End-stage cancer.

[Bbbananas]

At what point does a consultant, GP, McMillan Nurse etc decide that pain relief via a syringe driver become appropriate? And are they suitable for everyone?

thank you.

[Bbbananas]

It's ok - I've just asked one of our district nurses, so I now know for sure the answer. The person I'm thinking about, who I thought might benefit from one, is still capable at present of eating, drinking & swallowing, so it may not be necessary just yet, though I'm sure it will be before long.

Thanks anyway. No-one.

[tamborine]

when the patient can't retract the drip.

[Bbbananas]

Thank you tambo.

(I do hope you're not referring to his wife.)
Oh dear, bad joke, poor taste.

[evil__sheep]

couple of things
1) as you said, when the patient can no longer swallow medication
2) for someone who is vomiting a lot (for example if they have bowel obstruction being managed in the community)