INSTITUTE NEWS
Lively debate at Welsh decontamination forum
The annual All Wales Endoscope Decontamination Forum, hosted by NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership/ Specialist Estates Services (NWSSP/SES), and facilitated through the IHEEM Wales Branch, was held in June this year at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, writes IHEEM AE (D) and Wales Branch member, John Prendergast. The Senior Decontamination Engineer
at NWSSP/SES explained: “As always, the event was a tremendous success; over 80 attendees representing Health Boards from across Wales enjoyed a wide range of talks. A number of decontamination disciplines were covered as part of the day, and this provided an interesting balance for delegates to discuss and enjoy. The day was supported by an exhibition, with 16 commercial exhibitors presenting a variety of innovative technologies to delegates. Both NWSSP/ SES and IHEEM (Wales) would like to thank our commercial partners at this event. “The day began with a look into solutions to help resolve the patient backlog of endoscopy procedures being experienced both throughout the NHS in Wales and the wider UK. A presentation focusing on modular facility solutions was provided by Actiform and Wassenburg UK. It included slides showing prospective layouts of pre-manufactured and installed decontamination and theatre facilities. Debate was raised about the need for such facilities to meet the basic requirements of appropriate healthcare standards and guidance (HTM/WHTMs). “Meredith Smart, Managing Director
of 20/30 Labs, gave a thought- provoking presentation highlighting the efficacies of manual versus automated decontamination systems, with a particular focus on semi-critical endoscopic devices, such as ENT scopes. With such a widely-debated topic, there was plenty to discuss, and risks were identified on all levels. What are the actual risks, however, and is evidence always correct? “Paul Caesar of Pentax Medical then
gave a device manufacturer’s perspective on endoscopes, particularly as regards decontamination. Themes included
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the ‘Why and How’ of endoscopy decontamination, with a detailed run- down of processes, and the speaker highlighted areas for innovation, development, and sustainability. This opened areas for debate and discussion among audience members, questions were raised, and the audience was certainly left thinking about current and future practices.
Key role of Infection Control teams “Mark Furmage, representing Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, delivered a presentation highlighting the key role that Infection Control teams have within healthcare organisations, emphasising the importance of audits. The presentation encapsulated many elements of the audit process, as well as applicable real-world applicable findings, which proved helpful examples for audience participation. “An interactive session was held to kick off the forum’s afternoon. Here, representatives from across NHS Wales took the stage to field questions from the audience, with me as the facilitator. The lively session drew on the wealth
A number of decontamination disciplines were covered as part of the day, and this provided an interesting balance for delegates to discuss and enjoy. The day was supported by an exhibition with 16 commercial exhibitors
of audience experience, with valuable knowledge shared, some interesting findings, and best practice promoted. “A presentation covering endoscope channel patency was delivered by representatives from IMed. The speakers provided a comprehensive overview of the methods used within endoscope washer-disinfectors to detect blocked/ occluded lumens within the endoscopes, and the complexities surrounding technology to enable the machines to achieve channel patency as per standards and guidance. “My presentation on engineering
governance requirements concluded the day. NHS Wales is working alongside IHEEM and the Institute’s Decontamination Technical Platform to review competency requirements, and alignment of decontamination engineering structures, alongside other technical disciplines revising the management of CP(D)s (Competent Persons (Decontamination), and enhancing the role of Authorised Persons, in the field of decontamination. “The All-Wales Endoscopy Forum
provided those who attended with invaluable opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, industry experts, and key stakeholders for endoscopy in Wales. The day provided an example of how an IHEEM branch can link with both NHS providers and commercial partners to support NHS learning and career development, and contribute to Continuing Professional Development.”
November 2023 Health Estate Journal 9
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