TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AP/CP Competency
no actual clarification as to the function of the role; were the individuals CPs, AEs, or Decontamination Leads? While other AP roles are more concise, with formal governance systems accepted, there were examples within decontamination where individuals were uncomfortably requested to make decisions in areas that were outside their comfort zone, as ultimately the field lacked that same systematic approach. Perhaps that is a result of a lack of clarity within the Health Technical Memoranda dedicated to our field.
AP(D)’s critical role The AP(D) is critical to support the organisation,
and the safe management of the CP(D) is a primary part of the role. As we look forward, we are working towards having systems in place to ensure that the CP(D) is managed in accordance with organisational policies and local procedures, such as the CP(D) adhering to the Control of Contractors and Operational Maintenance Policies. These documents should set core guidance for all engineering personnel undertaking work activity within the premises of the organisation. All organisations now operate a WHTM-
compliant, standard Permit to Work. Resource to manage from an AP(D) perspective can be a challenge, given that the volume of decontamination permits can significantly exceed other disciplines. Great strides have been made to manage the PTW, and the support of other Estates management personnel, often acting as Responsible Persons, countersigning permits in the absence of the AP(D), is a short- term way around the absence of any nominated Authorised Person. Hopefully over time more resource and resilience will be presented within organisations to provide the correct numbers of AP(D) appointed at each locality. The permit process ensures that the
competency of Competent Persons (Decontamination) is verified prior to authorisation. This process should also include periodic site induction and retention of appropriate competency records to include evidence of core qualifications and experience prior to authorisation to work safely at the appropriate level (e.g. safely working with steam or electrical systems). The AP(D)s are encouraged to view
John Prendergast MIHEEM MIDSc (Chtd) AE(D)
Principal Decontamination Engineer, NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership - Specialist Estates Services
John Prendergast is the Principal Decontamination Engineer working within the specialist team at NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership/Specialist Estates Services. John is an AE(D), and the role is dedicated to all aspects of decontamination/reprocessing techniques for medical devices. John leads the team that provides validation services, advice, and guidance, to Health Boards/Trusts within Wales, and works closely with Welsh governmental departments to deliver policy and strategy in this unique and often complex field. He is chairperson of the IHEEM Welsh Branch, and was heavily involved in this year’s IHEEM Wales Conference in May 2024, informing the audience on the pilot study and progression ongoing with the development of Competent and Authorised Persons working within decontamination services across NHS Wales and the wider UK. John is also chairperson of the Central Sterilising Club, and Interim Chair of the Board of Registration for Authorised Engineers (Decontamination).
competency logbooks for engineers undertaking work activities. These logbooks should be completed by the individual CP(D), to provide evidence of the level of work completed routinely. This work can be less invasive tasks such as weekly testing, or working at a more technical level, such as on software reconfigurations or fault- finding with three- phase electrical equipment. This type of activity often involves investigating while supply is ‘live’, so hopefully all can see the need for appropriate
competencies. This logbook presents the AP(D) with evidence the individual is competent prior to authorisation to complete the relevant work.
Resistance in some areas The completion of the logbook has led to
resistance in areas such as direct and contract labour. However, we must ensure there is an understanding of need, and software suppliers are developing electronic systems to make recording and reflection of activities easier for the CP(D)s. The logbook is nothing new; registered nursing staff complete this as part of their re-registration process, and the AE(D) is required to supply such information as part of their re-registration. We have some great examples supplied of logbooks that are routinely updated by the individuals in question. Work is progressing in a positive manner, and the need for such logbooks and competency information must be built into procurement contracts when looking to outsource maintenance/validation services.
The future
There are currently formal assessment systems in place for the AP(D), usually at set frequencies of between one and three years based upon technical experience. Going forward, it is the intention to make that process a more consistent exercise, building on systems used with the other
August 2024 Health Estate Journal 19
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