NHS Trust
Goals: Implement a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) program for Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust to minimize downtime, optimize equipment performance, extend lifespan, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.
Work: Conducted needs assessment, developed detailed maintenance schedule, allocated trained technicians, and systematically carried out maintenance activities while documenting and continuously improving the program.
Achievements: Reduced downtime, enhanced patient safety, extended equipment lifespan, regulatory compliance, and improved operational efficiency for Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust.
This case study highlights the implementation of planned preventative maintenance (PPM) services for our NHS customer, focusing on the benefits gained by the healthcare organisation.
‘PPM’ plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, longevity, and optimal performance of essential equipment and systems within healthcare facilities.
BACKGROUND
Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust operates a large healthcare facility, providing vital medical services to the local community. Recognising the importance of proactive maintenance to prevent unexpected equipment failures and downtime, the organization sought to implement a comprehensive PPM program.
OBJECTIVES
Minimise Downtime: Identify and address potential equipment failures before they occur, minimizing unplanned downtime and ensuring continuous service delivery to patients.
Optimize Equipment Performance: Conduct regular inspections, servicing, and calibration of critical medical equipment to maximize their performance and accuracy, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Extend Equipment Lifespan: Implement preventive measures and maintenance tasks to mitigate wear and tear, thereby extending the lifespan of medical equipment and reducing the need for costly repairs or premature replacements.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Align maintenance activities with relevant healthcare regulations, standards, and guidelines to ensure compliance, patient safety, and quality assurance.
Enhance Operational Efficiency: Streamline maintenance processes, reduce emergency repairs, and improve resource allocation, leading to greater operational efficiency and cost savings.
BENEFITS TO CLIENT
Reduced Downtime: Proactive maintenance and early detection of potential equipment issues significantly minimize unplanned downtime, ensuring continuous delivery of critical medical services to patients and minimizing disruption.
Enhanced Patient Safety: Regular maintenance and calibration of medical equipment improve accuracy, reliability, and safety, contributing to better patient outcomes and reducing the risk of medical errors.
Extended Equipment Lifespan: Through preventive measures and timely maintenance, the lifespan of medical equipment is extended, reducing the need for costly replacements and enabling better financial resource management.
Regulatory Compliance: By aligning maintenance activities with healthcare regulations and standards, Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust ensures compliance, maintaining accreditation, and meeting patient safety and quality assurance requirements.
Improved Operational Efficiency: Planned preventative maintenance streamlines maintenance processes, reduces emergency repairs, optimizes resource allocation, and improves overall operational efficiency, resulting in cost savings for Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust.
IMPLEMENTATION
Needs assessment: A thorough assessment of the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust equipment inventory was conducted to identify critical assets, their maintenance requirements, and any existing maintenance gaps or challenges.
Development of Maintenance Schedule: A detailed maintenance schedule was created, outlining the frequency and scope of maintenance activities for each equipment type, taking into account manufacturer guidelines, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
Resource Allocation: Trained and certified maintenance technicians were allocated to perform the scheduled maintenance tasks. Adequate resources, including tools, spare parts, and technical documentation, were made available to support the maintenance team.
Implementation and Documentation: The maintenance activities were carried out systematically according to the schedule. Comprehensive documentation, including maintenance logs, reports, and equipment histories, were maintained to track maintenance activities, identify trends, and support future decision-making.
Continuous Improvement: The PPM program was periodically reviewed and refined based on feedback from maintenance personnel, equipment performance data, and emerging industry practices. Continuous improvement initiatives were implemented to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of the maintenance program.
CONCLUSION
The implementation of planned preventative maintenance for the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust has proven to be a crucial investment in ensuring the reliability, performance, and longevity of essential medical equipment.
By proactively addressing maintenance needs, Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust benefits from reduced downtime, enhanced patient safety, extended equipment lifespan, regulatory compliance, and improved operational efficiency. This case study demonstrates the positive impact of a well-executed PPM program on healthcare facilities and their ability to provide high-quality care to patients.
