1. Best Practice and Compliance: Commissioning A Sterile Processing
Department for Improved Patient Care
Roel B. Castillo
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Sterilising Services Manager, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia
Objective
To implement the requirements of legislative bodies in the Australian context and ensure that the processing of reusable medical devices
are safe for use in between patients.
Methodology
Procurement and validation of processing equipment compliant with ISO and Australian standards;
Formulation and implementation of policies and procedures as mandated by the requirements of Australian Standards 4187:2003
Cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and the maintenance of associated
environment; the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare Standard 3: Preventing and Controlling Healthcare
Associated Infections and the New South Wales State Health Department Policies and Guidelines.
Documentation and internal audits to ensure compliance and a window of opportunity for successful continuous process improvement
Conclusion
It is essential to comply with regulatory bodies and "best practice" in setting up a new Sterile Processing Department to ensure patient
safety in providing quality processed items for use between patients.
SSD Staff – Lifehouse, 2014
Results
A strong sense commitment to ensure patient safety the following has been achieved:
All reprocessing equipment that was procured are compliant with ISO and Australian Standards, relevant commissioning addressing the
requirements of the Australian regulatory bodies
Formulation and implementation of policies & procedures according to the mandates of the federal & state bodies, this includes
workflows, safe work practices and staff training and education
Ability to self-audit on a regular basis for continuous improvement
Message
A higher sense of commitment to meet the demands of improved practice for better patient care
Roel Castillo, Sterilising Services Manager
119-143 Missenden Road
Camperdown, NSW, 2050, PO Box M33
‘Riskman’1
Software - Used by SSD staff
Acknowledgements:
1
© Copyright 2012 Riskman
Noah T. Castillo – Graphics Design
Belief sterilisers and ASP sterilisers, Lifehouse SSD
YX
Washers, Lifehouse SSD