Evaluation of Equipment Sub-Committee

The Evaluation of Equipment Sub-Committee was set up in 1994 to carry out surveys of frequently used hospital equipment and provide information on its performance to prospective purchasers.

In 2001 as a result of a survey which was carried out to assess the usefulness of these reports the Committee's remit was extended to include Community based equipment.

These reports supplement those available from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in London and take account of locally available equipment.

To date the following user surveys have been carried out, the results of which are restricted to personnel in the Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts.

• Non-Invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring Equipment - November 1995
• Flexible Video Endoscopes, Excluding Laparoscopes - April 1996
• Surgical Diathermy Equipment - March 1997
• Anaesthetic Equipment - August 1997
• Theatre Trolleys - February 1998
• Theatre Lights - February 1998
• Portable Suction Apparatus - March 1999
• Ambulatory Infusion Devices - June 1999
• Endoscopic Washers/Disinfectors - September 1999
• Patient Warming Blankets - March 2000
• Laparoscopic Imaging Systems - October 2000
• Volumetric Infusion Pumps - May 2001
• Defibrillators - March 2002
• Adult Intensive Care Ventilators - November 2002
• Portable Patient Hoists - December 2003
• Theatre Tables - May 2004
• Ear Syringes - November 2006

Surveys on Endoscopic Washers/Disinfectors and Ward-Based Vital Signs Monitoring Systems are nearing completion. If you have any suggestions for future surveys please let us know.

Members of the CREST Evaluation of Equipment Sub-Committee