Safety Information
The equipment safety information distribution system and the incident investigation and reporting service in place for the NHS in Scotland are both now available to local authorities. A letter and Safety Action Notice SAN(SC) 06/01 detailing these services was sent to local authority Cheif Executives on 30 March 2006.
Following the merger of Health Facilities Scotland ( HFS) and Scottish Healthcare Supplies ( SHS) all bulletins and details of how to report an incident are available on the HFS website at http://www.hfs.scot.nhs.uk/online-services/incident-reporting-and-investigation-centre-iric/.
The HFS Incident Reporting and Investigation Centre ( IRIC) co-ordinates the investigation of Adverse Incidents on behalf of the Scottish Government Health Directorates ( SGHD) Working mainly with NHSScotland and with Scottish Local Authorities, we pursue investigations involving medical devices and estates equipment until a satisfactory outcome is achieved. Where necessary, we issue safety warnings including Hazard Notices and Safety Action Notices.
This service covers 'medical devices' which includes all products, except medicines, used in healthcare for the diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment and management of illness or disability. It includes items such as wheelchairs, walking frames, bathing and showering equipment, commodes and special chairs.