Since the introduction of its first prototype gastrocamera in 1950 Olympus has occupied a unique place in the field of endoscopy. Through a commitment to developing technologies and products designed to offer improved safety, quality and productivity, the company has now established a presence in most endoscopy departments
In addition to supplying medical endoscopes, Olympus has gained considerable expertise in all aspects of endoscopy service and disinfection solutions across Europe. Back in July 2015, the ETD Double endoscope washer disinfector was launched, designed to be a complete decontamination solution. It was created to provide customers with innovative products, experienced project management and services to fit all endoscopy reprocessing needs. With this common vision in mind, Olympus believes collaborative teamwork across various areas of the business has worked hand in hand to deliver one product, one solution.
Project management
In the UK, Olympus has more than 10 years of experience delivering advanced project management systems to healthcare, ranging from new operating theatres to endoscopy suites and decontamination facilities. To date, the Olympus project management team has successfully delivered on over 150 projects, aiming to ensure that customers’ bespoke requirements are fully met, on time and within budget.
In 2017 the Olympus team delivered four complete turnkey decontamination facilities in less than eight months, including the installation and commissioning of 15 washer disinfectors, supported by more than 750 hours of user training and technical support.
All project management is conducted in accordance with PRINCE2, ISO 9001, CHAS certifications and the latest building regulations - including Health & Technical Memorandums (HTM), Health & Building Notice (HBN), CIBSE guidelines, local building and planning regulation
Products and services
According to Olympus, there are a number of benefits in using its products and services, such as the capability to create bespoke designs that enable a range of project requirements to be achieved. Additionally, there is a reduction in the burden associated with coordinating multiple contractors and greater financial efficiencies, due to effective project planning.
Olympus adds that minimising unplanned project costs and the need for contingency funding can help projects, along with the use of visualisation tools including, Revit Architecture/Sketchup to aid customers during project planning and implementation.
Service and maintenance
Olympus has been providing customers with a repair, maintenance and validation service since 2004, supporting a broad spectrum of products including washer disinfectors and drying cabinets throughout their entire life span.
“The Olympus CDS Engineers are a specialist team, qualified and operating to industry recognised standards, that are dedicated to supporting our customers and maximising their equipment uptime,” said Anthony Musgrave, business unit manager, field service.”
Olympus’ field service engineers are strategically positioned throughout the UK, with the aim of promptly executing customer requirements, from rapid response (four hours response to emergency breakdown) to planned preventive maintenance (PPM) and validation services, compliant to UK local guidelines; HTM 01-06 and EN 16442.
All service contracts are designed to protect customer assets focusing on patient safety, delivery, reliability and value, striving to maximise the uptime of Endoscope Washer Disinfectors (ETD Series) and Endoscope Drying Cabinets (EDC Series) to ensure that clinical procedures are not delayed by equipment unavailability.
All services can be provided outside of normal working hours including weekends, in a bid to eliminate any product downtime due to service or validation. These are covered under a Service Care Plan which includes 24/7 emergency callouts (Entirety Plus Service Care Plan only).
Customer uptime support
Olympus’ uptime support division was introduced in 2009 as an added value to customers with a service care plan, with the aim of ensuring consistent levels of high equipment uptime. Growing with the increasing demand for endoscopy procedures, this team now consists of 13 individuals.
In addition to providing training on the use, care and handling support for endoscopes, the team strives to ensure customers who have invested in Endoscope Washer Disinfectors and Drying Cabinets benefit from the same levels of support, something which is especially important during the initial months following installation.
Mark Bagley,national uptime support manager at Olympus, obvserved: “It was a natural progression for the team to also support our new range of Endoscope Washer Disinfectors and Drying Cabinets.
“Our uptime support managers have historically delivered training and advice on the use, care, handling and decontamination of endoscopes. As we now support our washer disinfectors and drying cabinets, this results in a customer centric support function as we can provide experienced training for all of our customers endoscope and decontamination requirements.”
Olympus’ uptime support managers meet with end users each quarter to discuss any faults / repairs / experienced at that site and also propose an uptime improvement plan to be put in place to ensure that equipment uptime is maximised, and customers receive the most out of their equipment and ultimately their investment.
The Olympus focus is to continue providing customers with high quality products, bespoke solutions and innovative services to successfully achieve customer satisfaction.
For more information contact:
OLYMPUS MEDICAL KeyMed House, Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 5QH, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1702 616333
Email: info@olympus.co.uk
Website: www.olympus.co.uk
