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ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Eastern Health is implementing guidelines to conserve epidural catheters amid a global shortage of the medical devices.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest health authority said its facilities have not experienced an interruption in service due to shortages of the devices but that it is implementing new guidelines to conserve them.
Epidural catheters are devices that pierce the epidural space in the spine to deliver pain medicine.
Eastern Health Implements Plan for Global Epidural Catheter Supply Shortage. Full details: https://t.co/gprrhg158T pic.twitter.com/PuHvrGo8xx
As a result, health-care teams will consult with patients regarding other safe and effective pain control methods available.
Patients are asked to consult with their physicians if they have questions or would like to discuss alternative options.
Eastern Health said the decision was made because catheter suppliers indicated the global supply issue may continue throughout the summer.
Eastern Health said in a release that provincial regional health authorities and provincial health Shared Services NL are working closely with distributors to build an adequate stockpile.
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