HC Deb 17 March 1989 vol 149 cc388-9W
Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many anaesthetic machines were recalled during August, September or October 1988; by which companies they were manufactured; and what were the circumstances behind the decision to recall.

Mr. Freeman

None.

Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) on how many occasions in the last five years metal particles or swarf have been discovered in anaesthetic gas systems; and by which companies the machines were manufactured;

(2) what information he has on the effect the presence in an anaesthetic gas system of metal particles or swarf could have on the machine and the anaesthetised patient.

Mr. Freeman

No such incidents have been reported from the NHS to the Department in the period in question under our defect reporting system. The scale of any problem would depend on the size, shape and distribution of particles within the system, the type of breathing system in use, and the positioning and type of filters within the gas system.

Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Health under what circumstances an order is issued by his Department to recall a piece of medical equipment; and what criteria are used when deciding whether to issue such an order.

Mr. Freeman

The circumstances under which medical equipment is recalled vary with the type of equipment, the nature of its use and the potential hazard involved. It is recalled primarily where there is an unacceptable risk to the safety of patients or staff.

Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any faults were found by his Department's inspectors with the quality assurance systems of M. and I. E. Dentsply in 1987 and 1988.

Mr. Freeman

A small number of points were raised as a result of the inspections and were remedied by the company shortly afterwards. The company remains registered under the Department's manufacturer registration scheme.

Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department's guidelines allow the purchase of anaesthetic tables for the National Health Service to contain certain industrial valves which have had to be modified for medical use.

Mr. Freeman

Yes. International standard ISO 5358 is the relevant standard and health authorities purchase to this standard.