I have since heard that it is the NPSA that is planning to issue the advice. This is the response from the Safer Medication and Medical Devices; Primary Care, Ambulances and Specialists Programmes, Research and Evaluation Lead.
Thank you for your enquiry.
The NPSA is currently working on a purchasing for safety Rapid Response Report (RRR) regarding ambulatory syringe drivers. We are concerned that some drivers are calibrated in mm of plunger travel which seems to increase the possibility for human error and do not have the safety features recommended by current IEC standards.
We will be recommending that these devices be replaced over a three year period, with organizations given the choice of whether to carry out a single ‘flash’ replacement or a phased approach (with some caution regarding the safety of having a mixed variety of devices in use).
Draft guidance has recently undergone a consultation phase and is in preparation for Department of Health approval. The current target date for publication, depending on whether DH give their approval, is mid December.
I hope this is helpful.
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Looks like palliative care is in for a troubled time.
