Medical instrument sterilisation in Suriname

Cleaning and sterilisation of medical devices is a key step in preventing infections. There is no Central Sterilization Department (CSD) within the Academic Hospital of Paramaribo (AZP), cleaning and sterilisation is performed in the OR and at different departments. The AZP treats 23.000 patients on an annual basis and employs  2100 people. Decentralized cleaning in such a large facility leads to  challenges in terms of logistics, knowledge and correct sterilisation procedures.

The AZP is currently working on setting up a new CSD. Several TU Delft students who have gained experience in cleaning and sterilisation from their coursers or two-week internships at the CSD of the Leiden Universitair Medisch Centrum, have provided support  in Paramaribo. They have analysed and implemented improvements for the current decentralised operation, including a switch from closed to open trays that are better suited for the process. Additionally, students created a list of requirements for the new CSD as well as proposals for training, role distribution, equipment calibration and storage. This is an ongoing project and prospective interns are welcome to contact Jenny Dankelman.