Sterile Services Department

Without the work of the Sterile Services team, the equipment and medical devices used in surgical procedures could be potentially life threatening rather than life saving and are a vital link in the operating chain and one upon which patient safety depends.

The reusable medical devices decontamination life cycle is necessary to ensure all medical devices are safe for further use.  The life cycle is made up of the following processes: acquisition, cleaning, disinfection, inspection, disposal, packaging, sterilization, transportation and storage before use.

Sterile Services provide a decontamination service for over 45 different locations both on site at Harrogate District Hospital and as far as Middlesbrough, for both NHS and private customers.

Take a look at the Sterile Services Department Brochure to find out more – SSD Brochure.

Please contact us to discuss your sterilisation and decontamination requirements. We offer bespoke products and services to meet your needs with a highly effective service to suit your requirements and budget: 01423 885959 or hif.harrogate@nhs.net.

Hif 2021 10 s

Some of our achievements in figures

180,000

individual medical devices reprocessed each month

2,000

different types of surgical instruments handle by the technicians

1,400

flexible endoscopes reprocessed each month

134°C

is the temperature at which each instrument is steam cleaned sterilised

What They Say About Us

I just wanted to take a moment to praise one of your domestic Team that has been on Byland the last couple of days.

We have had… working with us, and he has been amazing.  Cheerful, happy and has a lovely manner with the patients.  The ward team continually comment on how lovely he is. He has never stopped today, and has done an amazing job.

Ward Manager - Byland Ward

The reason for contacting you is to acknowledge my appreciation of… He offered to make me a hot drink during a difficult day, which I truly appreciated. He is always very pleasant when he enters the ward. He truly deserves a pat on the back.

Sister - Oakdale ward

Many staff have commented how well our offices are being cleaned and we wanted you to know what a great job the team is doing.  Having clean facilities is very important, especially at present, and we are therefore very grateful for your hard work.

Matron – Planned and Surgical Care

I wish to pay a compliment to one of your porters…

I was admitted to day surgery for a procedure and the porter who transported me from theatre, back to the ward was so kind. I was struck by his kindness, concern and consideration.  He maintained my dignity throughout.  What a thoughtful and pleasant young man.

Mrs Craven

Please could you send positive feedback for “going that extra mile” to the collection driver.

The Hospital had called to say we were not getting a collection this afternoon; however, the driver called when leaving Green Hammerton to ensure our specimens were collected.  

He was exceptionally friendly and patient as he waited for the team to finish. He could not be given any higher praise from the Reception team.

Thank you very much for your continued support.

Church Lane Surgery Team

We as a whole would like to nominate… as a star employee.  The porter is always a very happy person, constantly smiling and no task is ever too much bother.  

Unfortunately, the porter who usually comes had an accident in his van, subsequently our blood samples from District Nurses and midwives were not picked up.  This morning the porter has come in especially and has kindly said that he would take them with him, which means many patients will not have to go through the horrible time of having bloods taken again.

He is an asset to your team.

Bedale Health Centre

I would like to place on record how amazing the porters have been supporting all at the hospital.  We have all had to adapt and change our methodologies but without the team of porters supporting our efforts, particularly whilst on reception, we would have struggled to provide the level of service that patients and visitors alike have come to expect from the Trust.

Main Reception Desk - HDFT

Accreditations and Standards

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