Types of Treatment Tables for Medical Centres
When choosing an examination table for your medical centre, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, you'll need to decide the type of table that's best suited to your needs. There are two main types of examination tables: free standing manual treatment tables and electric.
- Free standing manual treatment tables are a popular option for smaller medical centres, as they don't require an electric supply. They're also more affordable than electric tables. However, they are less versatile as they can only be used for treatments that don't require height adjustment. If you need a table that can be adjusted to different heights, then an electric table is required. Additionally, according to the RACGP Standards for General Practice, 5th Edition, it is recommended that Australian Medical Practices have one or more height-adjustable beds.
- Electric height adjustable tables. When it comes to medical examination tables, an electric height adjustable table is a must-have for any medical centre. Not only can they be adjusted to different heights, but they also come with a host of other features that make them ideal for use in medical settings. Using height-adjustable beds also reduces the chance for workplace injuries as it can reduce the need for healthcare professionals having to help patients onto treatment tables that are too high.
It is recommended that all Medical Practices should have a Defibrillator
A defibrillator is an essential piece of medical equipment for any medical centre. Defibrillators are used to treat cardiac arrest, and can save the lives of patients who are in cardiac arrest. In fact, the use of a defibrillator within 3 minutes of a cardiac arrest can increase survival rates by up to 75%. As Medical Practices need to have equipment that enables them to provide comprehensive primary care and emergency resuscitation, defibrillators (AED’s) are right at the top of the list. To find out more about these requirements, you can read through the RACGP Standards for General Practice, 5th Edition. Link is provided at the bottom of this article.
Automated defibrillators are fully automated and do not require any training to operate. They are also more expensive than manual defibrillators, but they provide a higher level of safety for patients. Automated defibrillators are the preferred option for medical centres, as they are easy to use and can be operated by anyone.
If you have an AED (Defibrillator) in your practice, there are a number of ‘musts’ that you need to know.
- AED’s need to be maintained according to the manufacturers specifications
- All staff within the practice must be properly trained on how to use and maintain the defibrillator
- Defibrillators need clear signage to show where it is situated.
- Defibs need to be located in a spot where they are clearly accessible and visible, and not exposed to extreme temperatures.
Medical Practices need access to an electrocardiograph (ECG Machine) and Spirometer
It is important for medical practices to have access to an electrocardiograph (ECG Machine). An ECG machine is used to measure the electrical activity of the heart, and can help to diagnose a range of heart conditions.
As medical centres need to have equipment that enables them to provide comprehensive primary care, spirometers are a must-have for any medical centre. Spirometers are used to measure the amount of air that a patient can exhale in one second, and are often used to diagnose respiratory conditions.
The RACGP Standards outline that practices must have ‘timely access to an electrocardiograph and a spirometer’ or make arrangements that ensure you have timely access. This can be arranged through facilities such as a nearby hospital, but this may impact acceptable timeframes when access to this medical equipment is urgently needed.
Clinical Equipment Must Be Serviced and Maintained
It is important to service and maintain your medical equipment in order to ensure that it is working properly and is safe for use. Regular servicing will also help to extend the life of your medical equipment.
Equipment that requires calibration includes medical scales, sterilisers and medical vaccine refrigerators. It is important to calibrate these pieces of equipment regularly in order to ensure that they are providing accurate measurements and temperatures. Failing to calibrate medical equipment can lead to inaccurate readings, which can impact the quality of care that patients receive. It is important to service all electrical or battery powered medical equipment on a regular basis. It is also important to note that medical equipment must be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Medical Centre Equipment Australia
There are many factors you need to consider when setting up a medical centre in Australia with equipment. The RACGP Guidelines have been established to help medical centres provide optimal patient care and clearly outline what factors need to be considered when purchasing practice equipment.
Medilogic stocks a wide range of Medical Equipment and Medical Furniture. We have assisted 1000’s of practices across Australia with their medical equipment needs. Our team has the experience required to assist and guide you through the process. You can browse our Medical Equipment and Medical Furniture Categories, or contact our team today if you would like to speak to an expert!
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