NHS Lanarkshire is extending its yellow Intravenous Gentamicin wristband scheme to every adult inpatient ward, adult patients receiving intravenous gentamicin in the renal dialysis unit and Hospital at Home service.
The move follows a successful pilot at University Hospital Wishaw, which illustrated that the bands can help prevent accidental double dosing of the high-risk antibiotic.
Gary Lynas, Clinical Pharmacist for Antimicrobial and Stroke, said: “Gentamicin is a highly effective antibiotic but it carries risks. The wristbands help reduce the risk of double dosing, particularly when patients move between areas. The wristbands are a simple but effective tool to flag up that a patient is on gentamicin, prompting staff to check the last dose time and avoid duplication.”
“Wristbands offer a useful visual prompt to reinforce vigilance and discussion about dose timing, but they must never replace thorough handover and chart verification – the presence or absence of a yellow band alone is not proof that a patient is receiving intravenous gentamicin.”
All adult patients prescribed or administered intravenous gentamicin must now have a yellow wristband applied and removed once treatment is discontinued.
The wristband is designed to complement, not replace, existing safeguards and checks such as the gentamicin prescription chart and HEPMA records.
Gary added: “Every ward will receive a Gentamicin Safety Bundle with a wristband MEMO, SOP, patient information leaflet “Gentamicin and your ears” and a supply of wristbands.”
Order your wristbands through the usual stationery channels, in preparation for roll out.
For questions or support, please contact your local clinical or antimicrobial pharmacist.
