A medical device alert has been issued by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency in relation to head rests attached to operating tables. The head rests are manufactured by Maquet Limited. The manufacturer issued a field safety notice for this device on the 12th of May 2011. When using the device it is essential to fully tighten the joints star screws after each adjustment to prevent failure of the attachment. The connection fixture is used to mount various head rests and horseshoe-shaped head rests with central square sockets. It has three joints designed to enable optimum positioning of a patient’s head.
In order to avoid hazard to patients, the manufacturer has said it is necessary to tighten its star screws securely after each adjustment in order to ensure that there is no play in the toothed element. Attention should be paid to ensure that the fixtures are tightened after each adjustment procedure in accordance with the operating instructions.
Failure to act on this notice may result in injuries to patients. The manufacture has requested that all relevant members of staff in A&E Departments, day surgery units and theatre managers are aware of the problems.
If you have suffered an injury as the result of a defective head rest, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Please contact Liam Moloney, Solicitor, in Naas today at 045 898000 or simply log onto our website at www.moloneysolicitors.ie for further information concerning your rights.