Benefits of Medical Equipment Repairs vs Replacements
In today’s environmental climate, with waste becoming increasingly prevalent, it is now more important than ever to save your valuable medical equipment rather than throw it away. Especially with the pressures the NHS and private clinics alike are facing with strict sustainability and budget targets, Medical Equipment Repair Services are essential for helping you reduce your carbon footprint, whilst minimising the need for costly replacements.
With over 20 years of industry experience, we have seen and heard it all at Seal Calibration Ltd. Manufacturers often suggest replacing your medical devices once they go out of warranty or don’t function perfectly, pushing for newer, more costly models. However, this isn’t always necessary.
Without further ado, let’s delve into the benefits of opting for Medical Equipment Repairs instead of replacement.
Cheaper Than Replacement & Better Return on Investment
Brand-new Defibrillators can cost between £600 and £2,500, Blood Pressure Monitors can cost anywhere from £100 up to £1000s, Otoscopes can cost £50 to over £500, ECGs can cost anywhere from £1,200 to £3,000, Spirometers can cost between £700 up to £2,500 and beyond, variable height Medical Couches cost £1,000 to £2,000+, Medical Fridges can cost £350 up to £10,000 and more to replace… the list goes on!
It’s safe to say that, in comparison to replacements, Medical Equipment Repair Services are relatively inexpensive, providing a cost-effective solution and excellent Return on Investment for your healthcare facility. In the long run, this could save you thousands of pounds.
Increased Lifespan & Time Savings
By repairing your medical equipment, you increase its lifespan, saving you time and the hassle of more frequent replacements and often resulting in several more years of use. You won’t need to waste time training your staff on how to use the new equipment, integrating it into your software, or arranging Medical Equipment Disposal.
This way, you spend less time on admin and more time caring for your patients.
Minimal Downtime
Speaking of time savings, believe it or not, sometimes Medical Equipment Repair Services are quicker than waiting for your replacement, especially if there are delays with your supply chain. In fact, we can repair most malfunctioning medical or pharmacy fridges and electric or hydraulic couches on-site, thanks to our field-based engineers.
For other devices, you can send them to our purpose-built laboratory, which features anti-static benches and technical equipment, along with fully trained staff. Once we have assessed your Medical Equipment, we will provide you with a quote, then repair and calibrate your devices. Afterwards, we will carefully pack your items and return them using our insured courier service.
This way, you can spend less downtime waiting for your new equipment to arrive and more time tending to your patients’ needs.
More Sustainable
With the NHS aiming to achieve Net Zero by 2040, every little helps when it comes to minimising your environmental impact through waste. Repairing your Medical Equipment is far better for the environment than disposing of it, even when following Waste from Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations.
Manufacturing and shipping new devices and machines have a far greater carbon footprint than simply sending an engineer to repair your Medical Equipment. Additionally, in some cases, we can recycle or repurpose working parts of equipment that would have otherwise been disposed of, which is especially helpful for you if you require minor repairs on older items that may no longer be supported by the manufacturer.
Preventing the Need for Medical Equipment Repair Services
A good way to help prevent the need for constant Medical Equipment Repair Services in the first place is through Medical Equipment Service Contracts, saving you from time-consuming disruptions.
These are far better for your annual budget than costly emergency repairs or replacements. In fact, our service contracts are a fraction of the price that manufacturers charge for the exact same level of cover, service, calibration, and support. Our Service Level Agreements typically cover consumable parts and labour, as well as annual Medical Equipment Service and Calibration, either at our laboratory or on-site if required.
Compliance & Safety Standards
Once your Medical Equipment has been fully calibrated to national UKAS-traceable standards, you will receive the appropriate certification. This ensures compliance with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and General Medical Services (GMS) contract requirements when required.
A Key Example of Effective Medical Equipment Maintenance: Defibrillator Service
Defibrillators are life-saving devices. Therefore, ensuring they are 100% rescue-ready is absolutely essential. Expired pads, depleted batteries or device malfunctions can compromise their effectiveness.
Our Defibrillator Service includes a detailed inspection and full functionality testing for damaged and malfunctioning parts, such as the case, screen, buttons, and connections. Your battery and pads will also be checked, with their status recorded for compliance, along with replacement dates. After we have completed testing, your Defibrillator will be fully calibrated and certified to UKAS-traceable national standards.
This way, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your device will work as it should when you need it most, eliminating the need for unexpected repair services.
Need Medical Equipment Repairs Services in the UK?
If you’re in need of Medical Equipment Repair Services, whether for your Defibrillator, Blood Pressure Monitor, Otoscope, ECG, Spirometer, Medical Couch, Medical Fridge, Plinth, ABPM, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
You can reach us by phone on 0115 906 3131 or send us a message through our contact form. Our technical helpline is free and open to everyone, and we will do our very best to help you resolve any issues with your Medical Equipment.