29 Nov 2024
Whether you're moving a single MRI machine or an entire medical facility, the stakes are high. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to ensure a safe and efficient move for your medical equipment. From pre-move preparation to specialised packing and transportation methods, we’ll cover the strategies and tools needed to minimise risks and downtime.
From assessing your inventory to coordinating with specialists and ensuring compliance, proper preparation minimises risks and downtime. Taking the time to plan ahead ensures a seamless transition and protects your valuable assets.
Professional movers can streamline the moving process by providing guidance during the planning and preparation stages to safeguard against any potential setbacks. With over 170 years of experience, Bishop’s Move expertly manages hospital moves from start to finish.
Avoiding legal pitfalls is crucial while moving medical equipment. Compliance regulations can result in heavy penalties if violated during the moving process.
A pre-move site survey is a crucial part of the moving process. Studying the layout of the site will help you identify potential hazards and obstacles, and determine a safe way to move the equipment.
Knowing your operational needs will help you get things up and running quickly and minimise downtime. It’s also useful for identifying the best time for moving, reducing the risk of inconvenience for your patients.
All machinery being moved, including any individual components that need to be taken apart, must go on your inventory. Make a note of the model make and number, dimensions and weight, and whether any dismantling or special handling is required.
Once the planning stage is complete, it’s time to put things into action. That being said, utmost care is crucial for if the transport process is rushed all the planning will have been for nothing.
Planning which packing materials you are to use and how will have a huge impact on the condition of your equipment once it’s been delivered. Opt for high-quality moisture and temperature-regulating packing materials to maintain items in the best condition. Additionally, crating prevents damage during transit. Bishop’s Move provides both custom packing services and crates.
When moving medical equipment, labelling isn’t just about what’s inside. Fragile items must be easily identifiable from the label. Similarly, labels must also indicate specific temperatures or positions that items need to be kept at.
Things can go downhill quite quickly if the post-transit part of the move is not carried out carefully. From safe unloading and site preparation to clear communication with staff, there are a few things to bear in mind during this final phase.
Loading and unloading medical equipment should be carried out by trained staff capable of operating moving machinery such as cranes. You should be careful about where to place the equipment, ensuring adequate room for unloading and manoeuvring to the desired location. That the safety of the staff handling machinery is equally important goes without saying.
Advance site preparation is essential so you know where the machinery will be placed, what equipment is needed for transport, and any possible challenges. Make sure everything required is ready at the destination before the move to prevent delays.
All the effort involved in safely transporting the equipment will be wasted if staff do not know how to handle it. In addition to OSHA training, staff should be briefed on best practices and provided with training for each new piece of medical machinery.
Relocating medical equipment often raises critical questions. In this FAQ section, we address these common concerns and provide expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of moving sensitive medical equipment with confidence.
The cost of moving medical equipment can vary significantly based on the size and complexity of the move. Costs will depend on factors such as how many items require moving, if they require special handling, the distance of the move, etc. At Bishop’s Move, we provide a bespoke package to ensure you only pay for the services you need. Get a quote today.
The majority of medical equipment can be relocated with ease, however, certain items might need specialised handling or disassembly. Speak to your moving company as they'll be able to advise on the best approach for handling specific equipment.
The length of the moving process comes down to the size and complexity of the move. Smaller clinics can be relocated in days, whereas hospitals can take several weeks. Your healthcare mover will be able to advise you on the duration of your move.
Relocating medical equipment need not be daunting. By preparing your site in advance, utilising specialised handling techniques, and working with experienced professionals, you can ensure your equipment reaches its new destination safely and without disruption. A well-executed move not only protects your valuable assets but also ensures minimal downtime, keeping your operations running smoothly. With the steps outlined in this guide, you are well-prepared to ensure a seamless and stress-free process.
