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FOI release

FOI – 2023-000167 - Oximeters (HTML)

Published on 12 June 2023

Date received – 12 May 2023 | Date responded – 12 June 2023

Request

I need to know what equipment is used to reliably measure SPO2 levels constantly - 24/7 - including when a patient is active.

The NHS must use equipment to record say a week's detailed record of Oxygen levels. The clip on Oximeters are not a reliable way to test a person when they are moving around. The reliable equipment would usually have a rubber type covering which slips onto the finger. Would you please provide me with the following information:

  1. Name of equipment
  2. Brand of equipment
  3. Model of equipment
  4. Whether the equipment is FDA or CE approved

Some people need to be monitored during their normal activities in their normal environment. This is extremely important for instance for a patient who suffers from severe PTSD whilst in the presence of NHS personnel. In fact it is the only way to obtain a reliable record of a patient in these circumstances.

Response

Please find attached FOI – 2023-000167 Appendix 1 - Monitors with Sp02 capability. This appendix will provide you with all of the current monitors that are on the framework, NP173/19 - Patient Monitors, Anaesthetic Machines and Ventilators. The details and criteria of the framework can be viewed by clicking the following link - Public Contract Scotland Website.

Under section 17 of the Freedom on Information Scotland Act, 2002 (FOISA) an organisation does not have to provide any information if it does not hold that information. NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) does not hold any information in relation to the reliability of these devices. All products have met the requirements of the tendering process and it is down to the individual Health Boards Medical Physics departments to identify the specific requirements they need and choose accordingly. Under FOISA we cannot pass this enquiry on the individual boards however if you wish to contact them directly this can be done so using the following email addresses:

I trust you will find the information of assistance and if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Contact

Address

NHS National Services Scotland
Headquarters
Gyle Square
1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9EB

If after a review you are still unhappy, you also have the right to apply to the Scottish Information Commissioner, who can be contacted at Kinburn Castle, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DS, or via their application form.

National Services Scotland (NSS) is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. You can view all FOI responses within our FOI Publications repository.