Strategic replacement planning for medical equipment
Managing a stragetic replacement planning programme for medical devices and equipment across a large acute NHS hospital trust. Comparing and contrasting competing bids for funding minimising risk whilst ensuring patient safety as a priority. Clinical engagement at the ‘coal face’ was an important element of his success in the role.
I have known Scott since my first post as a Consultant Anaesthetist. He was eager to take on a scientific investigation for me on the effects of occlusion pressure and time to occlusion when using long administration lines for infusions in a MRI environment. The report he produced was very effective in supporting clinical practice. Whilst I was the Medical Director at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, I worked with Scott who was overseeing the prioritisation and procurement of medical devices across the organisation. Scott managed a robust strategic replacement planning programme which was vital in ensuring patient safety. His role included specifying medical devices, managing clinical evaluations, and writing business cases for capital funding. The success of this programme relied on strong engagement with clinical colleagues to determine specifications and features of medical devices. He followed this through overseeing clinical evaluations in many areas Operating theatres and Critical care setting. Being present as an observer whilst equipment was in clinical use during surgical procedures and treatments was an invaluable element in selecting the best equipment to meet clinical needs.
Another part of Scott’s role was the investigation of incidents that involved medical devices. This required a unique set of skills drawing on his extensive knowledge of medical devices supported by an understanding of their clinical application. He was able to engage with clinical colleagues at all levels, applying forensic engineering methodologies such as root cause analysis to investigate incidents and near miss events. His reports were always accurate, concise and well written in some cases with innovative solutions. I remember he developed a traffic light system for patient monitors used in patient transfers to identify at a glance the battery state of the monitor; “Green” was ready to use!
I was pleased to coach Scott when he was setting up Health tech Solutions Ltd in 2014 and am delighted to see that he is now expanding the range of services he offers and growing the business.
Dr Paul Upton
Co-Founder and CEO
Ultramed
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