Abstract
A formal on-site survey of all anaesthetizing locations in the Province of Manitoba was initiated in the Spring of 1988. Serious deficiencies of anaesthetic equipment previously noted on random survey were confirmed. Recognizing a need for improved standards for delivery of anaesthetic services through safe, functional anaesthetic equipment, the province undertook to fund the upgrading of all anaesthetic gas delivery systems under its jurisdiction. Sixty-six hospitals were surveyed for a total of 203 anaesthetic machines (111 urban, 92 rural). One hundred and sixty-seven machines had been used at least once in the previous year. After careful assessment 92 machines were replaced, 66 machines were upgraded and 45 machines were deleted from further service. Although the maintenance and upgrading of medical equipment is the individual health care facility’s responsibility, substantial benefit was recognized by a provincial approach. The authors recommend a similar approach for other Canadian provinces.
Au printemps 1988, on entreprit line inspection systematique de tous les appareils d’anesthesie par inhalation du Manitoba. Cela permit de confirmer les deficiences suspectees tors d’une precedente enquête sur échantillon. Reconnaissant l’importance de disposer d’équipements sûrs et fonctionnels pour améliorer le standard de qualité des soins anesthésiques, les autorités manitobaines décidèrent de rajeunir leur flotte d’appareils d’anesthésie. Des 203 appareils inspectes (dont 111 en milieu urbain) dans 66 hopitaux, 167 avaient été utilisés durant l’année précédant l’inspection. On procéda à des améliorations sur 66 appareils et on remplaçc 92 des 137 appareils mis au rancart. Même si la responsabilite de l’entretien et de la modernisation des équipements revient finalement à chaque hôpital, une approche intégrée à l’chelle provinciate s’est avérée rentable. C’est peut-être un modèle à suivre ailleurs au Canada.
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Supported by the Manitoba Health Services Commission.
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Friesen, R.M., Hatton, G. & Bjornson, J. The upgrading and replacement of anaesthetic equipment: a provincial approach. Can J Anaesth 37, 889–895 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03006626
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03006626