National Patient Safety Alert on Risk associated with adult breathing circuits lacking a patent exhalation route

NHS England has today issued a National Patient Safety Alert on Risk associated with adult breathing circuits lacking a patent exhalation route.

The alert has been issued in collaboration with the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, regarding the risk of harm from incorrectly assembled breathing circuits lacking proper exhalation routes for patients receiving ventilatory support. 

Organisations caring for patients on invasive and non-invasive breathing circuits are required to develop local guidance and visual aids and implement training on specific safety checks. 

All actions must be completed within 6 months.