Jobs and Training in CSSD

CSSD is a specialised area responsible for the collecting, decontamination, assembling, packing, sterilisation, storing and distribution of a multiplicity of goods and equipment to areas in the hospital that provide patient care. The standard of work must be very high to provide the excellence that is required for quality patient care.

Philosophy

CSSD is organised on the principle of providing the right item, at the right time, in the right condition and always to render service. The department is also mindful of its obligation to create a safe patient and staff environment. This is achieved by using efficient quality control and meeting standards as established in AS4187.

Objectives

To promote better patient care through the provision of -

• A centralised area for the cleaning, decontamination, packing and sterilisation of reusable products used in patient care. Continuing educational programs within the department, hospital and community
• Evaluation of all new supplies used in the decontamination and sterilisation practice to ensure patient safety
• Staff who understand the principles of correct practices for patient and their own personal safety
• Quality products in accordance with International Standards (ISO) and Australian Standards. (AS)

Accreditation

The EQuIP Accreditation in November 2000 by ACHS conducted resulted in Box Hill Hospital receiving re-accreditation for the maximum 4 years. This Accreditation report included commendations and comments on CSSD including:

• "The hospital has an excellent CSSD"
• "The staff of CSSD are commended on their efforts to ensure a safe and infection free environment."
• The management and staff of CSSD are commended for their effort in addressing the requirements for Infection Control."

Services provided and service organisation

Our major role is as a sterilisation reprocessing service to Box Hill Hospital, providing reprocessed instrumentation and linen bundles. Additionally we provide a thermal decontamination service for products not requiring sterilisation eg. anaesthesia equipment.

CSSD also has a minor supply role in providing small quantities of bulk pre-packaged purchased sterilised goods to all areas of Box Hill Hospital.

CSSD coordinates all instrument repairs for Box Hill Hospital.

Currently we also provide our thermal decontamination and sterilisation reprocessing service for outside customers such as St Georges Hospital, Peter James Centre and local doctors surgeries.

Contacts

Associate Nurse Manager - Mrs Evelyn Deed
PO Box 94  Box Hill  3128  Victoria  Australia
E-mail: cssd@boxhill.org.au
Phone +61 (0) 3 9895 3333
Fax +61 (0) 3 9895 3199

Activity Data

Installed in January 2000 were three Atherton Horizon Prevacume Steam Sterilisers that are state of the art computerised touch screen sterilisers. With three Emergency 'flash' Sterilisers located in the Operating Suite. In addition five decontamination Lancer batch load washers are used in the three decontamination areas of the department.

During 2000, the department processed over 175,000 items (6525 Loads) through our sterilisation reprocessing service and an estimated 40,000 through the thermal decontamination process.

Staffing

Currently our structure comprises a Nurse Manager assisted by an Associate Nurse Manager, a Registered Nurse (Div.1) and Instrument Technician Supervisors. The remaining staff are Instrument Technicians Grade 2. These are people who have a minimum of 12 months experience and have undertaken a formal training course equivalent to the Certificate in Health III (Sterilisation Practice for Technicians).

A small number of positions are retained for our Training Program, and consist of Instrument Technicians Grade 1. These are people who have no formal qualification in the area or have not obtained 12 months experience.

Job Opportunities

We are constantly seeking experienced and qualified Grade 2 Instrument Technicians for Full time, Part Time or Casual positions.

Grade 1 or unexperienced positions are currently advertised every 6 months (May and November) for our training program.

If you are interested in either positions please e-mail your resume to cssd@boxhill.org.au

Education and Training Training Program

This is a 12 month program run in conjunction with Mayfield Education Centre. The couse is the Certificate III in Health (Sterilising Practice For Technicians). Students on commencement of employment will undertake an orientation program. The orientation program will have a theoretical component covering the basic principles of infection control, cleaning and handling techniques, packaging and wrapping methods and equipment operation and principles. Students then rotate through all areas of CSSD practice with an experienced practitioner. A qualified mentor is appointed for the duration of the course to facilitate clinical and theoretical components of the course.

Seminars

Co-ordination of seminars for both Box Hill Hospital staff and other health practitioners is an important role in the promotion of CSSD practice. Seminars held include:
- Tracking Systems May 2000
- Steam and Steam Quality November 2000
- CJD and the Acute Health Practitioner April 2001

Inservice Education Programs

Regular educational sessions are held on a routine basis, at least one per fortnight, and cover topics such as Fire Safety, Principles of Infection Control, Procedures for each type of instrument and the implications for CSSD practice, latex allergy, and many more topics.