OSE_1311_part2_Layout 1 11/6/13 9:38 AM Page 62
E Q U I P M E N T
R E P A I R
TIPS FROM THE FRONT LINES
Preventive Maintenance
Here are 6 pearls for prolonging the life of your OR equipment.
1. Engage the staff in the idea that when they take care of the equipment,
you can spend saved money on other things that are important to them.
2. Emphasize the need for handling equipment properly during use and
storage as well as early notification of problems for timely intervention
and repair.
3. Hold in-services for doctors and staff on how to handle and work with
equipment and regular maintenance.
4. Don't pull plugs by the cord.
5. Handle and process each and every item as if you paid for it yourself.
6. Speak up if you see something that's broken. Early notification of problems allows for timely intervention and repair.
SOURCE: Outpatient Surgery Magazine Reader Survey, October 2013
and performs periodic electrical safety checks," says Corrie Massey,
BHA, director of the 20th Street Surgery Center in Santa Monica, Calif.
Most respondents say third-party repair facilities are faster and cheaper than OEMs. "They provide faster service and they can usually provide a backup in the interim," says Ms. McFarland.
A word about service contracts
Service contracts can be reassuring, but what if you never need to repair
the equipment under contract? "We take such good care of our equipment that we don't end up using the service," says Ms. Booth. "We're
paying for something we're not using, but there could always be that one
time when something happens and who wants to take that risk?"
Celia Holler, RN, charge nurse at St. Luke's Health System in Boise,
6 2
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | N O V E M B E R 2013
