Are you getting the message? A look at the communication between the Department of Health, manufacturers and anaesthetists.

A questionnaire sent to 109 anaesthetists in the South West Region has revealed that there is a problem with dissemination of information relating to hazards with equipment. Thirty-four per cent of consultants, and 67% of junior anaesthetists were only slightly or not at all confident that they see the Hazard Notices and Safety Action Bulletins relating to the equipment they use. The study has also demonstrated the large amount of new equipment coming into circulation and has highlighted deficiencies in the reading of equipment manuals. Some suggestions are made as to how the current system may be improved.