Hospital weighing scales
Tuesday, 12 Feb 2008 10:20
Some scales used in hospitals are inaccurate, Lacors claims
All hospital weighing scales are to be inspected after studies found inappropriate equipment is being used, putting patients' health at risk.
The year-long checks will be carried out by council inspectors from April 2008 under the guidance of the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (Lacors).
The investigation has been initiated after a series of pilot studies by trading standards officers found that some hospitals are using unsuitable scales to calculate dosages of medication for patients, including small children.
In one case staff used ordinary bathroom scales to weigh a four-year-old cancer patient so they could work out how much radiation should be administered as part of her treatment.
The scales indicated the girl had gained weight during the day despite not having eaten and suffering from suspected dehydration - a discrepancy that could have led to a harmful dose of radiation being given.
Other cases involved staff not having access to the correct scales for specific tasks.
Council trading standards officers will now inspect all hospital weighing equipment and make sure they are accurate, legal and fit for purpose.
Oncology and paediatric wards will be particularly targeted.
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comment on the issue throughout the day.