Central Hospital Sterilization Department

History and development

At the beginning of the hospital’s operation at its current location (1988), the constructional, architectural and technical conditions were created for the application of high standards in the organization of the hospital’s sterilization activities from one place – the Central Hospital Sterilization Department (according to the WHO Central Sterilie Supply Department – CSSD ). Such an organization has numerous advantages in terms of rationalization and quality of the sterilized product. The SET system technology was applied, which provides sterile material for a complete medical procedure, which means that each patient has their own set.

At the beginning of 2009, sterilization began in a completely reconstructed room equipped with new equipment. Six sterilizers were installed – an autoclave and a low-temperature formaldehyde sterilizer. Knowing the importance of the disinfection methods that precede sterilization and ensure its success, we are equipped with two single-chamber and one three-chamber device for mechanical cleaning, disinfection and drying of medical instruments and accessories. The latest generation devices are designed to meet the requirements of reprocessing complex instruments.

With the aim of providing the departments, diagnostics and operating theaters with sterile instruments and dressings in good time, the sterilization department adapts to the staff, equipment and organization of the service 24 hours a day.

Education and cooperation

In Croatia, the Central Hospital Sterilization Department in Dubrava University Hospital plays a major role in the field of hospital sterilization and acts as a representative department whose experience has also improved the sterilization of other hospital institutions. It is important to point out that in 2002 we were the first in Croatia to work with hydrogen peroxide – plasma sterilization. Based on our experience, plasma sterilization was also introduced in other hospitals in Croatia.

The professional training of sterilization staff takes place within the framework of professional meetings of the Croatian Chamber of Nurses, the Croatian Association of Medical Sterilization and the Croatian Chamber of Health Professionals. In 2011, Smiljana Uljanić, Jasminka Ganić, Nikica Krajina and Igor Janković completed the international WFHSS course, specifically for sterilization professions.

Development plans

It is planned to improve the method of monitoring the sterilization processes of the existing documentation system ICS 8535 – BC, which is an electronic form of monitoring and archiving with documentation of the contents of the filling of each sterilizer by means of a barcode scanner. Such a system should ensure a double purpose: it provides safety for the patient and the medical staff at the same time.

It is planned to follow the European and worldwide news and guidelines on the working methods in sterilization.