Frequently Asked Questions About Sourcing Surgical Supplies in Australia

Purchasing surgical supplies is no small task. To start with, the stakes are quite high. The quality of your surgical supplies has a direct impact on the level of patient care you are able to provide. On top of that, surgical supplies are quite a significant investment. The last thing you want to be doing is wasting your budget on unnecessary consumables or equipment that is simply not fit for purpose.

With this in mind, the team at Paragon Care have put together a list of frequently asked questions. This information will hopefully assist you source surgical supplies in Australia that are both within your budget and make a genuine difference to the work of your clinicians (and therefore, the health and wellbeing of your patients).

Is this a one-off purchase or will I need to set up an on-going purchase order?

An alternate phrasing to this question is — am I purchasing capital equipment or consumable products?

Capital surgical supplies include equipment such as an ultrasound machine, or a device used to provide laser therapy. Obviously this will be a one-off purchase, involving potentially less on-going paperwork and logistical considerations.

Consumable products, on the other hand, will require constant replenishment. Consumable surgical supplies include procedural kits, syringes, probe covers, and needle guides. These products can typically only be used once before they must be disposed of. As a result, you will need to calculate how quickly you expect to run through these supplies and come up with an appropriate on-going purchase order.

A good supplier will be able to help you with this, using their knowledge and experience to come up with an arrangement that will ensure you don’t run out of supplies at a critical moment.

Is my supplier qualified to sell this equipment?

The development, manufacture, and selling of surgical supplies in Australia is a heavily legislated field. This is done to protect all parties involved, from the manufacturer to the patient. Before purchasing any type of medical equipment, ensure that the supplier is qualified to advertise and sell the product.

This information can be found on the Therapeutic Goods Association website.

Am I sure these supplies are good quality?

Purchasing surgical supplies in Australia comes with a catch-22; the better quality a product is, the more it is likely to cost.

However, don’t let this put you off investing in quality supplies. As mentioned, the quality of your supplies has a direct impact on the level of patient care you are able to provide. While you don’t need to go out of your way to look for the most expensive product out there, be wary of any supplies that are advertised at a very low price.

The price tag is not the only way that you can discern quality. As is the case with any product purchase, word of mouth recommendations can provide valuable information. Depending on the type of supply, you might also be able to find reviews online that can help you make an informed decision.

Does this supplier offer maintenance and repair?

One of the most important aspects of owning medical equipment is maintenance. As is the case with all types of equipment, medical devices require on-going support and repair if they are to continue to function at a high level.

To put it simply, don’t purchase any type of surgical supplies in Australia if the provider does not also offer maintenance and repair. Doing so is a huge risk; you may invest considerable money in a device only to be left in the dark when it breaks down.

Before purchasing equipment or supplies, ask the provider about their maintenance options. Check whether they offer OEM maintenance and repair, how many technicians they have on their team, and what their standard turnaround time is when it comes to repairs.

What are my warranty and contract options with this supplier?

Warranty is another must-have when it comes to purchasing medical equipment and supplies. Warranty — whether offered by the supplier, manufacturer, or a combination of both — is an excellent way of protecting your investment and providing peace of mind that your patients will continue to benefit from top quality medical care.

Ask also about the supplier's contract options. Many suppliers (including Paragon Care) understand that purchasing medical equipment comes with a considerable upfront cost. Getting your hands on the equipment you need can be made more achievable through service contract offerings.

Of course, this is only a small selection of the possible questions and concerns that you might have. For further information, reach out to Paragon Care’s friendly customer service team. Our experience means we will be able to offer advice tailored to your circumstances, making sure you have all the information you need to purchase surgical supplies in Australia.