| Originator: |
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National Patient Safety Alert - NHS England & NHS Improvement
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- Care Trusts
- Mental Health Trusts
- Specialists Trusts
- NHS Regional Offices
- Learning Disabilities Trusts
- Mental Health & Social Care Trusts
- Ambulance Trusts
- Mental Health & Learning Disabilities Trusts
- Acute Trusts
- Community Trusts
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- Other contacts
- Independent Healthcare Providers (registered with CAS)
- Clinical Commissioning Groups
- Social Care Providers (registered with CAS)
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| Title: |
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Risk of death and severe harm from ingesting superabsorbent polymer gel granules
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| Broadcast content: |
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Superabsorbent polymer gel granules are used to reduce spillage onto
bedding and clothing when patients use urine bottles or vomit bowls, or when
staff move fluid-filled containers (eg washbowls or bedpans). If the gel granules are put in the mouth, they expand on
contact with saliva risking airway obstruction.
This National Patient Safety Alert requires any organisation still using these
products to protect patients by introducing strict restrictions on their use.
***Update added December 2019***
Please note that a product listing is now available via NHS Supply Chain at this link: https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/icn/superabsorbent-polymer-gel-granules-national-patient-safety-alert-notice/
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| Additional information: |
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NHS regional teams - this alert does not require cascade to primary care.
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| Action underway deadline: |
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28-Dec-2019
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| Action complete deadline: |
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01-Jun-2020
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