The first of the new instrument washers installed in L+M’s Sterile Processing Department.
Imagine replacing the dishwasher in your kitchen. Suddenly you realize the refrigerator is really old, too. And what about the countertops and cabinets? Is it time for a full kitchen upgrade?
That dynamic is essentially what happened when the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) at L+M Hospital looked into replacing a 40-year-old cart washer that was well past its prime. Before long, a deep dive into the department’s needs led to an ongoing $6 million renovation to bolster the future of the department that cleans and sterilizes all surgical instruments.
The work is being done in eight phases.
Items on the replacement docket include flooring and ceiling tiles, cart washers, pass-through washers and sterilizers.
“It’s tricky, because we must maintain a sterile environment,” said Adam Kuhn, a Facilities manager overseeing the project. “Also, the new equipment will place higher demands on our infrastructure, so we have to upgrade that, also.”
And the department must continue to function during construction. “Our employees understand how important this is, so we’re coping with some disruption and inconvenience,” said Felicia Jones, SPD manager. “Everyone is working together to continue to meet the demands of our OR.”
Upgrading and expanding the SPD’s capacity is essential to the future of the Operating Room, said Lynne Killoy, RN, director of Perioperative Services. “New state-of-the-art equipment will help ensure the best outcomes for our surgical patients, as sterile equipment is a key factor in preventing surgical infections,” Killoy said. “In addition, a modern SPD means that we will be capable of expanding our Operating Room services in the future.”
