Times of India
30 June 2010
Lucknow, India

Central sterile facility at MU to check infections
The centenary hospital of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University (CSMMU) would have a central sterile facility to keep a check on hospital infection. The facility would be developed on the lines of a model being used by the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai (TMH).

The medical university till now followed department–centric individual models for sterilisation which usually involved autoclaving. Then the risk of hospital infection is higher in CSMMU campus when compared with any other hospital because of its patient burden, the spread of its infrastructure and old building.

As a run–up to the same, head of central sterile services department (CSSD), TMH, Dr RG Sawant visited the medical university campus on Tuesday to examine the proposals prepared by authorities back home. Dr Sawant, it may be noted, is an authority on the subject.

As per the world forum for hospital sterile supply, ‘‘more and more, infectious diseases form a serious threat to people’s health. Adequate sterile supply plays an essential role in the attempt to reduce the spreading of diseases within the health service.’’

Addressing medicos in CSMMU, Dr Sawant said that people come to health facilities to be cured from disease and injuries.

Many of their diseases are caused by micro–organisms, thus making any health facility a home to large number of disease–causing micro–organisms.

‘‘Since patients are vulnerable, the risk of falling prey to the microber is higher. Those attending their dear ones are also susceptible for acquiring a disease. It is the task of the health facilities not only to cure diseases of its patients but also to prevent transmission of diseases from one patient to the other,’’ he said.

Briefing reporters after the address, chief medical superintendent, CSMMU, Prof SN Shankhwar said that the new system would be able to address the concern effectively. ‘‘An important measure against spreading of diseases is the requirement that all medical supplies, such as instruments, swabs, drapes and so on which are used on open wounds or will be in touch with the inner fluids of the body, are free of any viable micro–organisms. CSSD would address the issue,’’ he said.

Identify Cssd

• CSSD stands for central sterile service department which can enable effective control over hospital infection
• It supplies of sterile instruments, linen packs, dressing and other sterile items used in patient care.
• Maintains a record of the effectiveness of the procedures used in cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation.
• Monitors and enforces controls necessary to prevent nosocomial infection according to infection control policies.
• Provides a safe hospital environment for the patients and staff, in terms of handling patient care equipment.