Donated PCA pumps help keep pain relief local for children in Croydon | News

Croydon Health Charity has helped bring vital new equipment to Croydon University Hospital with the donation of upgraded patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps - giving young patients more effective and responsive pain relief, closer to home.

The new PCA pumps allow children and young people, including those living with chronic conditions like sickle cell disease, to better manage their own pain through a simple hand-held button, which delivers a controlled dose of pain relief medication. 

Unlike older models, these new devices support a wider range of pain relief medications, offering a more personalised and effective approach to pain management.

The donation has already made a big difference to both patient experience and clinical care.

Speaking about the benefits of the pumps, Dr Christopher Honstvet said:

"These new pumps allow us to tailor the pain relief options to the needs of every child who presents to Croydon. This is particularly important for children and young people with sickle cell disease who often have complex pain relief needs,

“Children, young people and their carers will now benefit from highest quality of care at their local hospital."

In addition to improving care for patients, the new pumps are easier for staff to use. Each machine comes pre-programmed with approved protocols, helping to reduce setup time and minimise the risk of dosage errors.

 

As someone who often uses the new pumps for patients, paediatric nurse Hannah Carter said:

“They’re much safer and more efficient to use, meaning I have more time to see more patients, and complete other tasks. The new machines are also more modern and easier to handle - some of our patients have already said they prefer the new pumps.”

Previously, staff sometimes had no choice but to transfer children to specialist centres like King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust when stronger medications were required. 

One teenager with sickle cell had to be moved urgently because his pain could no longer be managed with the existing equipment - a situation the new pumps now help to avoid.

Hannah continued:

“Thanks to this donation, we can now escalate pain relief safely and effectively here in Croydon. It’s fulfilling to know that we’re able to provide better care, especially for our young sickle cell patients. This donation has made a massive difference.”

Croydon Health Charity is helping local people of all ages, from all walks of life, to have the best possible experience of the NHS, actively working to raise funds that go beyond NHS resources and supporting projects that help tackle health inequalities and improve care for everyone in the borough.

To find out more or support the charity, visit  www.croydonhealthcharity.org.uk .