Insulin safety

Staff from across the Trust are showing their support for Insulin Safety Week (11 to 17 May) to ensure vital information is shared with colleagues to help reduce incidents of insulin errors. 

According to the results from the latest National Diabetes Inpatient Audit, two in five people with diabetes on insulin (40 per cent) experience an error related to the administration of the drug while in hospital.

To improve insulin safety, we will always listen to the patient, and where possible we will support them to self-manage their insulin therapy.

If a healthcare professional is required to administer the insulin, staff must follow the 7 Rs:

✔ Right person
✔ Right documentation
✔ Right insulin
✔ Right device
✔ Right dose
✔ Right time
✔ Right route

In addition:

• If insulin is prescribed in writing, always use units, not abbreviations (not U or IU)
• Never use a needle, pen device or other for more than one patient
• Never carry more than one insulin device on your person at a time.

If you administer insulin in your work setting, please ensure the 7 Rs and Be Aware, Don’t Share posters are clearly on display.

If you suspect insulin may have been administered incorrectly, you must escalate for medical review immediately.

For further information, please discuss with your line manager in the first instance.

For anything else, contact: Deborah Tubey, Deputy Director of Nursing and Patient Experience, deborah.tubey2@merseycare.nhs.uk