How easy is it to 'switch' pumps on the NHS

[danicatype1]

So, excuse me—I’m still fairly new to the UK, the NHS, and how diabetes care works here!

I’ve been in the UK for about eight months now. I saw my GP in November, got referred to the diabetes clinic, and finally had my first appointment with them in February. Right now, I’m using a really old Medtronic pump that’s out of warranty, along with the Freestyle Libre 2. My diabetes counselor wants to push for me to get a closed-loop system through the NHS, and I can choose between the Omnipod 5 or the Tandem t:slim X2. The way she was describing it was a really straightforward process. Not sure how true that is. I suppose I meant a lot of the criteria, as I'm already on a pump, its out of warranty etc etc

Honestly, I’m torn. I’m leaning slightly toward the t:slim since I’ve heard it’s a bit more aggressive, and I worry more about high blood sugars than lows. But at the same time, the tubeless aspect of the Omnipod is super appealing - though I know it comes with its own drawbacks.

After some back-and-forth emails with my counselor about which pump to go with, I asked how difficult it would be to switch if I ended up not liking my choice. Her response was: "It would be much easier to move from an Omnipod 5 to a tubed pump than the other way around, but still some paperwork to get through!"

Can anyone confirm this? I’m not sure how things work here, but if I go with the t:slim, am I essentially locked in for the full duration of the warranty? Would I only be able to switch to a different pump once that’s up? I’m really nervous about making the wrong choice and regretting it later!

 

[helli]

For confirmation you would need to ask your diabetes team/DSN.
However, my understanding is that the challenging with switching is the cost because you cannot give a used pump to someone else.
Most pumps have a warranty of 4 years so changing before this is up is difficult. It is not impossible but you would need a good justification rather than "I fancy trying the other one."
But, the OmniPod is different - a set change consists of throwing away the pod and getting a new one. Therefore, I do not believe it has the same 4 year warranty.
This is probably when your counsellor is referring to.

You can get a dummy pod from OmniPod so you can see what it is like a try wearing it. It will not give any insulin but it will give you an idea what it is like.

Like you, I have heard that the OmniPod is not very aggressive which would put me off despite currently having another patch pump and preferring it to a tubed one.

 

[Thebearcametoo]

Yes it’s much easier to trial an omnipod each pod is a self contained unit whereas a tslim is one machine with a 4 year warranty. We were offered a trial of the Medtronic when my kid’s pump was up for renewal as their sales are down a lot so they’re happier to be flexible but in the end my kid decided to stick with tslim so we just got a new one of those.

 

[Sally71]

My daughter got a new pump last year, and we were told definitely that if you get the t-slim you have to keep it for the whole 4 years, whereas Omnipod you can trial for just a few months if you wish, because you’re throwing away all the electronic gubbins each time so there is no warranty issue. That may be just our clinic, but it sounds like people’s experience elsewhere is similar. You’d have to have exceptionally strong reasons for not liking it if you want to have a chance of changing earlier, on a 4-year one.

 

[PattiEvans]

I have had 2 tubed pumps followed by the Omnipod which I have had for 3+ years. I was happy enough with the Omnipod Dash until I went onto the hybrid closed loop with Omnipod 5 and Libre 2+. I really didn't find it anywhere near effective and it just frustrated me big time. So I switched to manual mode and got better results, but it was limiting even in that mode. I knew that there is no contract, but when I asked to go back to Omnipod Dash I was told it wasn't possible, but I could have the tubed Ypsopump. I decided to go for that, but am still using up the pods I have in stock. I was also told that if I went for the Ypsopump I would need to have it for the full 4 year contract. I've managed with a tube before and I will manage again. The pods aren't that great and unless you have a perfect body then there is a limit to where you can place them i.e. they are easily displaced by knicker elastic.

 

[Flower]

I was told by my clinic that the upfront cost of the TSlim pump or any tubed pump means it is for the duration of the 4 year warranty. I did try the trial dummy Omnipod & join a few talks about it but decided on the TSlim as I felt I would have more choice in cannulas & where I could use them plus I was used to a tubed pump.

 

[SB2015]

Like others I was told that I would have to stick to a pump for four years. I have always had a tubed pump so I am happy with that, and for me looping with the Medtronic 780 and Simplera Sync sensor is working very well. Happy to answer any questions if this is an option for you.

 

[nonethewiser]

Been Omnipod user from start but never been told there's any contract of 4 years or otherwise, so my guess is a switch from O5 to a tubed pump could be possible if things didn't work out.

I'm O5 user looping with Dex6, really like system but do know that some have had issues.

 

[PhoebeC]

The change to the O5 was very easy from the omnipod dash, and the dash from MDI. Simple system.

The patch nature is one of the biggest wins for me, I have no issues with it on my body. I play contact sport so its great for that.

Yes this is my understanding too, easier to switch from O5 to another pump than the other way due to the tie in.