Purchasing Equipment and FurnitureWHEN PURCHASING EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE:
To reduce the risks associated with cross infection the method of decontamination of all new medical and non-medical equipment, furniture or fittings prior to purchase must be considered. Even where something has been purchased previously it does not mean that there is not a better product available that is easier to clean. Cleaning and disinfecting of items can be discussed with a member of the Infection Prevention & Control Team, and HSDU Manager in the event of sterilisation. Manufacturers should provide guidelines for cleaning of equipment when items are purchased. Consideration must be given to how easy it is to clean and whether it can be appropriately decontaminated between patient use, if it is not a single use item. Consent must be sought from the Decontamination Committee, for the purchase of equipment which requires specialised decontamination. |