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MDA/2008/044 - Action³ manual wheelchair with fixed back and height adjustable push handles manufactured by Invacare

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Document details:

Type: Medical Device Alert
Series No: MDA/2008/044
Audience: Healthcare professionals
Published:
Format: Electronic and paper
Size: A4
Pages: 5
Price: Free
ISBN/ISSN:
Author:
Copyright: Crown
   

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Page 1

Issued: 26 June 2008 at 15:30
Ref: MDA/2008/044


 

 
Immediate action
Tick mark
Action
 
Update
 
Information request

 

Device:
Action³ manual wheelchair with fixed back and height adjustable push handles manufactured by Invacare.		 > Page 2
Problem:
Fixed backrests on Action³ wheelchairs fitted with height adjustable push handles have fractured in use, placing the occupant and carer at risk of injury.		 > Page 2
Action by:
All those involved in the provision, prescription, repair, maintenance and use of these wheelchairs. In particular: wheelchair service managers, rehabilitation engineers, occupational therapists, maintenance staff and contractors.		  

Action:

  • Trace all Action³ manual wheelchairs that have a fixed back, are fitted with height adjustable push handles and have a serial number lower than 050714261242.
  • Warn users/carers of the potential for failure of the backrest and advise them to use the push handles on the lowest height setting until reinforcement can be arranged.
  • Contact Invacare to obtain the reinforcement kit for all relevant Action³ wheelchairs (quoting kit number 1521780).
  • Make arrangements for the steel tube insert in the kit to be fitted to all the identified wheelchairs.
  

Distributed to:

NHS trusts in England - Chief Executives*
OFSTEAD – Directors of Children’s Services
Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) - Headquarters
Healthcare Commission (CHAI) - Headquarters
Primary care trusts in England - Chief Executives*
Social services in England - Directors*
NHS Boards in Scotland - Chief Executives

* via CE Bulletin

 > Page 2
Contacts:
Details of manufacturer contacts and contacts for technical aspects. Change of address or removal from address list for CSCI and Healthcare Commission.		 > Page 2
Appendix:
Fitting instructions for reinforcement tube.		 PDF File Only
 
Action deadlines for the Safety Alert Broadcast System (SABS)
Deadline (action underway): 28 July 2008
Deadline (action complete): 28 August 2008

Page last modified: 26 June 2008