PleuraFlow Active Clearance Technology for maintaining chest tube patency

Equality considerations

NICE is committed to promoting equality, eliminating unlawful discrimination and fostering good relations between people with particular protected characteristics and others. In producing guidance and advice, NICE aims to comply fully with all legal obligations to: promote race and disability equality and equality of opportunity between men and women, eliminate unlawful discrimination on grounds of race, disability, age, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity (including women post-delivery), sexual orientation, and religion or belief (these are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010).

People needing a chest drain may have a chronic condition, which may mean they are disabled if this has a significant and long-term effect on their ability to carry out daily activities. Many people eligible for PleuraFlow Active Clearance Technology (ACT) are likely to be older. Age and disability are protected characteristics under the Equality Act.