A recent article published by the National Health Executive highlights data which shows that 4 in 10 NHS hospitals in England are using out of date clinical equipment.
The research, compiled by freedom of information requests sent to 69 NHS trusts, found that up to 541 medical equipment items – including X-ray, radiotherapy machines, CT and MRI scanners were over a decade old. Despite the advice from NHS England that CT, MRI scanners and X-ray machines should be replaced every 10 years to ensure they continue to operate reliably and produce clear images, the report shows that several trusts are working with much older medical devices. 41 of the 69 trusts which received the enquiry indicated they had at least one X-ray machine which was more than 20 years old, with the oldest being a 37-year-old X-ray machine in Bedfordshire.
Responding to the findings, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, Matthew Taylor, said:
“We called for the government’s Spring Budget to address this by increasing either the NHS capital or revenue budgets over and above what was announced in the Autumn Statement last year.”
“The cost of the maintenance backlog alone is estimated to currently stand at £10.2bn. We urgently call on the government to increase capital spending providing the funding that hospitals and other parts of the health service desperately need, so that staff can continue to look after their patients safely.”
Saffron Cordery, NHS Providers’ Deputy Chief Executive, added:
“With care backlogs at a record high, it’s more important than ever that the NHS has diagnostic equipment such as X-ray machines, CT or MRI scanners that are fit for purpose.”
You can read the full article here:
Failures in Medical Care
There are concerns that older technology and equipment could expose patients to a higher level of risk, including delayed or missed diagnosis due to lower image quality or risk of exposure to higher radiation levels.
In cases where you or a family member have suffered an injury or condition that has been made worse or compromised because of outdated or defective medical equipment, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Bridge McFarland LLP, our specialist medical negligence solicitors have assisted and continue to assist people concerning medical negligence claims surrounding failings in care and/or treatment received under the NHS and private healthcare sector.
To speak to our team, please call 0800 987 8800 or email info@bmcf.co.uk.
