Decontamination processes wherever possible and permitted.
l Ensure internal channels are flushed, cleaned and disinfected, not just external surfaces.
l Orientate devices to support gravitational drainage during reprocessing.
l Recognise drying as a critical safety step, particularly for complex devices.
l Use IFUs carefully, but apply professional judgement and risk assessment when selecting the safest validated process.
l Do not accept instruments that are sterile but visibly or internally dirty.
Final message The session provided a clear reminder that effective decontamination relies on every stage of the process working together: cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation, drainage and drying. For complex devices such as phacoemulsification handpieces, small changes in handling and orientation can have a significant impact on safety. By applying learning from both surgical services and endoscopy, teams can continue to strengthen decontamination practice and reduce avoidable risks for patients. These were just some of the many topics discussed at the CSC’s Annual Scientific Meeting. In-depth coverage of the full sessions can be found on the CSC’s website, at: https://tinyurl. com/ypbpa4ky
Register for Autumn study day! The next educational event in CSC’s calendar is the October Study Day on ‘Innovation for Tomorrow’. Taking place on 12 October 2026 at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, the programme will tackle the latest MedTech
Safe reprocessing depends on how devices are handled throughout the whole cycle, not just on whether they have passed through a steriliser.
developments, the role of AI and robotics, water safety, and the cultural shifts needed to integrate change. Alongside the technological advancements driving innovation across healthcare, there are evolving human factors that must also be considered. These changes place new demands on our services and processes, requiring us to continually adapt and maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, and assurance in the delivery of reprocessed products and prevention of hospital infections. Al Ross will explore the role of human factors
in an evolving healthcare landscape, examining the challenges created by emerging systems and technologies, and considering how we can support workforce wellbeing while maintaining safe and effective services. As the regulatory environment continues
to develop alongside technological innovation, legislative change is inevitable. Phil Brown will examine the implications of these changes and what they may mean for the profession in the years ahead. Prepare to have your thinking challenged by
Declan Diver, who will share insights into the potential use of ozone as a future sterilisation technology and its possible place within healthcare decontamination. Suzanne Surman-Lee will address the growing impact of climate change and antimicrobial resistance on healthcare water systems,
highlighting the risks and challenges these interconnected issues present. Paul Nolan will consider these challenges from the perspective of an Authorised Engineer (Water), discussing how healthcare organisations can respond to an increasingly complex operational environment. Delegates will also be invited to participate
in an interactive panel debate exploring the future of medical technology innovation. The panel will discuss where the journey may take us as artificial intelligence, automation, and other emerging technologies continue to reshape healthcare and decontamination services. Sharon Williams and Gill Lingwood will present
the latest NHS Wales decontamination guidance for point-of-use ultrasound technologies, addressing the challenges of achieving best practice when devices are used and reprocessed within domestic and community settings. Anthony Heard will conclude the day by posing a thought-provoking question: why does decontamination continue to be overlooked during the procurement of new medical devices? His presentation will explore the importance of considering decontamination requirements at the earliest stages of the procurement process and the implications of failing to do so. Throughout the day, delegates will benefit
from practical insights drawn from real-world experience, alongside numerous opportunities to actively participate in discussions, share perspectives, and challenge both the speakers and their peers. CSC looks forward to welcoming you to this year’s Autumn Study Day for what promises to be an engaging, informative, and thought-provoking event. The event will be overseen by CSC Chair, John Prendergast, the Principal Decontamination Engineer working within the specialist team at NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership/Specialist Estates Services. John has worked within the NHS in Wales for the past 35 years.
CSJ
To register and view the latest programme, visit:
https://centralsterilisingclub.org/csc- events/csc-autumn-study-day-2026/
Reference 1. Blastland M, Freeman ALJ, van der Linden S, Marteau TM, Spiegelhalter D. Five rules for evidence communication. Nature. 2020 Nov;587(7834):362-364. doi: 10.1038/d41586-020- 03189-1. PMID: 33208954.
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