The website of the Health Estate Journal

Six decades of changing practice and thinking

Leading microbiologists from the Central Sterilising Club look back at some of the key developments in surgical instrument decontamination over the past six decades.

Leading microbiologists with extensive experience in the field looked back at some of the key developments in surgical instrument decontamination over the past six decades, recalled some of the lessons learned, and recounted a number of the most memorable incidents from their careers, during the Central Sterilising Club’s 60th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting in Stratford-Upon-Avon earlier this year. Louise Frampton, editor of HEJ’s sister publication, The Clinical Services Journal, reports.

High on the agenda at the Central Sterilising Club (CSC) Annual Scientific Meeting was the need to drive improvement and learn from the mistakes of the past, while approaching today’s problems with the discipline of a science, informed by guidance and evidencebased practice. At the same time, decontamination professionals must also remain vigilant, scanning the horizon for new threats and challenges – whether it is the next pandemic, difficult-to-reprocess new technologies, or tackling the healthcare sector’s significant contribution to climate change. 

The first opening sessions – introduced by CSC chair, Jimmy Walker – were delivered by Robert C Spencer, a retired microbiologist who has occupied senior positions within the NHS, Health Protection Agency and Public Health England; Geoff Ridgway, who was previously a consultant in clinical microbiology at UCLH, a member of the Committee on CJD incidents (among others), and past chair of the CSC; and Peter Hoffman (Kelsey lecturer), who recently retired from being a consultant clinical scientist with the UK Health Security Agency. 

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025