PA Hospital blood gas machines operating normally

All blood gas machines at the Princess Alexandra Hospital are fully operational and continue to provide a reliable service for patients, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson was responding to an issue raised in Parliament by the Opposition Health spokesman concerning replacement blood gas machines recently purchased by the hospital.

“The PA Hospital currently operates five blood gas machines used frequently for blood gas analysis throughout the hospital,” Mr Robertson said.

“These machines are functioning normally and provide a reliable service for patients.

“The hospital has also recently purchased five replacement machines which are currently being commissioned.

“The supplier is working with the PA Hospital to ensure the new machines are compatible with Queensland Health’s information system, Auslab.

“There is no impact on patient services because the machines they will replace are all still functioning normally.”

Mr Robertson said the existing five blood gas machines are 10 years old and therefore coming to the end of their expected life.

“When you are dealing with life-saving medical equipment you don’t wait until a machine breaks down before you replace it.

“Queensland Health takes a responsible approach to managing its medical equipment to avoid risks,” he said.

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