MEDICAL GAS SYSTEMS
of computer-based integrated patient / building management systems, the current HTM 02-01 is now outdated. As stated in the HTM, sites using a building management system only should consider how they will ensure that all users are satisfied that it is in good working order. It is important that operational checks on the system are also carried out.
A valuable learning experience Gill Butler, an Estates manager at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, attended our Medical Gas Alarms Maintenance and Management course in November 2022. She says her main ‘pain point’ prior to the course was her limited understanding and experience of medical gas alarm systems, and therefore having to call out contractors to deal with every issue with them, resulting in long waiting times and significant expense. By completing this course, she hoped to gain the knowledge and confidence from practical training to deal with these situations herself in the first instance, saving both time and money. Following the course, she shared the following insight: “We have a lot of alarm faults that we have to pay a contractor to come out to, and it is possibly something that we can rectify ourselves in the first instance. I found it really useful to be in the Eastwood Park training environment, and you get a good insight into what you need to know, and when you need to know it. I’ve gained more knowledge than I hoped to get. I certainly didn’t think I’d be able to program alarms by the end of this.”
A medical gas alarms workstation.
Digital alarm panels With the use of transducers rather than pressure switches, drifting is no longer an issue. Medical gas manufactures have now developed, and are supplying, digital alarm panels. Some are a direct replacement for their previous alarm systems. The main benefits are: n Accurate pressure monitoring. n Visual live pipeline pressure indicators. n Early amber warning indicators. n A touchscreen display.
Michael Ell
Michael Ell, Medical Gases Portfolio manager at Eastwood Park Training, leads and develops medical gas training there. Formerly a marine engineer, hospital engineer, an Estates manager in a 750-bed general hospital, and a medical gas risk specialist and trainer, he has over 30 years’ hospital engineering experience. He has in-depth knowledge of the role of a medical gas AP, as well as the management of medical gases on a range of sites. His course delivery encourages as much interactivity and practical elements as possible.
Mark Williams
Mark Williams, lead Medical Gases trainer at Eastwood Park Training, has worked for a number of years as an Authorised Person (MGPS) and a Competent Person for both NHS Trusts and private organisations, and is an expert in his field. He was responsible for handing over completed medical gas projects to Estates teams. He has experience in project managing installations, as well as working both directly with hospitals and as a sub-contractor. This includes working on projects ranging from minor alterations to major developments, undertaking installation of piped and alarm systems, maintenance, and breakdown repairs. He has also been responsible for surveying medical gas pipeline systems, providing a comprehensive, photographically illustrated report of their compliance with HTM 02-01.
22 Health Estate Journal April 2023
n Power indicators. n Data logging.
Conclusions The aim of this article was to demonstrate why hands-on practical experience is a vital part of medical gas training. The value of this practical training, building on theoretical knowledge, is that it is a key building block to competency, thereby enabling tasks to be undertaken safely, and systems operated reliably. Eastwood Park Training prides itself on
delivering specialist, innovative training that enables delegates on its courses to remain up to date with the ever-changing landscape of healthcare engineering. Our new training centre provides all the elements of a medical gas piped system, with both new and old equipment for learners to see and practise tasks, enabling them to develop skills and understanding in a time-efficient manner.
References 1 Human factors: Training and competence. Health & Safety Executive. https://tinyurl. com/2s4z925s
2 Performance of healthcare cryogenic liquid oxygen systems. NHS ref C0871. NHSE/I. November 2021. https://tinyurl. com/2wcz5e9r
3 Oxygen issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch. June 2021. https://tinyurl. com/3dnustn4
4 Chief Pharmacist responsibilities: Medical Gases – clinical oversight of storage, supply and usage. Specialist Pharmacy Service (NHS Pharmaceutical QA Committee – Medical Gas Sub Group) (January 2021, Version 2.1)
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