Hospital Facility Management Checklist: Essential Maintenance Tips for Healthcare Equipment

In a hospital, even the smallest equipment issue can lead to serious consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to follow strict maintenance protocols to ensure all hospital equipment is functioning properly. Both preventive and predictive maintenance play key roles in keeping hospital facilities safe and operational.

Preventive Maintenance in Hospitals

Preventive maintenance involves scheduled inspections and servicing based on time (e.g., every six months) or usage (e.g., after a certain number of hours). It usually follows the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) recommendations.

Checklist for Preventive Maintenance:

1. Keep a complete inventory of all equipment, with flags for critical, high-risk, and life-support equipment.
2. Gather and document OEM recommendations for all equipment.
3. Record corrective maintenance data, noting the type of equipment failure (e.g., wear and tear, user-related) and its severity (major vs. minor).
4. Inspect and test all equipment before its first use and after any major repairs or upgrades.
5. Keep detailed records of personnel responsible for equipment oversight.
6. Track all equipment warranties.

Remember, equipment repairs can be costly. Always check the warranty database before scheduling any repair or maintenance work. This step can save you significant expenses.

Predictive Maintenance in Hospitals

Predictive maintenance is carried out as needed, based on data gathered from continuous monitoring. This approach helps to predict when equipment is likely to fail, allowing for timely maintenance.

Checklist for Predictive Maintenance:

1. Mark AEM (Alternative Equipment Maintenance) equipment in inventories.
2. Develop policies and procedures that support AEM program decisions.
3. Keep source material used to set AEM standards.
4. Identify the personnel responsible for AEM risk assessments, including their experience and qualifications.
5. Set up service contracts that hold vendors accountable.
6. Ensure staff are compliant with CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and TJC (The Joint Commission) standards.