COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

San Mateo Medical Center

DATE:

March 8, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 23, 2004

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Nancy J. Steiger, Chief Executive Officer, San Mateo Medical Center

SUBJECT:

Resolution Waiving the Request for Proposals Process and Approving the Purchase of Upgrades to Two Existing Acuson Sequoia Units and the Purchase of an Acuson Sequoia Ultrasound System from Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution waiving the Request for Proposals (RFP) Process and approving the purchase of upgrades to two existing Acuson Sequoia units and the purchase of an Acuson Sequoia Ultrasound System from Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.

Background

Ultrasound imaging is an integral component in providing healthcare and diagnosis. The Ultrasound Department currently performs an average of 400 procedures each month for in-patients, emergency department patients and out-patients. This represents a 20% increase in patient procedures over the past three years.

In November 1997, your Board approved the purchase of an Acuson Sequoia ultrasound unit for dedicated Cardiac imaging (Echocardiography). In March, 2000, your Board approved the purchase of an Acuson Sequoia ultrasound unit for general sonography of the abdomen, pelvis, small parts and vascular system and for Obsterics. Although technological advances have changed dramatically, there have been no hardware or clinical application upgrades to either of these units since acquisition.

Discussion

The two Acuson Sequoia units in use in the Radiology department are viable imaging systems; however, in order to maintain current standard imaging modalities, it is necessary to purchase upgrades with current software and technology. The upgrades will allow flexibility in applications, imaging transducer exchange between units, and standardization of ultrasound equipment. The increase in patient load, the advances in technology and resulting additional available patient image data require fast and efficient equipment to accomplish patient procedures. The upgrades will allow all ultrasound equipment to be interfaced with the imaging network for image printing.

In addition to purchasing upgrades to the existing two units, It is also necessary to purchase a new Acuson Sequoia unit to replace an Acuson 128XP ultrasound equipment purchased in 1990 which is no longer supported by the manufacturer for replacement parts and application support and which is not upgradable. Part of the new unit includes echo cardiography software which allows dual use of the new unit. The purchase of the new unit includes trade-in (included in the discount of $181,000) of this Acuson 128XP system at considerably higher than market value.

Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. is sole source. Siemens is the manufacturer of both the existing equipment requiring an upgrade and the new equipment. This will allow interfacing and the use of interchangeable transducers between units.

County Counsel has reviewed this Resolution.

Vision Alignment

This resolution keeps the county's commitment of responsive, effective and collaborative government, and goal number 21, County employees understand, support and integrate the County vision and goals into their delivery of services. This resolution contributes to this commitment and goal by providing a modern ultrasound system which will allow efficient and faster access to patient image data.

Fiscal Impact

The upgrades to the existing equipment will cost $49,000 and the new equipment will cost $223,850 for a maximum of $295,361, including tax. Funds are included in San Mateo Medical Center's FY2003-04 Adopted Budget for Capital Equipment as an approved capital expenditure.