There was 13 recommendations made for that hospital because of the 12 MISTAKES THAT WERE FOUND IN MY DAD'S CARE. OK the driver mabye be the right decision when the person can no longer eat drink speak move but I know they took my dad's life with the driver and will never change my mind  For God's sake my dad was sitting dressed and eating drinking comunicating normally I actually can't on with this it's bringing it all back. That awful helpless pain we feel and frustration. But at least 13 changes were made in that hospital GOD FORGIVE THEM BECAUSE I CAN'T. 

Hi I am a HCP who sets up and maintains syringe drivers in community settings as part of my job. I am very sorry to hear about some of the experiences on here.

There is a lot of misinformation about syringe drivers. They are NOT used to speed up anyone's death. When used correctly, the device administers very low doses of medication over a period of 24 hours to control symptoms at the end of life. There are other situations where drivers can be used such as with brittle asthma. Overall the medication being delivered is often just over 0.5 mls per hour- very low over a 24 hour period and it is always diluted with water as well. The medication will take time to get into the body. It is being administered to the fat layer of tissue and NOT being given into a vein. Typically the medication used in syringe drivers is pain relief, anti sickness, medication that reduces excess secretions and also medication used to prevent agitation. We would start with low doses prescribe by hospice and the GP and work upwards form there if necessary. It is based on what medication has been taken by the patient orally. If a patient can manage with a pain patch and oral meds then we would not set up a driver. It is all based on individual needs and situations. Sometimes a person may be on a driver for only a few hours, days and others for weeks if required. It is all individual circumstance. Euthanasia in the country is illegal and is not part of using a driver. 

A syringe driver will only be put up when swallowing becomes very poor to non existent, oral medication is not effective and the person is extremely agitated right near to the end of their life. There are many unwanted and distressing symptoms that may come on quite suddenly and they need to be managed for the comfort of the patient. People may start requiring more and more injections towards the end of their life and a driver is a way of preventing this by keeping continuous back ground medication to prevent breakthrough pain etc and avoiding frequent injections. 

I cannot comment on the use of syringe drivers in hospitals but I have seen them used very effectively in the community where symptoms are brought under control and patients can pass away peacefully without unpleasant side effects. We always discuss with the family what we are doing and the driver should never come as a surprise as we discuss this beforehand. We never go straight in with a driver unless it is absolutely necessary. 

I hope this is helpful although it is a very upsetting subject for many and I am truly sorry about the circumstamces that people have experienced on here. x

I wish to God it had been you looking after my father  I understand what your trying to do but nothing will ever take away the pain of my father's life being taken by the drugs in the driver it was disgusting unprofessional. Read my story again. But because I reported it to the NHS the hospital has become a better place thank god. I have a 19 page report to prove that the hospital that took my father's life 13 recommendations were made for that hospital so mabye you need to believe the horror stories as well as the nice stories  We are not exagerating. 

Hi Isabella,

Your story illustrates why I always advise people to make a formal complaint when NHS treatment goes wrong. So many people don't complain and consequently poor practice and incompetence goes unchallenged leaving more people to suffer.

Nothing can turn back the clock and prevent your Father's awful experience from happening, but at least you know  you've helped prevent it happening again to someone else. The forum rules prevent us from naming individual NHS organisations, but I know of at least three Trusts where drivers were routinely used inappropriately - one of them hit the news headlines last year, so issues obviously exist in at least some places. 

My only personal experience with a driver was during my Mum's final days. It was used appropriately and competently and saved her from having to be given multiple injections daily - which she hated. I realise we were lucky, but they're just a medical device and are only ever as good as the people who use them.

Best wishes

Dave

Thank for for your kind words. Yes I have made a difference it had happened to too many people in the same hospital I only found this out by speaking to people in the community including a police woman who lost her grandmother through the driver being administered without the families permission, I would ask people why didn't you say anything and there answers were all the same they didn't think anyone would listen to them but later on regretted not speaking up. When I spoke up it was because my heart and my intelligence knew they had done something very wrong ,for God's sake my dad was sitting in his chair the day b4 eating talking and drinking little did I know that the next day the driver would be put in and omg will never forgive myself for not stopping them when I got the outcome of the NHS report I was not happy as I knew they were covering their backs 19 pages, but your right davek it doesn't happen in that hospital the new head nurse told me herself iv made a difference and she herself was crying at the meeting so I have to hold onto that so something good did come from dad's awful death

My heart is breaking for you because I know exactly how you feel God love you, and I wish I could help you  I'm not sure if I replied to you before but I'm here if you want to talk xxx bless you xxx

My partner is having a syrindriver in t of the lung aspedocies he had it since 2016 had limo in17 and18 now they cannot do much more

I am currenty sitting here after reading all 6 pages of this forum. My dad is in the next room dying and tomorrow they are going to fit one of these devices. After all i have read on here and from opinions of family members who have had relatives on these things i am set against the idea. The problem i have is my mum is in a state and wont listen to anyone. Her two sisters have been trying to talk to her re it but she just breaks down crying. I intend to collar the two nurses before they enter our house tomorrow and ask why they feel he needs one.

He is not in constant pain. He can still swallow and has been eating small amounts of food today so why do they feel it is neccesary. I will be honest i dont have a lot of time for the medical proffesion and i do intend to have a go at the nurses tomorrow, but i dont want to upset my mum and ultimately it is her decision. 

Hi Peter,

I've been following this thread since the day it started.

My own experience, like that of most people, was that this equipment helped keep my Mam's pain under control whilst she was dying, without her having to suffer multiple injections every day. When I inevitably reach the stage where I need a steady stream of painkillers to avoid dying in agony, I will insist on having one. 

I have nothing but sympathy for anyone whose experience of syringe drivers was horrendous, especially where they were misused and legal action is being considered, but like most other medical devices they are only as good as the clinicians who use them. 

By all means challenge the nurses about why your Dad needs a driver, but please bear in mind that this is only a tool like a sophisticated syringe designed to deliver a steady flow of medication to avoid any highs or lows and to reduce the number of injections required.

Best wishes

Dave