Do you have equipment that you bought yourself or was given/supplied to you by a:
- GP's surgery;
- hospital;
- pharmacy;
- optometrist;
- or clinic?
If it goes wrong, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) must know about it. This is so they can take action, if necessary. They are the government agency responsible for making sure equipment is safe. They regulate all medical equipment and act to protect the public promptly, if there is a problem.
Common types of medical equipment include:
- artificial limbs, blood pressure machines, catheters and catheter bags, commodes;
- cholesterol tests, contact lenses and solutions, dressings, hearing aids, insulin pens;
- patient hoists, prescribable footwear, syringes, thermometers, walking sticks and frames and wheelchairs.
Things that can go wrong
Equipment can become unsafe for a many reasons. Problems that can happen and what the MHRA does to protect the public's health are, for example:
- Angela, a six year old, was suffering from a fever. Her mother used an ear thermometer that gave a low reading compared to a conventional thermometer. She reported this to the MHRA who had received several similar reports. They found the ear thermometers were often not use in the right way. They then gave advice on how to use them correctly.
- A number of wheelchair users were being injured because of faulty brakes. Mrs. Kelly told her daughter about her injury, who reported it to the MHRA. The wheelchairs were found to be poorly designed. The MHRA contacted the manufacturer who redesigned the wheelchair and upgraded those already in use.
If your equipment has a fault you should let the MHRA know as soon as you can. If possible, keep the faulty equipment until you have made contact with them. They will look at the issue and take the necessary action, which can be:
- It may give advice to the health service;
- discuss changes with manufacturers;
- or in extreme cases, stop the equipment being sold.
Reporting a fault
To report a fault, visit: Report a problem with a medicine or medical device (GOV.UK).
Remember - do not delay, report it today. With your help we can make medical equipment safe.