Meet Jenny – CSSD Technician
“I love the teamwork and camaraderie of being in a positive and supportive group, and my favourite aspect is to see the junior team members learn, develop and grow over time.”
Jenny has worked at Buderim Private Hospital for ten years and is a Technician in our Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) team.
1. How would you describe your role, and what’s the best part?
As well as being a hands-on CSSD Technician, I am a Team Leader CSSD for department with 20 staff. Problem-solving, communication, coordination and training are a big part of my role. I am also the Workplace Health and Safety Representative for the team. I love the teamwork and camaraderie of being in a positive and supportive group, and my favourite aspect is to see the junior team members learn, develop and grow over time. I enjoy working in a challenging, fast-paced environment that is vital to the operation of the hospital.
2. What does a typical day at the hospital look like for you?
Our department is a non-clinical part of the Perioperative team, and we service eight operating theatres, a CVT cath lab, endoscopy and external customers (such as loan companies and doctors’ surgeries).
It takes two hours each morning to set the department up for the day. Once everything has been checked and assessed, we review the upcoming operations in liaison with Theatres; prioritise equipment that is needed; and allocate staff.
Throughout the day we may have to adapt to the changing environment in theatres, such as new equipment arrivals and unexpected cases. In the middle of the day there is a handover briefing for the next staff shift, reviewing the remaining operations for the afternoon, and the instruments which will need to be sterilised for the following morning. At these handover meetings we also review the equipment status, any internal housekeeping issues, and communicate any general hospital community information.
At the end of the shift there is an extensive shut-down procedure for the various equipment and substantial cleaning and re-supply operations to prepare the facility for the next day. Staff are also allocated to On-Call Duties for any emergency after-hours procedures.
3. One thing about your role that surprises people?
Most people are totally unaware of the role of CSSD staff. They have a general understanding of what the team members involved an operation do, but not the important role CSSD staff play in ensuring that their operation is carried out safely with the most appropriate equipment. If a member of the general public asks what we do, I will give an example of what is require to prepare for a single doctor’s operation list – that one spinal surgeon’s list may require 87 different surgical trays of equipment, which takes us up to two days to prepare and sterilise.
4. What did the year 2021 teach you?
2020 and 2021 have been very difficult years. We have lost several team members due to a variety of factors – relocation, retirement, the COVID situation and other job opportunities. This has put of pressure on our remaining team creating many challenges, however we have shown much resilience and have really pulled together during this difficult time. We have tapped into our years of experience by teaching, training, up-skilling and on-boarding new staff. It has been very rewarding to see the new team members integrate into the group.
5. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Learning how to paint with water colours, spending time with family and friends and walking my dogs on the beach.
Learn more about Year of the Health and Care Worker and Buderim Private Hospital