Welcome to the MDSO Network
The National Medical Device Safety Officer (MDSO) Network provides a forum for healthcare professionals involved in medical device safety, risk management, governance, training and assurance across the UK. The network supports the sharing of learning, best practice, safety alerts, guidance, resources and experiences to help improve the safe management and use of medical devices throughout healthcare organisations.
This area provides access to a range of documents, reports, tools and resources developed and shared by members of the network. Unless otherwise stated, these materials are not considered confidential and may be shared with colleagues involved in medical device safety, governance, risk management and related disciplines.
Members are encouraged to engage with the network, share learning from incidents and improvement initiatives, and contribute resources that support safer patient care.
Information about upcoming MDSO meetings, Webex events, conferences and other network activities can be found in the Events section of the main NAMDET website. The National MDSO Webex meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (GMT/BST) and provide an opportunity for members to discuss emerging issues, share learning and collaborate on national priorities in medical device safety.
To request an invite to the meetings please email; mdsonetwork@mhra.gov.uk
MDSO Network NHS Futures page coming soon…
NHS England & MHRA Stage 3 Directive. Patient Safety Alert 2014: Improving medical device incident reporting and learning NHS/PSA/D/2014/006
The role of the Medical Devices Safety Officer (MDSO)
The establishment of a MDSO role is integral to improving medical device incident reporting and learning within organisations. One of the MDSO’s key roles is to promote the safe use of medical devices across their organisation and provide expert advice. As well as improving the quality of reporting, the MDSO will be the essential link between the identification and implementation of (local and national) medical devices safety initiatives and the daily operations to improve the safety of medical devices.
Supporting Information
The alert recommended changes to strengthen local clinical governance arrangements and the identification of Medical Devices Safety Officers (MDSOs) and multi-professional groups to review incidents and to improve the safety of medical devices. This supporting information provides additional information and clarification on the thinking behind the Patient Safety Alert and recommended actions.
MDSO Network Bed Rails FAQ
(v1.5 Updated March 2024)
In response to questions received from MDSOs regarding the Bed Rails NatPSA, the MDSO Network has produced this resource in consultation with the MHRA and NHSE and are posting it here for easy access. Please feel free to download and circulate wider with your professional colleagues working on the Bed Rails NatPSA
The Central Alerting System
The Central Alerting System (CAS) is a web-based cascading system for issuing patient safety alerts, important public health messages and other safety critical information and guidance to the NHS and others, including independent providers of health and social care. Alerts available on the CAS website include National Patient Safety Alerts (from NHS England and NHS Improvement and MHRA), NHS England and NHS Improvement Estates Alerts, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Alerts, and Department of Health & Social Care Supply Disruption alerts.
YouTube video on the Role of an MDSO
This video (from 2017) focuses on the establishment of a Medical Device Safety Officer (MDSO) network for the UK and the important part that Clinical Engineering professionals play in this new pivotal role. It is presented by Mr. Paul Lee, Medical Devices Training Manager at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, Wales, UK. This video is a part of UK’s contribution to the Global Clinical Engineering Day on 21 October 2017.