Medical Device Safety Officer Handbook: The first stop for professional medical device advice

Summary

The Medical Device Safety Officer role was created on 20 March 2014 following the publication of an NHS England Patient Safety Alert that aimed to help healthcare providers increase the quality and frequency of incident reporting for medication errors and medical devices problems. The alert called on large healthcare provider organisations across both public and independent  sectors, along with healthcare commissioners, to identify named responsible persons in both medication and medical device safety roles.

A new National Network was set up to support Medical Device Safety Officers through improved communication and feedback on reported safety issues, monthly webinars, online forums, conferences and workshops. An editorial board was established to provide expert and strategic clinical support for the Medical Device Safety Officers and the National Network.

This handbook provides practical information and resources to support those who have been designated the Medical Device Safety Officer in their organisation. It is particularly relevant to people new in post or as a quick reference for established staff.