Surgical and Medical
Instrument Sterilisation Policy

INTRODUCTION

This policy outlines the procedures for the sterilisation of surgical and medical instruments at Dockside Medical Hub to ensure patient safety and compliance with relevant healthcare standards.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all staff involved in the sterilisation of surgical and medical instruments, including medical practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

DEFINITIONS

• Sterilisation: The process of destroying or eliminating all forms of microbial life, including fungi, bacteria and viruses.
• Instruments: Any instrument used in a medical procedure which may come into contact with body tissue or bodily fluids (e.g., scalpels, forceps, scissors, clamps).
• Medical Instruments: Instruments used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes that may contact body tissue or fluids (e.g., thermometers, stethoscopes, endoscopes).
• AGPAL Standards: Standards set by Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited for sterilisation of instruments in healthcare facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• All staff involved in the sterilisation process must be aware of and follow this policy at all times.
• The designated Sterilisation Officer is responsible for ensuring staff adherence to this policy.
• The Sterilisation Officer must maintain records of all sterilised instruments.
• The Sterilisation Officer must ensure all staff are trained in proper sterilisation techniques.
• The Sterilisation Officer must regularly monitor the quality of sterilised instruments.
• All staff must follow appropriate safety protocols when handling sterile instruments.
• Any contaminated or improperly sterilised instruments must be reported immediately.
• Sterile instruments must be properly stored after use.
• Broken or damaged instruments must be reported immediately.
• All personnel must be adequately trained in infection control and proper instrument handling techniques.

PROCEDURES

• All instruments must be cleaned thoroughly and dried before autoclave packaging and labelled with date and serial number.
• Instrument packs must be placed in the autoclave machine and run according to manufacturer specifications.
• After cooling, instrument packages must be removed and stored in dry storage boxes.
• Each sterilisation cycle must be recorded in the Autoclave Log Book.
• A log of sterilised instrument package number, clinician, patient details, date and time must be completed when instruments are used.
• Any abnormal incident must be recorded in the Incident and Near Miss Register, and instruments must be re-sterilised according to protocol.