Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about using your ventilator for multiple patients, click here. 

 

How are you working with Ford?

GE Healthcare and Ford will work together to rapidly scale the production of ventilators, arming clinicians with medical equipment important in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Ford will provide its technical and production expertise with the goal of manufacturing a simplified design of GE Healthcare’s existing ventilator.

Has GE Healthcare increased its ventilator production capacity?  

Yes.  Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, GE Healthcare has doubled its capacity of ventilator production and has plans to double it again by the end of June 2020. to address unprecedented demand – independent of the collaboration with Ford.

Will these new ventilators be approved by approved/cleared by the FDA? Will it follow the same 510(k) process required for existing ventilators?

We will follow FDA’s guidance and are discussing with the FDA the application of the Emergency Use Authorization for this type of emergency ventilator. We will also work with other global regulators on potential pathways to expedite availability of this product globally. 

Can this ventilator be used outside the traditional ICU setting? 

We are designing this ventilator to be able to be used during this pandemic in various clinical settings.

Will GE make some of these or will they all be made by Ford?

Through this collaboration, Ford will provide its technical and production expertise with the goal of manufacturing a simplified version of GE Healthcare’s ventilator. GE Healthcare will design a simplified ventilator using its health care industry knowledge which includes engineering, quality and regulatory expertise, and distribution and service capabilities.  

Is this simpler ventilator used at the same point in the care continuum as the R860?

We are designing this ventilator to be able to be used during this pandemic in various clinical settings.

Have you raised the price of ventilators? 

No.

During COVID-19, who is the best communication contact for your organization? 

Continue to work with your account executive or local sales representatives.  Should you require a conversation with leadership – our sales leaders can coordinate those discussions.

What GE Healthcare products are being used during the diagnosis and monitoring of COVID-19?

GE Healthcare’s products are used daily in the diagnosis and care of many conditions. GE Healthcare has experienced an increase in demand of some CT scanners, ultrasound devices, mobile X-ray systems, patient monitors and ventilators and is increasing capacity, where possible to meet this demand. Healthcare professionals across the globe are responding to this clinical need and caring for their patients with numerous diagnostic and care tools. We recommend reviewing guidance from local clinical organizations for the most current information.

What is GE’s business continuity plan to continue service delivery? What if large numbers of your technicians fall ill or need to self-isolate?

GE has comprehensive crisis management and business continuity programs underway. We are committed to ensuring our operations and service capabilities continue safely. The size and scale of our services organization allows us to draw on resources across different geographical areas, which helps us respond to local demands and continue serving our customers to the best of our ability. We are also monitoring the health of our field service engineers and providing personal protective equipment for them when servicing equipment.

As a hospital, we have confirmed cases of COVID-19 on site. Will the GE Healthcare field engineers or personnel who are based long-term at our site be able to continue? 

The health and safety of field-based employees is extremely important to us. GE employees may ask customers to share their infection control procedures with us. We expect customers to share hazard and safety information with all employees and contractors onsite. 

GE employees are not allowed to work in a healthcare facility’s isolation epidemic room or an area where a patient is actively being treated.
We will be in touch with our customers directly to communicate any change to normal procedure. 

Can you provide us a document certifying that you will continue your support service at our organization and describing the measures you have in place to continue support service?

Maintaining normal levels of customer service is a priority. We will be in touch with our service customers directly to communicate any change to normal procedure. 

Can you provide a document certifying the health of your technicians?

Please contact your local GE representative who will be able to advise.

Can you provide any discount on your products in this urgent situation?

Please speak to your local GE representative

Can you help us transport equipment from one hospital to another? 

Please speak to your local GE representative.

Our facility is setting up a screening area outside the hospital.  Will using my mobile device outdoors impact the service contract?

Our mobile medical devices are designed for internal use only. Any damage to the system due to (i) using it outside its intended environment, or (ii) failing to use it according to OEM instructions/specifications, will be billable on a time and materials basis; however, will not void your GE Healthcare service contract. If you choose to move your mobile device to a non-traditional enclosed location, we would recommend that you take precautions to avoid unnecessary damage to the system as this could impact the system’s performance during this critical time. Using plywood or Masonite under any paths or use area may help to avoid wheel or caster damage to the unit. Refer to your operator manual for temperature and humidity requirements and when the system is not in use for an extended period of time return the system to its intended environment.