EBME Forums Forums Management Medical Equipment Management Master Obsolete/End of Life Support List

Hi All,

Does anyone possess or know where I can find a master obsolete/EoL list for all Medical Devices no longer supported by the OEM?

I am new in my current position and I'm trying to introduce an equipment replacement program. I have a list of OEMs recommended lifespan for equipment, but due to lack of available funds, the Trust are not willing to replace equipment on this alone; hence my need for a list of equipment which is no longer supported by the OEM.

Any asistance would be gratefully appreciated.

With regards

Matt

It would be nice to think that someone in the NHS (or one of its Agengies) would maintain such a database, Matt; but somehow I doubt that it exists (although I should be more than happy to be proved wrong).

But here's a couple of thoughts:-

Why not look at EoL in another way ... assume (or simply declare) that everything is no longer supported (by the OEM or Supplier) beyond a certain age unless documentation exists to show that is is still supported. Fifteen years, say (although I know some might suggest ten).

And also why not broaden your criteria to include equipment that is proving (or has been) troublesome, using indicators such as:-

1) Frequent breakdowns
2) Difficulty in getting spares
3) Excessive amounts spent on maintenance over the years
4) Long periods out of service (awaiting repair, etc.)
5) etc. ...

Also, dare I add:-

1) No longer being used (or "liked") by the clinical staff!
2) Superseded by new clinical techniques ... etc., etc.

The likes of GE used to send out a large folder of their obsolete/EOL equipment, don't know if they still do.

Trouble is whilst the question is simple getting the answer is often the most difficult bit. I'd be tempted to look at my inventory, list models 8 years or older and try contacting the relevant service managers to see if they can help.

I seem to remember that some manufacturers can be very aggressive with their EOL dates (surely not a sales ploy!) also consider that the recent inclusion of RoHS has caused a lot of manufacturers to withdraw their products early.

You might wish to spend a little time looking through CQC reports where they are complimentary in the use of equipment replacement programmes.

Regards
Brian

Whilst it may sound an easy thing to do, have a master list somwehere. Geting someone to take full responsibility for operating it is another thing, Im lead to believe if someone did run such a scheme we could use their advise as a legal issue to support cases were obselete kit was in use. AKA "we continued used x kit from y supplier because there was no obselete notice on the master list.
What we do is what Brian suggests above. We run a list annually of all models in use. We check the list from last year and any that dont have an obselete date on them we contact the oem and ask the question again.
Its a bit of a bind 1st / 2nd time around but the list should get smaller as time goes by.
If you cant decide on questions just use the PPQ section.

GE EOL site.

If there is anyone who has discontinue letter for electrosurgical unit model conmed sabre 2400. please email me ashz.biomed@gmail.com. thank you

Anyone who are looking for obsolete letter or end of life letter, can check out this website.... it's awesome... many of equipment from many manufacturer are there....

Master Obsolete and End Of Life library

Click the link above

This is worthy of a Knighthood !!!!

Or at least a place in paradise....

... or better yet, the Biomed Hall of Fame.

Someone has put a lot of work in there. Complete with ECRI codes, too.