Enteral feeding pump docking station having integrated flush module

A docking station for removable connection to an enteral feeding pump, the docking station comprising:

• a valve seat configured to receive a switchable flow valve of an administration set loaded in the enteral feeding pump;
• a flush controller;
• an actuator connected to the flush controller, wherein the actuator is configured to releasably mate with the switchable flow valve when the switchable flow valve is received by the valve seat;
• and
• data communication means by which data signals sent by the enteral feeding pump are inputted to the flush controller of the docking station when the enteral feeding pump is connected to the docking station, whereby the flush controller receives a flush command sent by the enteral feeding pump and transmits a control signal to the actuator for switching the switchable flow valve to a flush position in response to the flush command;
• wherein the actuator includes a motor and a coupler element driven to rotate by the motor about a valve switching axis, wherein the coupler element is configured to mate with the switchable flow valve only when the coupler element and the switchable flow valve are in a single predetermined rotational orientation relative to one another about the valve switching axis;
• wherein the coupler element is linearly displaceable relative to the motor along the valve switching axis between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the coupler element mates with the switchable flow valve when the coupler element is in the extended position and the coupler element and the switchable flow valve are in the single predetermined rotational orientation.