Hi James,
I believe there's a study going on at the moment looking at which is more
effective.
You certainly aren't one of the last UK Trust to do this. Anecdotally, I
think that the use of diamorphine is more common in the north, and less so
in the South. I'm not aware of any of the local Trusts in the South West
using diamorphine (although that doesn't mean there aren't any!). When I
worked in Glasgow between 1996 and 2000 diamorphone was the opiate of choice
there.
There was a national shortage of diamorphine last year, not sure whether
that's improved yet.
Personally I'm rather sceptical about the use of opiates in labour at all.
Best wishes,
Belinda
----- Original Message -----
From: "James Harris" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 7:48 PM
Subject: Opiate of Choice
> Hello everyone.
>
> My trust is currently looking at changing the Opiate that is given in
> labour
> from Pethidine to Diamorphine; as we seem to be one of the last UK trusts
> to
> do this, I was wondering if anyone could give any advice on how to
> instigate
> the change?
>
> Is there any research regarding the benefits of one over the other?
> Has anyone regretted the change?
> Was there any resistance, from staff or pharmacy?
> Has there been any supply problems?
>
> Many thanks for your help, and wishing everyone a happy Easter and
> Passover.
>
> Regards
>
> James Harris
> Midwife
>
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