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MDA/2007/075 - Invacare Action³ wheelchairs fitted with a manual ratchet recliner mechanism

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Document details:

Type: Medical Device Alert
Series No: MDA/2007/075
Audience: Healthcare professionals
Published:
Format: Electronic and paper
Size: A4
Pages: 3
Price: Free
ISBN/ISSN:
Author:
Copyright: Crown
   

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Page 1

Issued: 18 September 2007 at 14:00
Ref: MDA/2007/075


 
Immediate action
Tick mark
Action
 
Update
 
Information request


Device:
Invacare Action3; wheelchairs fitted with a manual ratchet recliner mechanism.

>Page 2

Problem:
Risk of injury to the user or carer from the sudden failure of the backrest ratchet.

>Page 2

Action by:
All those involved in the provision, prescription, repair, maintenance and use of wheelchairs.  In particular wheelchair service managers, loan store managers, rehabilitation engineers, occupational therapists and wheelchair maintenance staff and contractors.		  

Action:

  • Trace all Action3; wheelchairs fitted with ratchet recliner mechanisms with a serial number lower than 050711235973 and inspect the ratchet plates.
  • Withdraw from service all those wheelchairs showing signs of damage until such time as a new design replacement ratchet can be fitted.
  • Warn users/carers of those wheelchairs not currently exhibiting damage of the potential failure and advise them to examine regularly until the unit can be replaced.
  • Contact Invacare for the required parts and fitting instructions. Make arrangements to fit the new ratchet steel cage to all the identified wheelchairs.
 

Distributed to:

NHS trusts in England - Chief Executives*
Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) - Headquarters
Healthcare Commission (CHAI) - Headquarters
Primary care trusts in England - Chief Executives*
Social services in England - Directors*

* via CE Bulletin

>Page 2

Contacts:
Details of manufacturer contacts and MHRA contacts for technical aspects.
Change of address or removal from address list for CSCI and Healthcare Commission.

>Page 3



Action deadlines for the Safety Alert Broadcast System (SABS)
Deadline (action underway): 18 October 2007
Deadline (action complete): 19 November 2007


Page last modified: 18 September 2007