EBME Forums Forums Management Equipment Libraries The NEXT BLACKPOOL FORUM

How about a trip to the library, grab the cart for an hour, and tour the hospital? Then back for coffee (tea) and biscuits, followed by 1% speaker and 99% debate?

Hi John , I take on board the inclusive debate thing - I like that idea actually and am working on it. We need facilitators as well though. I am aiming for perhaps a minimal speaker input this time as suggested.

Always there with a comment eh Geoff - tours have been done, the majority that attend are well acquainted with library trollies, refreshments are provided throughout the day - as for the rest - well going on last time we dont suffer for a lack of interaction, debate and enthusiasm! Just getting the format sorted - do feel free to come along!

... I might just do that!

My own interest in the equipment libraries is twofold:-

1) Software
2) Exporting the idea

Do you use (special) software? If so, does it actually help (or would cards, or a record book, do just as well)? Does it do what you want?

I am interested in helping in the setting up of equipment libraries (shared equipment pools) outside of the UK's NHS, especially in poorer countries overseas. Think "cost-effective".

Combining these two aspects, I may be involved in developing simple database software to support fledgling libraries overseas. That and establishing "best practice" in the operating (running) of equipment libraries. Not having given it much (or indeed, any) thought as of yet, off the top of my head I imagine a simple "tracking" database, counting kit out, and counting it in again, with a note of where it went, its condition upon return, completeness, dates etc.!

And then there's RFID asset tagging ... what do the "librarians" think about this? Indispensable? Or a waste of money?

I'm interested in library procedures, in fact the entire process. A work-flow diagram would be nice!

Thanks for the thoughts Geoff - in Blackpool we have written and operate our own tracking and traceability system. It's purely an access database proving that a fancy software package really isnt necessary! It is a tracking database, but within that we can extract the stats we require including loans provided, repairs, decontamination compliance, individual reports to ward areas on their use of the library service etc. We know where a piece of kit is, in conjunction with the hospital patient records system, by inputting at each loan the patient name and hospital number. We have loan cards that have a perforation - the top part remains with the machine - we retain the bottom half and it is reunited when the kit comes back in. It is kept with the decon certificate and filed for 5 years.
Thats a simplistic overview of our system but it works well!
I also would be interested in the systems other people use, and their experience of more complex bought software packages!

RFID ? speaks to me of expenditure and that makes me rather cautious. We havent needed it thus far - but I know many places that are keen on the idea and have systems that would incorporate it - could be a discussion point at the forum!

Thanks for that. Interesting that you use the patient name (and number?).

By the way, another wise man said:- "Do something simple, rather than do nothing complicated" (we need look no further than the NHS computer system debacle - what is it now, four years over-due, and still not working properly?)! After all, I think it was Albert Einstein (a "genius guy", if ever there was) who talked about keeping things as simple as possible.


... also "speaks to me of expenditure", too (best keep your money for more trolleys)!

RFID? indeed!

Now then - its June - thats NOT long till the forum meet so can I have the nominations for who is attending please? I know it seems a long way off but for those organising it - it isnt eek! I need numbers for catering and accommodation so please get in touch and stop my hair standing on end - have pity please this isnt an easy task and if you can make it a little smoother by speaking to me the path will be easier for your hosts in Blackpool!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is anyone up for facilitating a session on decontamination issues for the forum afternoon slot please?


Also anybody feel they would like to contribute a presentation on this issue ? I am sure even a "look at what we have to deal with" presentation would be fun - as a foil to the more serious side of dealing with the issue hands on in practice - come on people ? I cannot do everything here - I need someone to contribute towards the forum content and ASAP please!

[size:20pt] [size:14pt] Innovation within equipment library services - what does that mean to you ? ideas on a postcard please![/size] [/size]

HELLO HELLO HELLO!!!! Boy so far 16 confirmed bookings and not one volunteer to do anything!? bar the usual do'ers who can be relied upon!

What is this ? an " Am I bovvered!" scenario or what!