Author: JONES, RUTH (RJE) UHNM

Patient/Carer Information Leaflet

Syringe Pumps

Please speak to a member of staff if you need this leaflet in large print, braille, audio
or another language

What is a syringe pump?
This is a small portable battery operated pump. It allows medication to be given continuously just under the skin via a small needle or plastic tube over a 24 hour period.
What is a syringe pump needed?
This is another way of giving medication to help control symptoms. The pump may be needed if:
You are having difficulty swallowing tablets or syrup.
You feel or are being sick frequently.
Your symptoms are difficult to control by oral (by mouth) medication.
During the syringe pump treatment?
The nurse will insert a small needle or plastic tube just underneath the skin. This will be connected by a thin tube to a syringe containing your medication.
The syringe pump gradually pushes the syringe plunger to give the medication over 24 hours. Your nurse will regularly check that:
The syringe pump is operating correctly.
You are receiving your prescribed medication.
The needle/tube feels comfortable.
If the area becomes red or sore, the nurse will remove the needle/tube and will reposition it in another part of your body.
Your doctor or specialist nurse will regularly review the medication in the syringe pump and the nurse will change the syringe daily.

Please let the doctor, nurse or specialist nurse know if your symptoms continue or if they change in any way once the syringe pump starts to be used, as it may be that your medication needs to be changed.
If you are walking around, you may find it helpful to carry the syringe pump in a small bag or pouch. If you are resting in a chair or your bed, the syringe pump can be placed next to you on a flat surface. It is important that this is no higher than the needle/tube site.
Mobile phones should be at least an arm’s length away from the pump so that it does not affect how the pump works.
Please tell your nurse if any of the above happen.
How will I know if there is a problem?
A small light above the ON/OFF button will flash green if it is working. If the light turns red then this means there may be a problem with the syringe pump.

Please Do Not
Interfere with the tube connected to the syringe.
Press the buttons on the syringe pump control panel.
Get the syringe pump wet or sub-merge it in water.
Drop the syringe pump.
Expose the syringe pump to direct heat or sunlight.

If the syringe alarm bleeps, please tell the nurse as there are reasons why this may happen which include:
The syringe needs to be changed as the infusion has finished or nearly finished.
The battery may need changing.
The pump has paused for too long.
There is a kink in the thin tube attached to the syringe.
The syringe or plunger has become detached from the syringe pump.
If you are at home contact your Community Nurse on:
Please inform the nurse if the colour of the medication in the syringe changes or becomes cloudy or your skin around the needle/tube is swollen, red or painful.
After discharge
After discharge, the syringe pump will still be running. The ward nurse will arrange for a community nurse to visit each day to replenish your pump.
You will be provided with enough medication for 7 days and any additional medication will be prescribed by your doctor.
The community nurse will replace your hospital pump with a community pump.
The hospital pump needs to be returned and your community nurse should arrange this. Please call 01782 672338 if this has not happened.

Approved May 2023
Review date May 2026

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