Report of the Expert Working Group on Alarms on Clinical Monitors - in response to Recommendation 11 of Sir Cecil Clothier's report of the Allitt Inquiry

The Report of the Expert Working Group on Alarms on Clinical Monitors contains important and timely recommendations for Chief Executives, all qualified clinical staff responsible for delivering care, managers, educators and technical staff.

The Working Group was set up by the Medical Devices Agency, at the request of the Secretary of State. specifically in response to Recommendation 11 of Sir Cecil Clothier's report of the Allitt Inquiry.

Recommendation 11 drew attention to the need for appropriate action in the event of a failure of an alarm on monitoring equipment in a paediatric ward and therefore served as the main stimulus for this work. The Group's work and resulting Report demonstrate that there are wider issues of policy and responsibility concerning monitoring devices.

In making their recommendations, the Working Group have been comprehensive and imaginative. They have focused on the importance of establishing and maintaining policies and procedures relating to the selection and use of devices, on issues of device management, on the vital role of education and training in the use of devices, and on fundamental technical issues.

The Report and recommendations reflect current good practice and support existing guidance from the Medical Devices Agency. The aim of the Report is to provide guidance for Chief Executives and their colleagues in implementing appropriate systems and defining responsibilities.

I believe that the recommendations in this Report are relevant to all hospital and community care settings in which monitoring and therapeutic devices with alarms are used. When implemented they will facilitate and enable users to focus on their responsibilities which must lead to an enhancement of the quality of patient care.

ALAN KENT
Chief Executive, Medical Devices Agency
February 1995