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Hospital Beds in Paediatric Wards

Notice type: Advisory

Date: 12/01/2006

  

Product name or type:
Hospital Beds in Paediatric Wards

Reference:
SN2006(01)

Manufacturer Or Supplier:
Various

Target Audience:
Hospital Managers; Clinical Directors; Risk Managers; Purchasing Managers; Nursing Managers; Paediatric Ward Sisters; Health Services Executive (HSE)

Problem Or Issue:
The risk of small children becoming entrapped in the side rails of adult size hospital beds.

Background Information Or Related Documents:
The Irish Medicines Board (HPRA) has been advised of two incidents that occurred in Europe where a child became entrapped in the side rails of adult size hospital beds.  The outcome of both incidents was fatal.   

Following an initial investigation of this issue the HPRA has established that is a possible problem that could occur in Irish hospitals.

Hospital Beds in Paediatric Wards Document

Actions To Be Taken:
  • Ensure that the appropriate staff is advised of this notice  
  • Review the current practice in your hospital and initiate the appropriate measures to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident occurring in your hospital
    • Use appropriate sized patient beds
    • If paediatric beds are not available for children then ensure appropriate 'risk limiting' measurers are taken e.g. the use of side guards / adequate supervision, etc    
    • Advise the IMB of the practices you have put in place in your institution

Further Information:
All adverse incidents relating to a medical device should be reported to the:   

Health Products Regulatory Authority
Medical Devices Department 
Kevin O'Malley House 
Earlsfort Centre 
Earlsfort Terrace 
Dublin 2   

If you have any enquiries, you may contact the Medical Devices Department at:   

Telephone:     +353-1-6764971 
Fax:               +353-1-6344033 
Email:             medicaldevices@imb.ie
Website:         www.hpra.ie

SN2006(01): Hospital Beds in Paediatric Wards

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