Closer control: the PCA pumps allow patients at Mayday Hospital to manager their own pain relief
Croydon Health Charity has helped bring vital new equipment to Croydon’s largest hospital with the donation of upgraded patient-controlled analgesia, or PCA, pumps – giving young patients more effective and responsive pain relief, closer to home.
The 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 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, according to Croydon University Hospital.
“These new pumps allow us to tailor the pain relief options to the needs of every child who presents to Croydon,” said Dr Christopher Honstvet.
Top job: Paediatric nurses Hannah Carter (right) and Ashley Jose have welcomed the new kit
The new pumps are also 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.
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.”
Previously, some children had to be transferred to specialist centres miles away in other parts of London when stronger medications were required. That’s a situation the new pumps now help to avoid.
Nurse Carter said: “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
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