I had the Baxter rep in to see me a few days ago. We don't have many colleagues (6 in total, and they are all used for TPN in the community. We weren't happy with the set loading and the rep told me this was due to the pumps being older models. They are being upgraded free of charge to new pump heads. They are also loaning us pumps while ours are being upgraded.
From what I am told by our rep, the new pumps are now much improved compared to when they first came on the market 3 or 4 years ago.
As far as looking at consumables costs, it is very important. We should look at the whole picture and if 50 pence is the set cost compared to £10, it leaves money to spend in other areas, possibly Nurse Training. We bought Arcomedical 5005 pumps because they do the job and are cheap to run, and easy to maintain. There were problems with those pumps too. But the company have sorted it out and we are now happy with them.
We are spending tax payers money, and it should be spent in the best and most cost effective way.
