure it is working, is comfortable and there are no problems with the medicines. We will fill and change the syringe for you, daily.

Our visits to your home will usually require the administration of medicines. This can be a complex process and we may ask for a few quiet minutes so we can concentrate on getting your medication ready.

If you are at home, we recommend that between visits, you or your family check the syringe pump is working. Please contact us if there are any problems.

How will I know the syringe pump is working?

We will check it is working before setting it up. If the syringe pump is working, a green light above the on/off button will flash regularly.

If the pump has stopped for any reason, the light will turn red or won’t be on at all. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible.

Don’t worry if the syringe pump beeps or an alarm sounds. Please let us know and we will be able to help or give you advice about what to do if you are at home.

What do I need to do?

If you are walking around, you may find it helpful to carry the syringe pump in a small bag or pouch.

When you are in bed or resting in a chair, it can be put on a flat surface next to you.

We will advise you what to do if you want to have a bath or shower.

Please do not:

• interfere with the line, pump or buttons
• get it wet
• drop it
• leave it in bright sunlight or a hot area.

Please contact us if:

• you are worried the syringe pump is not working properly or is damaged
• the colour of the medicines has changed or looks cloudy
• the skin around your infusion site is red, swollen or painful
• the alarm sounds
• you have any other concerns.