A college dedicated to specialist technical industries is to open its doors in Sheffield in 2013. The Sheffield University Technical College (UTC) will offer teenagers specialised learning within the engineering and digital sectors.

Buyers in all sectors recognise the importance of managing an effective supply chain. Companies are working harder than ever to keep costs down, whilst at the same time ensuring that the all important quality standards are met.

This is particularly important in our industry, the manufacture of Medical Devices. At Platts & Nisbett we recognise the importance of quality, and our surgical instruments speak for themselves. On paper our ISO13485 Certificate proves it, but is this the case with all your suppliers?

Over the last few months we have received a number of calls from people to ask our advice on corrosion issues. The best advice we can give would be to ensure that any surgical instruments are only purchased via reputable companies. However, it is also useful to understand the processes which are involved in their manufacture. To protect surgical instruments from corrosion, it is essential that a documented passivation procedure is followed by the manufacturer.

The BBC has discovered that poor quality surgical instruments which are not fit for purpose are being supplied to the NHS. Panorama has found that this imported substandard equipment can put patients at risk, by causing life threatening infections and injuries. Faults include rough edges, steel burrs, and corroded metals – any of which will have serious implications if used in an operating theatre.

As one of the few UK manufacturers, Platts & Nisbett has always put quality at the forefront of everything we do. We are hopeful that the recent feature on the BBC will help to raise awareness, and highlight problems at procurement level within some NHS Trusts. We strongly believe that all manufacturers and suppliers of this type of equipment should be subject to quality checks – not just of paperwork but of the instruments themselves. Without mandatory inspections how can patient safety be properly protected?

Quality is everything, and something which must never be compromised. Since the formation of our Company over thirty years ago, we have strived to produce only the highest quality surgical instruments. We work hard to train our staff, and teach them that quality really does come as standard at Platts & Nisbett.

Welcome to 1977, the year which saw a wealth of engineering talent and experience came together to form Platts & Nisbett!