Changing the
Think
Culture in the SPD
continued from page 1
of It as
“The fact is, it takes a lot more than equipment
upgrades to ensure effective cleaning and
Green Steam
sterilization. Too often SPD workers are ill prepared
to perform their jobs, correctly, because of the lack
of proper training.”
T
oday, “going green” can save a lot of “green” — especially when it
According to DeMeo, common mistakes include
comes to conserving water during steam sterilization. With more
overloading the equipment, incorrectly placing
and more states looking to mandate that business and industry
instruments in the basket, and using inadequate
and reduce groundwater usage, Getinge’s Water Saver Package for
chemicals and disinfectants.
Getinge Steam Sterilizers can go a long way to satisfy legal requirements
“It’s also important that SPD personnel fully
and save money too.
understand how steam does its job, which
In fact, the Water Saver Package can reduce water consumption by
sterilization method is appropriate, and the need to
75% or more during the vacuum stage of the sterilization process when
ensure that instruments are properly wrapped.
cycle parameters incorporate 20 minutes or more of dry-time.
Otherwise, sterilization of a particular instrument
In addition, installation of the Water Saver Package results in no
set could be compromised, despite the results of a
change in cycle performance. Plus, operating instructions for the
BI or CI.”
sterilizer remain unchanged. The Water Saver Package is recommended
DeMeo acknowledges that it is difficult to
for sterilizers that process wrapped or unwrapped goods with dry times
ascertain and measure technicians’ competency,
of 30 minutes or more. The package is compatible with Getinge 400/500
which reflects the quality of training they receive.
Series, Model 633, Model 733 and Model 833 Steam Sterilizers.
“Every institution places a different emphasis on
The compact package includes the tank, pump assembly, motor,
training — especially in states where there is no
ejector, temperature-operated valve and interface for the sterilizer
formal certification process for SPD workers.
control system.
Where certification is required, there is a level of
The unit is not recommended for locations where biohazardous
confidence that SPD personnel will consistently
material is processed. a73
perform their duties in accordance with best
practices. That’s why more state regulatory
agencies either have or will be mandating
certification — which is a good thing for
everyone concerned.”
Mom Sews Best
Over the course of her career, DeMeo has
witnessed the evolution of the SPD from being the
continued from page 1 distribution point for bandages and supplies to a
strategic center of infection control.
“There are a number of rules
“With heightened public awareness of published
that govern the making of an
hospital-acquired infection rates, it is becoming
American flag. For example,
increasingly difficult for any institution to take a
dimensions are driven by the
‘business-as-usual’ approach. However, once a
size of the field of blue. The rest
cultural shift has taken place, and senior hospital
of the flag is proportionate to
administrators fully come to grips with both the
that. Plus, the fabric I purchased
challenge and the opportunity, SPD performance
had to incorporate special dyes
dramatically improves. I guess you can say
specific to the American flag.”
success is infectious.” a73
Nancy also pointed to the
fact that the flag is two sided, which required the hand cutting of 100 stars.
Working nonstop over an entire weekend, Nancy completed the flag
that has since flown over her daughter’s FOB (Forward Operating Base) in
Panjshir Province, Afghanistan.
Kate reports that the folded flag accompanies her wherever she travels,
as part of her duties as a member of a provincial reconstruction team.
Nancy notes, “I was humbled by the opportunity to sew the American
flag, knowing the sacrifices the brave men and women of our armed forces
have made over the generations to safeguard our freedoms and those of
others in the world who are not as fortunate as we are.” a73
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