Written question asked by Winston Churchill (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 November 1996. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 November 1996 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What guidance he has given to NHS dialysis centres in respect of the re-use of blood lines and dialysers; what assessment he has made of the compliance of NHS staff with manufacturers recommendations. - Inc ref to guidance on the re-use of medical devices supplied for single use in a device bulletin, DB 9501, published by the Medical Devices Agency in January 1995. Copies in the Lib as DEP/3 4118.

Answer: Mr. Churchill: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to NHS dialysis centres in respect of the re-use of blood lines and dialysers; what assessment he has made of the compliance of NHS staff with manufacturers' recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [4913] Mr. Horam: No specific guidance has been issued to national health service dialysis centres on this issue; however, general guidance on the re-use of medical devices supplied for single use was provided to the NHS in a device bulletin, DB 9501, published by the Medical Devices Agency in January 1995. Copies will be placed in the Library. The Medical Devices Agency has issued general guidance advising users to read the manufacturer's instructions for use before using any device.

Secondary information