FOI release

Ventway Sparrow Ventilators Export notifications

Case reference FOI2025/00768

Received 24 July 2025

Published 9 September 2025

Request

We are requesting urgent clarification and traceability data regarding any Ventway Sparrow ventilators exported from the UK, particularly units that may have originated from NHS pandemic surplus stock. Our Concerns We are aware of potential unauthorised resale and attempted exportation of these devices by third parties without the knowledge, approval, or oversight of either Simulation Man Ltd or the manufacturer (Inovytec). As you will appreciate, the Ventway Sparrow is a Class IIb life-supporting ventilator, and any exports of such equipment may carry: Clinical risk if used without service history or valid warranty Regulatory consequences if exported without proper manufacturer engagement Reputational damage if UK-sourced equipment is misrepresented abroad Our Request We respectfully request that the MHRA confirm whether: Any Ventway Sparrow ventilators have been registered or declared for export from the UK since January 2023. Who the declared exporters were for each shipment. The destinations or countries these units were exported to. The serial numbers or identification of the exported devices, if available. We believe this information is critical not only for regulatory accountability, but also for ensuring that unsupported devices do not enter clinical service abroad under false assurances. Supporting Role We are fully aligned with the manufacturer and the MHRA’s mandate to uphold safety and compliance. We are happy to cooperate further with enforcement, provide technical validation, or help identify at-risk devices.

Response

See attached

Documents

• FOI2025_00768 (redacted).pdf (721.7 KB)

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