THOUGHT L EADE RSHI P
Endoscopy). The working group will look at how decontamination facilities should be ventilated to provide appropriate pressure cascades, air change rates and extraction systems to present safe environments for staff working with chemicals such as peracetic acid. The group will also look at new build options, along with system upgrades that can be considered for existing facilities and will issue a report in due course.
Jimmy added that water quality is also extremely important for sterile services. During the pandemic, the CSC raised concerns that, with a reduction in use and throughput, there could be a risk of water becoming stagnant and associated microbiological problems. “It has been important to make Authorised Engineers for Water aware that, as SSDs return to normal operation, that taps need to be flushed and the microbiology of the water will need to be monitored to ensure that it is safe,” Jimmy advised. CSC recently held a virtual study forum in collaboration with ProdentalCPD focusing on dental units within hospitals, as well as high street practices. During the pandemic, private dentists, in particular, have had to invest heavily in addressing controlling infection risks from aerosol generating procedures. The study forum dealt with issues such as ventilation, minimising aerosols, decontamination and cleaning/ disinfection strategies. (A recording of the event is available to CSC members on the CSC website.) “Dentistry has brought experts together
very quickly to look at ventilation, air flow rates, and the technologies that can be used to make the journey of the patient safer. They are taking this very seriously. I recently visited my hygienist who was wearing a full face respirator hood that was completely sealed with an independent air source and a HEPA filter to provide safe clean air. They are allowing 50 minutes between each patient and fogging every night,” Jimmy reported.
Training and education Jimmy went on to discuss the future development of decontamination sciences and routes into the profession. Upskilling, ensuring competency and attracting new blood into the sector is essential to building a robust service, capable of rising to the challenges ahead.
“SSDs will not only need investment for new facilities and equipment in the future, but they also need to invest in staff training, to ensure that the staff are able to perform their jobs safely, appropriately and to a competent level,” he commented. There have been considerable efforts to address this with education and training initiatives by organisations such as CSC and
APRIL 2021
the Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc).
The IDSc introduced a Technical Certificate
Programme in 2012. This is an eLearning based modular qualification which has recently been accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Jimmy believes that provision of improved training will be the best way of attracting new staff into the decontamination sciences and he observed that the IDSc training programme is particularly suited for entry level grades as it will help to provide a means of progress to a higher grade/position within the department. “People who have struggled to get on to the mainstream educational platforms will find the technical certificates really accessible. This programme is exam based. There are two parts: multiple choice and a written paper. From my own background I am aware that education is not everyone’s forte in their early life though this should not be a barrier to advancement or entry into the decontamination sciences. Apprenticeships are also going to be a great bonus for the sector,” he asserted.
Succession planning is something that the
NHS needs to improve on, he suggested. “The NHS is often fire-fighting. There hasn’t been enough of a strategic overview of staff progression and training to ensure succession planning and advancement to leadership roles in decontamination,” he commented.
Innovation
In addition to training and guidance, innovation will be key to driving improvement within the sector over the coming years. Jimmy pointed out that concerns around the risk of iatrogenic CJD transmission had driven significant improvement in the sector over the past two decades and the UK’s decontamination sector is recognised, internationally, as having very high standards. However, he raised concerns that the NHS still doesn’t have universal technologies in every hospital for detecting protein on instruments, after they have been reprocessed. “Although there are commercial solutions available, is enough being done about the issue of protein detection? Rigid endoscopes can be cleaned and sterilised; however,
The Decontamination Professional
Experts Communication Forum This group comprises nominated experts from CSC, IDSC, Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Infection Prevention Society (IPS), Healthcare Infection Society (HIS), Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP), British Society of Gastroenterologists (BSG), IHEEM, Joint Advisory Group (JAG), Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI). At the first reconvened DPECF meeting in February 2021, Jimmy was asked to chair the group going forward. A number of initiatives
were started that will be taken forward including the intention to revise the archived MAC (Microbiology Advisory Committee) Manual in which the late CSC chair, Tina Bradley, was instrumental. This is not intended to be a reproduction of other guidance (such as that currently in the HTMs), but will become a training manual for people working in decontamination.
It will be developed by a DPECF subgroup with experience in the different roles required and is intended to complement current guidance.
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