pdfjoiner

8. Commissioning new equipment
The MHRA Device Bulletin ‘DB2006(05) Managing Medical
Devices. Guidance for healthcare and social services
organisations’ gives comprehensive advice on commissioning
new equipment [3]. Key major points are summarised below:
• It is important that deliveries of new equipment are
recorded, and go to the right place.
• New anaesthetic equipment, which may not all come at the
same time, has to be unpacked, assembled, recorded on
an inventory, have identifying labels attached, and safety
checks performed. Medical engineering departments will
usually perform these tasks, although sometimes it is the
responsibility of the manufacturer or supplier.
• It should also be noted that Portable Appliance Testing
(PAT) applies to all equipment used in hospitals including,
for example, the coffee machine in the anaesthetic dept.
• Co-ordination between several departments may be
necessary, especially if permanent installation work or
additional services are required.
• Before equipment is used for the first time, full functional
checks must be performed, and staff trained in its use.
• If the equipment uses specialised consumable items,
arrangements to purchase them should be set up well before
the initial stock runs out.
• Loan equipment has to go through a similar process, and
should be subject to a written agreement defining responsibilities
and liabilities.
19