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[Rog]

So following on from the thread below . . . sort of

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=116464.0

I have a customer, a big NHS trust. They bought their equipment from me in 1997 ( Yes folks 1997 !). I got a call today it had developed a fault. Can I fix it ? The head of department had been trying to get new equipment for some years, but he/she does not hold the budget. The managers do that.

1. Do I say, No ! Unfixable. Buy A new one

2. Patch it up as Mr Nice Guy

3. Patch it up and charge 'em a fortune that they WILL pay as they will be afraid that their waiting list targets will not be met. But I Know that the fix will just be short term as it is bound to totally fail soon anyway.

So . . . . . .

No 1 Means that clinics will be cancelled and patient treatment delayed. But things wll be better with new reliable kit

No 2 Runs a serious risk that managers will say "OK its working now", and then do nothing till the next time.

No 3 Leaves me open to accusations of exploiting the NHS for profit

Answers on a postcard to . . . .

[Vamps]

Swmbo was delayed in hospital recently because the equipment was broken and a waiting list formed when it was fixed, yep fixed, you owe your fellow man that much, the fact you will make money is inconsequential, we all have to earn a living.........

[pscocoa]

Patch it up as part of a proposition that they buy a new one in next year as you cannot guarantee how long patch will last

[dbug]

As he said ^^^^^^^

[cleggy]

Patch it up as part of a proposition that they buy a new one in next year as you cannot guarantee how long patch will last

In writing 

[Nick W]

Unless the equipment was something like a cast iron bridge, after 20 years you shouldn't have any qualms about charging for repairs or replacement.

[Paulus62]

+1

[Vamps]

+1

Like what I said.........

[ronnyd]

If it,s going to break down big time shortly then i reckon it,s best to advise them to get a new one.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Charge them a healthy price for repair and submit a report regarding the state of the equipment, in this you can recommend what other items to replace or recommend that a new replacement item is purchased in the near future as the current item is nearing end of life.

Remember to bill at service rates including travel time and expenses

[Gaffers]

On the ethical side they have a duty of care to patients, you have a duty of care to your company/employees.

Mark's suggested route is the best halfway solution that, if they ignore after the fix, you can use to say I told you so. 

Put it this way, do you get any favours from them?  If not, why do them any

[Rog]

So . . . .

Went along today. The kit really is knackered and really not cost effective to repair. Turns out its been on the Risk Register for some time. I have reported it as is unfit for clinical use. So no dilemma whatsoever, it is not patch-upable.

Now of course, there is a panic going on  Patient appointments have already been cancelled  Urgent talks are taking place with managers, procurement departments etc. I would think that I am front runner for supplying new kit  but you can never be sure or complacent 

[sdwall]

Don't beat yourself up Rog! You've obviously acted professionally and properly. I'm sure the patients who need this kit would rather have serviceable kit and a reputable supplier to back it up. Fingers crossed you get the contract to supply and maintain!

[Rog]

Don't beat yourself up Rog! You've obviously acted professionally and properly. I'm sure the patients who need this kit would rather have serviceable kit and a reputable supplier to back it up. Fingers crossed you get the contract to supply and maintain!

Believe me I'm not, really really not. 

In fact, with a bit of luck there should be some decent business coming my way. Even during the last half hour there have been emails flying around about costs, warranties etc. It's just bad that something has to seriously wrong for managers in the NHS to get their fingers out.