Written question asked by Iain Luke (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 February 2002. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 4 February 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what action he takes to monitor the safety and quality of wheelchairs purchased by health authorities.

Answer: Mr. Luke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he takes to monitor the safety and quality of wheelchairs purchased by health authorities. [30338] Jacqui Smith: The Medical Devices Agency, (MDA), has specific responsibility on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to safeguard public health where medical devices are involved. MDA has an established wide ranging reporting system, which is open to users, carers and health care staff etc who wish to report safety or quality problems concerning medical devices. Within the Medical Device Regulations manufacturers are legally bound to report to MDA on any serious safety problems concerning their devices. MDA also carry out pro-active investigations on a range of manufacturers to ensure that they are in compliance with the requirements of the regulations. Within this overall remit, MDA has a specific unit responsible for wheeled mobility devices where all reported incidents concerning the quality or safety of wheelchairs are considered. If the unit's investigation highlights a need for an improvement in a wheelchairs design, usage instructions or manufacturing process then appropriate action is taken with the manufacturer/supplier.

Secondary information