EBME Forums Forums Management Medical Equipment Management Slit lamp etc maintenance

Hi all

I have just been told that our contract for the above stuff is set to rise by 35% this year (as against one year ago). Last year it was arranged through the NHS Supplies Consortium, this year they have washed their hands of it and sent us straight back to supplier. Now I think 35% is, in general, outrageous and Supplies here are asking for an explanation.

So what happens elsewhere? do it in house? it is simple enough kit - but it didn't cost a lot, but maybe now is time to reconsider. Does anyone know of a 3rd party maintainer?

Hi Graham.

The costs for maintenance of medical optical instruments is often very expensive and you should consider doing it in house if possible, especially the likes of slit lamps, you might find the calibration and test tools have been supplied for the lamp and tonometer with the equipment.
Test objects for some of the more complicated opthalmic equipment are a little harder to come by but if you need any advice or you would like a quotation for maintenance please contact me by PM.

Regards

Darren

Hi Graham,

If your Slit Lamps are the Clement Clarke/Haag Streit variety, I doubt if you have a service manual or service aids required to carry out service and repair? Including of course the Tonometer!

I have pursued this issue for many years with CC/HS, PPQ form is completed as to none availability of such details.

There are however, other manufacturers and suppliers of Slit Lamps and Tonometers, who also provide service manuals, spares, etc.

I have asked many EBME colleagues if they service/repair their CC/HS Slit Lamps and Tonometers and indeed a lot say they do.

I doubt this very much and ask simple questions around such issues as the 'special' greases used on the Slit Lamp. Replies are always based upon changing a lamp at most.

My recommendation would be to purchase other manufatured units, by where the service information is readily avaialbale.

If you would like to discuss my ideas on this please give me a call 01244 365040.

Regards.

Jim