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Central Processing Department

The Central Processing Department (CPD) plays a critical role in the provision of safe patient care. It is in this area of SHHA that medical/surgical supplies and equipment, both sterile and non-sterile, are decontaminated, processed, sterilized, stored and used for patient care.

Central Processing Technicians are responsible for many vital services within SHHA. Some responsibilities include:

• Decontamination procedures
• Preparation and packaging for sterilization
• Monitoring the process of sterilization and liquid chemical sterilization
• Maintaining product sterility through shelf-life/rotation
• Storage distribution, inspection and inventory control of supplies, instruments and equipment

Professionals who work in CPD are responsible for controlling and monitoring medical devices, infection control, and the administration of safety practices that benefit healthcare workers and the public at large. CPD staff provide the cleaning, decontamination, sterilization and inspection of surgical instruments, devices and implants in accordance with CSA (Canadian Standards Association) standards.

Central Processing Technicians' commitment to safety helps to make certain that patient and healthcare workers, as well as their families are safe from infections that can occur or be spread following contact with contaminated instruments.