How often have you received a surprise bill for something that you thought was already covered by an insurance policy or warranty? Perhaps you have tried to make a claim for a product malfunction only to discover that the specific part affected is not covered? Sadly, this happens all the time in our everyday lives.
That’s why it is so important to check the small print when signing a new finance or service contract. You need to be confident that your provider will deliver the support that you are expecting, when you need it most.
Checking equipment service contracts
Understanding exactly what is offered as part of your service contract for any decontamination equipment is particularly important. Anything from a minor malfunction to a complete breakdown of this essential equipment can have a detrimental impact on the practice, patients and staff. Appointments will be disrupted and patients inconvenienced. Plus, staff will come under extra pressure and the business will have to pay the price in terms of money, productivity and potentially reputation. As such, it is vital to avoid a lengthy period of downtime, which can only be achieved with a prompt, comprehensive and high-quality maintenance and emergency service from your chosen provider.
So, what should you be looking for when reviewing your service contract for an autoclave, washer disinfector or other decontamination equipment?
Here’s a starting checklist:
- Do they have access to original manufacturer parts should your equipment need repairing?
- Do you have access to remote support via the telephone or online?
- Are the people responding UK-based and sufficiently knowledgeable about your equipment?
- Do you have access to on-site support?
- Are the engineers who service your equipment adequately trained for the specific technologies and equipment they are assessing and maintaining?
- What is the likely response time from your provider should you have a problem? Are there engineers local to you who visit the practice promptly if needed?
- What is not covered as part of your contract – what might you be charged extra for when it comes to accessing services or needing (potentially expensive) repair parts?
- Will your equipment be properly and legally validated as part of the service package each year?
- Will your autoclave be assessed for and issued a Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) certificate as standard?
- Is the service package available on your equipment regardless of whether it is purchased or leased from your provider?
- Is user training incorporated or is that an additional add on? Also, does it provide enhanced CPD for the team?
With all of the above, it’s important to examine the wording very carefully. For example, just because it says ‘servicing and validation’ at the top of the contract, that does not automatically mean that your equipment will be legally validated each year. Without this certification, you would fall foul of the regulations and fail this step of a CQC inspection. In this and other areas, you’ll need to review the details and the T&Cs to ensure that you really are getting what you think you’re getting.
Time to switch?
If you have been left wanting by your current service provider, or you are unsure, unhappy or underwhelmed by the contract you have in place, consider making a switch. Finding a new provider you can trust to protect your equipment and keep it running smoothly for years to come will be one less thing to worry about. For example Eschmann offers the Care & Cover service and maintenance package. With no hidden fees, this guarantees access to unlimited breakdown cover and Eschmann original parts and labour. This is in addition to Annual Validation & Pressure Vessel Certification, annual servicing and software upgrades, as well as CPD enhanced user training.
Peace of mind
When you invest in essential decontamination equipment, you need to know that it will be maintained and optimised by experts for years to come. You also need confidence that you won’t receive enormous and unexpected bills should the equipment need repairing.
Don’t wait for an equipment malfunction or a failed CQC inspection to discover your equipment is not sufficiently covered or validated. Check your service contracts today.
For more information call 01903 753322 or visit www.eschmann.co.uk