BRIEF HISTORY OF CSSD
Before the introduction of the Central Sterile Supply department, equipment used for sterile procedures was washed and sterilized by nursing staff by the use of water boilers.
Dressing materials and linen that could not be boiled were prepared by nurses and placed in a sterilization drum through which steam could pass during sterilization. It was agreed that these methods of sterilization were not 100% effective and efforts were directed towards the development of more reliable systems.
THE AIMS OF CSSD
- To provide hospital wards and departments (and others with whom supply arrangements has been agreed) all the equipment and materials required for clean and sterile procedures.
- To relieve the nursing staff of certain non-nursing duties.
THE CENTRAL SUPPLY DEPARTMENT AS A WORKING UNIT
The work in the Central Sterile Supply Department consists of four stages:-
- Collection, reception (disinfection) sorting, cleaning, drying, inspection and testing of equipment.
- Assembly and packing
- Autoclaving
- Storage and distribution of sterilized goods.
CSSD LAUNDERETTE
Recently, a direction was given to re-establish a launderette on the new site to cater to staff who work in the theatres.