$468,000 upgrade for Djerriwarrh Health Services

By Jessica Howard

Djerriwarrh Health Services will benefit from a $468,000 upgrade to its Central Sterile Stock Department.

Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard and State Member for Melton Don Nardella visited the Bacchus Marsh hospital today to announce the funding and take a tour of the CSSD, which was relocated next to the operating theatre and procedure room in late 2016.

Mr Howard said the funding is provided from Andrews Labor Government’s $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.

“The CSSD operates alongside the Operating Theatre Suites to provide sterilising functions for re-usable instruments, disinfection of specialised items and traceability for all items that enter and exit the unit,” he said.

“The Department will be re-designed and upgraded with new equipment which will enable Djerriwarrh to improve processing, storage and distribution of sterile goods and equipment throughout its patient care areas”.

Interim Chief Executive of Djerriwarrh Health Services, Amanda Edwards said the additional government funding would go straight into the CSSD roof.

“The funding will help us with our air control. In sterile stock areas, we need to have the highest standards of humidity and air flow control to keep all of the stock sterile,” she said.

“This funding comes at an opportune time for Djerriwarrh Health Services as we are currently in the process of upgrading our Operating Theatres at Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospitals.

“This funding will allow us to seamlessly connect the CSSD with the newly renovated theatres, and ensure efficient, effective sterilising services across the health service”.

Mr Howard said the funding is the largest of its kind in Victorian history.

“The Regional Health Infrastructure Fund is rebuilding rural and regional health services to ensure all Victorians can access the high-quality care and facilities they need, no matter where they live”.