DECONTAMINATION SERVICES
in support of the framework, the Board will also examine the CPD activities of each candidate. Existing AE(D)s for re- registration must submit a written review of activities, and their CPD records are checked and recorded within the following categories: n Education and training. n Decontamination experiences. n Management and communication, personal skill development.
n Seminars and courses attended in relevant topics and subjects.
n Supplementary work and duties, private study, reading, and committee-type work.
Via the framework, and with the support of the AE(D) Registration Board, IHEEM and Eastwood Park are determined to produce quality AE(D)s for the future. We need to attract as many able individuals working in various roles within the decontamination field as possible to be AE(D)s. I believe we are well on the way in the development of new AE(D)s, but we probably need more applications from the various sectors of the industry. The aim of this work by our Board is to ensure that any AE(D) appointed to the DTP has excellent knowledge, and can act for the health service and other sectors to the best of their ability.
Always learning Steriliser plant in a Hospital Sterilisation and Decontamination Unit.
member of the Decontamination Technical Platform (DTP) via a proven, independent, and technically assured, process, including a final interview and assessment.
Focus for technical matters Following on from this, the Decontamination Technical Platform acts as the focus for technical matters concerning the decontamination of reusable medical equipment, creating relevant IHEEM policies, advising on relevant issues to the Technical Platform Committee, and managing the Institute’s relevant technical responses and activities. The decontamination framework for AE(D)s at Eastwood Park has significantly moved us in recent years to develop a new, and all-encompassing, procedure in securing the new registration methods and procedures that verify the candidate’s competency. The framework consists of six main areas, which are incredibly detailed, and are sub- divided into many sections, topics, and the skills of each candidate. The board
annually audits the contents of the framework to ensure that the candidates can progress, and be working to the latest information.
The main subject topics are based around the following headings: n Management and generic skills. n Equipment and processes. n Roles and responsibilities, and the legal aspects.
n Decontamination fundamentals. n Standards and national guidance. n Validation, calibration, periodic testing, auditing, and maintenance.
Report sent to IHEEM
When the candidate completes, and is deemed to have passed, the framework by Eastwood Park, a report is sent to IHEEM, and it is then that arrangements are made to carry out the rigorous interview process by members of the Board, with IHEEM office staff representation for independence, to ensure that due process is followed for registration as an IHEEM AE(D). For new candidates to the scheme, and
My experience in decontamination within the field and IHEEM has shown me very clearly that we are always learning and striving for knowledge. We must all continue in relevant CPD activities to embrace that further knowledge and guidance. The AE(D) forms a major part of a decontamination unit or process in a health service organisation or in the pharmaceutical production industry, ensuring that the equipment and/or process is being carried out correctly and safely.
I am proud of the ability and breadth of knowledge that the DTP can demonstrate. The AE(D)s on the platform are from health service engineering backgrounds, with a wide range of personal experience in areas including pharmaceutical production, microbiological and private service, and the specialist contractors’ sector. We also have specialist AEs who represent us and the UK on guidance and standards groups, who are in positions to influence and develop these documents. The UK is served by four distinct areas and local government-controlled health services. My work was in Wales, and I was involved in the development of national (UK) guidance, as well as our own WHTMs. During that period of my career, I had direct contact with Welsh Government officials, as well as Department of Health (DH) officers and those from the other Devolved
April 2021 Health Estate Journal 19
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