Whether you work with a medical clinic or a small hospice service, a facility’s equipment is extremely important. EKG machines, ventilators and other critical machinery are paramount to dignified and effective care. However, these devices cannot work around the clock without some maintenance. Explore the reasons why medical equipment repair must be prioritized at your facility.
Avoid Unexpected Downtime
A core reason to prioritize preventive maintenance is avoiding downtime. Every facility needs a schedule for regular equipment checkups. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions on each device.
Rotate repaired equipment into use while sending out other items. You’ll always have equipment ready to go by using this strategy. The facility will also avoid any rush charges on an unexpected repair. Rush labor will always cost a lot more than being patient with a regularly scheduled repair. Your staff will appreciate quality devices that are always accurate and reliable.
Protect Patients
A critical reason why medical equipment repair must be a priority is patient safety. Devices that are neglected won’t be reliable. In fact, their calibration values might be off. Devices that record skewed results might endanger patients.
A patient who may have borderline high blood pressure could be either cleared as healthy or marked as a candidate for hypertension medication. A facility’s devices must be accurate so that correct diagnoses can be made.
Schedule Repairs
Effective maintenance requires a regular repair schedule. Pick a service provider that specializes in medical equipment. Discuss how many devices you have and how often you need to schedule repairs.
Reputable providers can set up a rotating schedule. Send in one or two items at a time so that your facility is never without the necessary equipment. Be aware that most repair facilities take between five and 10 days to repair the items. This time frame may depend based on the equipment’s needs.
Expect Quality Services
As a facility manager, you should expect quality results from any preventive maintenance. Your service provider should have certifications in their chosen field. Each item should be returned with a warranty attached to the work. If there’s an issue with the device, the provider should prioritize the work and repair the item as soon as possible.
Because there are many parts to each device, repair technicians go through every section during a routine inspection. You might be concerned about the calibration, but another section of the device may be an issue. Expect every part of the device to work like brand new after repair or maintenance.
Connect with trusted technicians such as the professionals at Coast Biomedical Equipment to keep up with preventive maintenance.