IDSc Preview 2025
A big year for IDSc: a new strategic vision
Major changes are ahead for the decontamination sector – with a new National Decontamination Strategy for the UK and move to circularity under the Design for Life programme, which will mean extra demand being placed on reprocessing services. It has been a big year for IDSc and this year’s congress will provide some vital insights into the changes.
From its initial inception in 1967, the Institute of Decontamination Science (IDSc) has actively developed and grown in strength and is the only UK professional body for decontamination to be recognised by the Professional Bodies Council. It plays a fundamental role in achieving effective patient outcomes and reducing the risks of healthcare-associated infection. The IDSc continues to embrace the challenges that arise within the decontamination sector. It has actively engaged with, and helped to lead, the major review of traditional standards and practice in all areas of decontamination that occurred in response to the emergence of CJD and the complexities of prion removal, and encourages future growth, improvement and advances within this rapidly evolving field.
What’s new in 2025 Since the findings of the original HSSIB investigation into failures in decontamination, the IDSc was commissioned by NHSE to produce a Technical Bulletin identifying decontamination staff competencies and qualifications for all staff roles. This has given for the first time a career structure and a reference document for managers and organisations to use as a framework for the requirements of qualifications, pay banding and registration. This year also included the launch of the IDSc Endoscopy Technical Certificate, which has been levelled by SQA at Level 3 (England and Wales) and level 6 (Scotland). “Helen Campbell, the previous IDSc Director
of Education, has worked hard to ensure endoscopy decontamination staff can achieve professional recognition through this qualification for the reprocessing of endoscopy flexible endoscopes. The qualification has been well received, and interest is increasing,” commented IDSc Chair, Trevor Garcia. Uptake of the Level 2 and Level 4
apprenticeships has also significantly increased
since the issue of the last NHS Technical Bulletin (following the seminal HSSIB report).1
Collaboration on new guidance
He added that the IDSc has also been engaging with other professional organisations and bodies within healthcare science. These include the AfPP, Academy for Healthcare Science, Design for Life, NHS Estates, NHS Employers, NHS Careers, IHEEM Examination Panel, NHS Supply Chain, MHRA, CSC, ReMed, MedCycling, and the ABHI. Earlier this year, IDSc and AfPP announced
Trevor Garcia, IDSc Chair.
is designed to support safe, efficient, and effective practice across all departments involved in the process, ensuring that patient safety remains paramount. Trevor Garcia, National Chairperson for the IDSc, said: “The IDSc recognises the importance of collaborating with AfPP. Loan sets have long presented challenges, and the availability of best practice guidance will help provide a more structured approach to
that they have collaborated to review and update the national guidance on the management of loan sets and individual reusable medical devices. This joint effort has led to the publication of a comprehensive and practical document:Loan Set Management and Individual Medical Devices - Principles Between Suppliers/Manufacturers, Theatre Departments and Decontamination Units. The revised guidance
managing these day-to-day issues. We hope to continue this collaboration, as it is vital that our departments work together to ensure patient safety.” AfPP members highlighted the need for
clearer, updated guidance to address growing complexity in managing loan sets, especially with the increasing volume and sophistication of surgical procedures, and the associated demand for specialist instrumentation. Recognising this need, AfPP and IDSc brought together expertise from across the sectors to create a shared understanding of expectations, responsibilities,
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