Yes, Neil. The "Abbott" model. The only thing I didn't like about it myself is that sometimes the users didn't like you (as in, me) touching that kit. But apart from that, it's a valid way of going about things, I reckon. Just imagine if the whole hospital was under some sort of similar arrangement. All the biomed would need to do is a bit of "first line", and then spend the rest of the day phoning (emailing) the vendor(s)!
Equipment leasing is yet another model that ensures that the "latest kit" is available. But again, it needs to be made sure at the onset what the *involvement of the in-house biomed department is to be.
But, somehow I doubt that this is the sort of thing Leighton is referring to. My guess is that he's thinking more about the provision of maintenance services.
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* I have seen cases where the kit had been more or less trashed when the time came for it to be handed back, after three years or so. I have also seen what were effectively cannibalised carcasses! The hospital still pays, of course. So one wonders why they didn't look after it better!
