Introduction of 24 hour infusers

The community OPAT team has recently begun to roll out 24 hour infusers into their service.

OPAT stands for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy and the introduction of the 24 hour infusion pumps enables patients to have a broader range of antimicrobials available for use in their own homes.

The devices enable patients to stay in their own homes without the need for admission.

Prior to the introduction of these pumps, patients who needed OPAT would require district nurses visits twice per day.

The new 24 hour infusers require one visit which is allowing greater freedom for patients at home.

The patient pictured is one of the first patients to have a 24 hour infuser. He has had OPAT previously and is finding the new 24 hour infuser beneficial.

The OPAT team are now looking to gradually increase the number of patients who can benefit from the new initiative.

Pictured below are June James, OPAT Lead Nurse and Sarah Batty, District nurse Sedgefield Taps2.

'I have to compliment everyone on their pleasant persona and their expertise and knowledge. By the end of the 5 days, I did not feel as though I had been in a hospital ward and was very relaxed.'

Patient, Ward 16 Orthopaedics, University Hospital of North Durham