NHS Grampian decontamination unit re-opens

NHS Grampian is gradually stepping up operations in its newly refurbished central decontamination unit at Foresterhill Health Campus.  

 

The unit – which washes, disinfects and sterilises surgical instruments – was closed at the beginning of October following concerns raised during a routine service of its washer disinfectors and the discovery of an unknown substance on a small number of instruments. Throughout the closure, the team has been running their unit at Woodend Hospital almost 24/7 and gaining the support of decontamination units across the country.  

 

Vascular surgeon and acute medical director Paul Bachoo, who has been leading recovery efforts, explained: “The unit is now operational and we’re doing some work to make sure staff are brought up to speed on the operation of and the processes that support our brand new washer disinfector machines. We’ll gradually increase the number of instruments we’re processing at the facility over the coming weeks.  

 

“Extensive works have included the installation and commissioning of two new washer disinfectors so far, with three more going through the final checks.  

 

“We’ve improved ventilation at the facility, upgraded the compressed air supply used for equipment controls and switched over to a previously installed reverse osmosis water plant as well as replacing ceiling, flooring, walls and hatches as part of an extensive refurbishment programme. 

 

“Colleagues have done an excellent job of a final deep cleaning exercise as well as air and water quality assurance processes. We are extremely proud of colleagues who have pulled out all the stops to get this complex programme of work completed.” 
 
NHS Grampian chief executive Laura Skaife-Knight added: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the staff who have supported the extensive refurbishment and recovery work over recent months. Your exceptional commitment throughout this challenging period is greatly appreciated, has ensured that disruption to patients has been minimised and the resilience of this vital service has been improved.”   

 

Paul continued: “I’d like to underline the importance of the extensive work done to make sure the unit is much more resilient from now on. We’re grateful to teams within NHS Grampian and around the country for their hard work, and for everyone’s patience as we’ve worked through this. Apologies once again to everyone whose procedures were postponed. It hasn’t been easy but we are getting there now.” 

 

Theatre capacity continues to be well-utilised across NHS Grampian and this will continue as decontamination capacity gets back up to 100%. Anyone who wishes to provide feedback to NHS Grampian on any aspect of care, good or bad, can email gram.nhsgrampianfeedback@nhs.scot