EBME Forums Forums Management Equipment Libraries Equipment loan rules

Yes, Bill ... I was also wondering about hi-tec "solutions" like user departments having notional "credits" that would be used up, instead of being charged in "real money", as it were. But (like you) I can't really see what's wrong with a simple signature in a logbook.

Another idea (memory) that came to mind was the use of "tally tags". These were usually numbered brass discs about the size of a 10p coin, which the apprentice, or fitter (etc.), could exchange for the loan of tools from the workshop stores. Why not keep it simple?

I favour the simple way of doing things using a logbook (signing-in and signing-out)and to leave a column for the balance quantity. Those kit returned are strike-out (date in) while those still on loan (date out)remained reflected to indicate accountability.

And what's your stance on hours spent running around the hospital chasing up kit from recalcitrant borrowers, Roger?

People handling equipment library should not be made to run about to get the kit back (waste of resources). This boils down to the responsibility and behavorial aspects each of us possesses and there is a need to be mindful of this. There is no perfect answer to this my friend ... to human habit!

(Jolee may disagree with this but from personal experience, this is certainly true)

Why would I ? I agree utterly great bunch our library folk and yes our system works pretty well!

We have begun to issue a report to all areas that tells them how many decontamination certificates they have failed to issue, and how many out of hours patient loan cards they have failed to fill in properly. This ensures that they get a good insight into their adherence to infection control, and reinforces the need to support tracking and traceability. The out of hours loan cards are usually filled out by senior nurses, but more recently these have fallen to HCA's who are sent to the library trolley during the night to obtain equipment. The report has led to a marked improvement in decontamination, and these stats are provided to the Head of Nursing and Matrons to support their work with wards in reinforcing infection control.

Each piece of equipment is supposed to be cleaned and issued with a certificate before it is placed on the library collection point on the ward. Our library officers collect through out the day. If a piece of equipment is not cleaned, and stocks are low, we will remove the equipment, but will note the failure to decontaminate and it is counted as part of that areas failure to follow procedure.

Each piece of equipment,on collection, is cleaned once again when it is brought back into the library - precisely because you can never be sure that it has been done properly - yes nooks and crannies and the underneath is often missed!
The equipment is issued on a patient specific basis - it should not be sideways moved to another patient - this does occur and the robustness of our database means that we pick this up quite quickly! If we spot this as a trend on an area, the senior officers visit the ward and have a word. Equipment will travel around the hospital ie A/E to wards but our audit process picks these up quite rapidly and ensures that they are returned promptly.

So far it is not too bad - we have peaks and troughs in adherence - but the trend at present is improving!

Sounds fair enough to me. One thing puzzles me, though, JoLee ... are you and Quinny working at the same hospital?

And (dare I ask?) what was the final outcome of the trolley saga?

Yes QUINNY and I are at the same hospital but Quinny hasnt revealed themselves to me yet aka identity yet! anonymity seems to suit!

Trolley was purchased from Slingsby in the end.

interesting!

Which one Jolee?

Lee

Hi Mark

Here at Newcastle we have a one patient episode system that works well. It did however at the start require reminders and a library staff presence regularly on the wards. There are always exceptions to this when the staff reuse but they are very rare. You can not get staff to sign etc but regular stock taking and follow up keeps them on their toes. I think your biggest problem is the need for more staff, not more equipment.

Our library at the Freeman Hospital has been working since 2000 using these principles so it can be done.

Come and see us or I can send you our policies.