Implementing a mass changeover of neural connectors

27 October 2021

The change to the ISO 80369-6 small-bore medical device (neural) connector standard is now a high priority for all hospitals as suppliers begin to stop production of Leur connectors worldwide.

ANZCA’s Safety and Quality Committee is working to help fellows lead the change in their hospitals but we also published some excellent learnings from Auckland City Hospital in the Spring 2021 ANZCA Bulletin.

On 5 June 2021, the Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) was the first full healthcare facility in New Zealand and Australia to change to the new small-bore medical device (neural) connector standard.

Anaesthetist Dr Matt Drake led the implementation at Auckland Hospital, Starship Children’s Hospital and the Greenlane Clinical Centre.
The transition to neural connectors, with simultaneous introduction of nearly 70 new products across three centres covering more than 700 beds, was the largest product change the district health board’s procurement team had ever undertaken.
 
Key to its overall success was meticulous planning, strong engagement with staff across the organisation, and rapid response to issues in the weeks following implementation.
 
They have now established the product supply chain and worked through the various other regulatory issues making it relatively easy for those who follow.