My HPRA: Register

Safety communications

This page is for patients, the public and healthcare professionals.

It describes the different communications issued for device safety issues.

How is device safety information communicated?

There are two main types of safety communications:

  1. Field safety notices (FSNs), published by manufacturers.
  2. HPRA safety notices (SNs), published by us.

For more details on these communications, click the menu below. 

Field safety notices

Manufacturers must inform device users if they find a safety issue with their device.

Manufacturers issue FSNs to device users if they find a safety issue.

If your device is affected by a safety issue and you receive a FSN, read it carefully and follow the instructions.

FSNs may have key information or actions, such as:

  • Removal of a device from the market.
  • Updated instructions on how to use a device safely.
  • A patient recall (where patients are to be brought back for re-testing).

We publish a summary of FSNs affecting the Irish market during the first week of each month.

We also publish a list of FSNs circulated to the Irish market where actions remain outstanding.

We can only publish FSNs notified to us.

If you receive an FSN not on our list, please let us know by email at devicesafety@hpra.ie.

 

 

HPRA safety notices

If you receive a FSN from a manufacturer, act on it at once.

Do not wait for a HPRA safety notice . Most FSNs are not accompanied by a HPRA safety notice.

We issue HPRA safety notices to device users when we consider it necessary.

This includes:

  • To give more information to users in Ireland (FSNs often accompany SNs).
  • To raise awareness of a high risk FSN.
  • To raise awareness of an FSN where the manufacturer has not been able to contact all device users.
  • Where a company no longer exists.

More details on our safety notices, including how they are formatted, can be found here.

Anyone can sign up to receive HPRA safety notice by emailing devicesafety@hpra.ie.

What should I do if I receive a HPRA safety notice?

If you are a patient or member of the public, you should:

  • Review the safety notice.
  • Discuss any problems or concerns with your doctor.

If you are a healthcare professional, you should:

  • Ensure the notice reaches the correct person in your organisation.
  • Share the notice with other affected organisations or persons.
  • Review the notice and complete actions as needed.

 



Date Title Type
20/09/2004 Invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices with Transducers Advisory
13/08/2004 Haemodialysis Equipment Advisory
13/08/2004 Instructions for Use provided by the Medical Device Manufacturer Advisory
19/07/2004 Commercial Automated Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests and Disc Diffusion Tests for the Detection o Advisory
14/07/2004 The “Intended Purpose” of a Medical Device Advisory
19/04/2004 Switch Controlled (Electric) Height Adjustable Beds Advisory
15/12/2003 Equipment Management: Some Basic Principals of Equipment Management Advisory
15/12/2003 Equipment Management: Guidance for the Maintenance and Timely Replacement of Medical Equipment Advisory
14/02/2003 Cardiotocograph Advisory
13/02/2003 Broviac Paediatric Catheter Advisory
19/11/2002 Explosions and Fire in Aluminium Oxygen Regulators Advisory
13/06/2002 Foam Mattresses: Prevention of Cross-Infection Advisory
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