QEII CSSD team
Upholding the highest standards is not a goal but a way of life at QEII Hospital’s Central Sterilising Services Department (CSSD), where an expert team of 31 Sterilising Technicians work meticulously to keep patients safe in theatre.
Sterilising almost 80,000 items each year and washing more than 77,000, the team’s collective commitment to excellence has seen them process over one million trays of surgical equipment since 2010 and earned them the QEII Team Values Award in June.
Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) Antony Kocheril has proudly led the CSSD since 2020 and says it’s the unit’s exemplary teamwork and diligence that keeps them at the top of their game every day.
“I see the CSSD as the engine room of the hospital because if we stop, all our surgical services stop.
“A huge amount of technical knowledge and skill goes into CSSD. Everyone here is certified, and most of our technicians have been here over 10 years. They have a high level of expertise and they’re very thorough, and that’s our biggest strength as a team,” he said.
From Perioperative Nurse to CSSD NUM, Antony’s full circle career journey from end user to first contact affords him a unique appreciation of the surgical equipment lifecycle, and of the countless patients and clinicians who rely on the CSSD’s services.
“Between QEII and the external community services we support, we service a huge workload, and we’re working beyond our targets each week. On the whole, teamwork is paramount.
“We’re excited to be moving into the new hospital building with the upcoming QEII Expansion, which will grow our operating theatres from seven to 16. It will be a big jump in what we do and how we operate, and we’re excited to grow our team.”
Friends of CSSD are familiar with Antony’s signature plaque, which hangs proudly by his office door and reads, Behind every successful surgery there is a tired sterilising technician. To Antony, the words extend beyond a motto and into a reflection of his team’s detailed commitment to patient safety and to overcoming daily challenges.
“The highlight of my day is problem-solving. Every new day comes with new problems, so it’s about helping the team, and knowing that at the end of the day we’re ultimately helping our patients even if we never meet them.”
Congratulations to the whole CSSD team and thank you for your continued commitment to keeping the QEII community safe.