Interesting points Rob.
Here in Calderdale we went through a similar procedure whilst moving into our new PFI hospital.
We had quotes from, Therapy Equipment, Ohmeda, Oxylitre and East. Ohmeda's product was fine but at 3 times the cost of the nearest competitor was out of the question. East came in 3rd on a cost basis leaving Oxylitre and Therapy Equipment.
The TE quote was slightly lower than Oxylitre but the product was very flimsy looking and plasticky (poor word but fits the description) On the other hand the Oxylitre product is basically brass and from the ones we already had in use in the hospital was able to take a lot of the knocks our staff like to subject equipment to.
We have had majority Oxylitre for 6 years now (low flowmeters are Carnet) and are happy with them. The support is as good as it can be, we service "in house" (I have actually been able to speak to thier engineers to clarify points and get tips). The only downside I can think of is that they do not supply a service manual. So torques etc have to be noted whilst on the service course.
Hope that helps
Mick
