The safer use of intravenous gentamicin for neonates

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic with broad spectrum bactericidal activity used in 89% of neonatal units in England for the treatment of neonatal infection. During the year 2008-2009, fifteen per cent of all reported neonatal medication patient safety incidents related to its prescription and administration. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has produced a Patient Safety Alert which aims to improve the safety of gentamicin use for this group of patients. The Alert incorporates the use of a care bundle, implementation using improvement methodology and the provision of training for all staff involved in its use.