Rolling replacement of medical devices

DR SCOTT BROWN CEng CSci MIPEM discusses the importance of effective medical device management and structured equipment replacement processes, as the health service faces constrained finances and increasing demand.

Austerity measures were introduced by the coalition government along with a range of other initiatives and strategies in an attempt to bring the economy under control; these measures are likely to be continued by the elected conservative government. Healthcare organisations have experienced a reduction of funding in real terms which has resulted in an additional burden to remain within their already stretched capital budgets in a period when demands on services are ever increasing. 

In recent months, we have seen on the UK news and in the national press Accident & Emergency departments effectively closed to all but the most urgent cases proclaiming issues with capacity. Evidence of ‘bed blocking’ between the acute and community sectors has also impacted on the ability of these services to meet the needs of patients. In many ways these are a matter of process refinement (removal of waste) and organisations working together (collaborative working) for the benefit of the patients.