FACILITY UPGRADES
The new pipework.
a standard rarely seen. Garth and his team were always polite and conscientious. It was a pleasure to have them on site.”
First of a kind Lead nurse for endoscopy services Vicki Hedley said: “The endoscopy unit was built in 2004 and the central decontamination area was the first of its kind in the country. A recent JAG decontamination audit suggested some improvements consistent with current standards. “Like any project, we wanted to make
sure we had as little downtime as possible. We also wanted to make sure that the area was still operational during this time. We worked closely with estates, infection control and the contractors. Any changes to plans were discussed and agreed before going ahead. “The department was cleaned and functional as a decontamination area every Monday. This was due to the close working relationship with Garth and his team. Garth and I met every Monday for an update on the progress and to discuss any changes to plans where needed. “There was no disruption to our work or machine downtime. We were very fortunate that we had decreased our workload to emergency cases only due to COVID-19. All work was planned after we had finished for the day and over a series of weekends when the department was closed.” Hedley added: “Overall, we were very pleased with the organisation and management of the project. Garth and his team often spent long days completing work so that the area could be operational each Monday. The decontamination team are delighted with the outcome.” Pleased with how the task called on all his skills, SSD director Rowbottom said: “It was hard, difficult, awkward - it needed to be undertaken logistically so that nothing went amiss. Schemes like this are all down to good planning, a good team and having the time to do it right. I’m very
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New Neocare height adjustable sinks and steel storage cabinets were installed.
pleased with the outcome and the quality of the workmanship. “It was probably one of the hardest schemes I’ve worked on for quite some time. The department had to stay operational, we had to handle various issues that cropped up and the pandemic. We went through the health and safety and infection prevention and control protocols with all the team who were working on site.” With his wide-ranging experience,
Rowbottom was both project manager and ‘on the tools’ when needed. “It was satisfying to see those skills were still there,” he added. “There was no issue with the other
contractors. No grief from anyone. We planned ahead to ensure that all the
guys could get on with their various tasks when they arrived and that any parts that they needed were ready and available. We issued test certificates throughout. Dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s. It’s about getting it right first time to meet the standard.” Rowbottom continued: “Many
endoscopy and sterile services departments across the country will have similar issues, that they struggle to handle. We’re doing ‘get out of jail’ stuff for people. It’s all part of the service we supply. If it’s awkward we rise to the challenge. Problems that come along we take in our stride. There’s always a way. Our attitude is: ‘It’s not a problem, we can do it’. We bring solutions. “Once we’re onsite people see what
we can do and ask us to take on other things. At St George’s, for example, we’re now handing the weekly testing of the washer-disinfectors and steam sterilisers in the trust’s sterile services department. We’re becoming a ‘safe pair of hands’ – a company they can trust.”
Best practice environment Sayandan added: “The endoscope reprocessing unit now provides a best practice environment. We’ve managed to achieve all this without stopping the day- to-day operation of the department at any time. We’re now going forward for ISO 9002 and JAG re-accreditation. “The scheme took one weekend more than planned. Given the situation – the challenges faced and COVID-19 – that was really great. We managed to keep the work within budget. From my previous experience, I knew what the costs would be. It wasn’t cheap, but, equally, it was not expensive. “All the staff are very happy, and
SSD director Garth Rowbottom project managed the scheme and was ‘on the tools’ when needed.
the area looks brilliant. The department now looks fresh and more spacious. It’s really transformed. On schemes such as this, quality and finish are important. They’re both positive. Both meet my expectations.”
IFHE IFHE DIGEST 2022
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