The Central Sterilizing Supplies Department (CSSD) is a crucial function in any hospital and health institutions as it facilitates sterilization of surgical tools and instruments, hospital equipment and consumables for subsequent use by health workers in operating theatres of the hospital. Sterile tools and instruments also facilitate other procedures, e.g. catheterization, wound stitching and bandaging that occur on wards.
The history of CSSD at the POSGH indicates the establishment of the department as a way of having all surgical tools and instruments, hospital equipment and consumables sterilized in one central location. This is accomplished through the use of special solutions for washing, a steaming and drying process in autoclaves and testing material to check the effectiveness of the sterilization process. The objectives of the department are many, however, the main objective can be ascertained as enabling/facilitating better patient care through the provision of sterilized equipment which would allow for the prevention of cross infection and other diseases.
Prior to the department’s institution these items were decontaminated by nurses on the wards and attached to the theatres. It was observed that the process on the wards were not hygienic as could be and the nurses were being taken away from their fundamental duties of patient care.
CSSD at Port of Spain General Hospital recently celebrated CSSD week with a host of activities specifically geared towards educating the staff at the hospital and the general public of their purpose and operations. The week of events which occurred at the department itself commenced on 9th September, 2016 and concluded on 16th September, 2016.
There were live demonstrations on the sterilizing of various surgical instruments and the wrapping process of the instruments after sterilization, a CSSD tour for student nurses as well as a display on the history of CSSD of POSGH entitled “CSSD then to now”. The week also included a fun filled activity for the staff of the department in the form of an in house wrapping competition with a trophy being awarded to the best wrapper. The week culminated with a Thanksgiving and appreciation service for the staff, where they were presented with certificates and tokens of appreciation.
The NWRHA wishes to acknowledge the CSSD at the POSGH as an integral part the organization’s operation and extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff for their vital role in patient care. Keep up the great work!
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