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Endoscope decontamination: solutions built around you

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Every install of new or replacement endoscope washer disinfectors comes with its own nuances and challenges, whether they arise from the environment the equipment is being installed in or the way the clinical service runs.

Olympus’ expertise and reach in the endoscopy environment means it is well placed to partner with those purchasing endoscope washer disinfectors, to help create and deliver bespoke systems designed to address the key requirements of the project.

Central to the Olympus approach is a belief that by providing experienced Olympus project managers as an extension of the hospital’s project team, the customer receives the information and support needed to focus on the things that really matter to the success of the installation. Olympus project management service is available for all customers purchasing Olympus ETD endoscope washer disinfectors, with the level of involvement customised to suit the needs of the customer, ranging from design consultation to delivery of a full turnkey solution.

 

Project consultation

Olympus decontamination systems are underpinned by the use of skilled and experienced PRINCE2 qualified in-house project managers, removing the hassle of dealing with a large team of designers, architects and contractors, while also helping to protect the customer’s resources, budget and timescales. Irrespective of whether a customer is looking for a straight-forward replacement of existing endoscope washer disinfectors or the complete design and build of a new decontamination unit, the team has the expertise and experience to deliver effective solutions that are built around the customer. The Olympus project consultancy service can include:

  •  A detailed free of charge survey of the installation site
  • Outlining practical solutions that support best practise
  • Developing a project timeline and budget
  • Creating a project proposal that meets the latest building and planning regulations.

Bespoke design

Delivering a workspace that maximises the potential of the environment, optimises workflow and meets applicable standards such as JAG guidelines requires specialist knowledge. With more than 10 years of experience in delivering integrated healthcare workspaces, including operating theatres, endoscopy rooms and endoscopy decontamination facilities, the Olympus design service can create a unique and bespoke solution to make the most of the workspace. 

Olympus is able to facilitate: 

  • Production of 2D and 3D building plans with virtual walkthrough tours, delivering Building Information Modelling (BIM) prior to the construction phase
  • Plans that integrate associated services into the project design, including ventilation, water treatment plant, drainage, exhaust systems and chemical storage facilities
  • Interior design recommendations appropriate to the clinical environment and meeting local guidelines covering aspects including flooring, lighting and decorative finish and furnishing.

Project planning

Olympus knows that detailed and accurate planning is crucial to the success of an endoscope washer disinfector installation. Its project planning service divides the project into distinct phases and provides customers with a structured and simplified plan. This helps to ensure that quality, costs and lead times are controlled and risks and unforeseen issues are minimised, delivering customers peace of mind.  Included within this service are:

  •  User friendly project specific Gantt charts to outline key project stages
  • Identification of project deliverables and assignment of resources
  •  Detailed plans for the management and ownership of the project l  Completion of risk assessments to identify any project limitations providing continuous project control and revision.

Project construction and coordination

In addition to supporting pre-installation stages, for customers requiring a full turnkey installation, Olympus can provide a sole point of contact for the build phase of the project, removing risk from the end user. During this project phase the Olympus project management focuses on the key processes, managing the communication with both internal and external stakeholders including contractors, estates departments, the hospital’s authorised engineer decontamination (AED) and other project members and sponsors. The project management lead aims to close any gaps by executing the programme, strategic goals and objectives defined by the end user. 

Endoscope washer disinfector

With the ETD Double Endoscope Washer Disinfector, endoscope reprocessing units can typically speed up their processes by disinfecting up to 46 endoscopes in a 10 working hour period. The small footprint of the ETD Double enables high-capacity throughput to be achieved in units where space is at a premium, while frequently preserving space for the future expansion that is forecast for many endoscopy services. 

Furthermore, with the ETD Double it is possible to reprocess up to three endoscopes in separate baskets, through one cycle providing peace of mind that the disinfection process meets all the relevant requirements stated within BS EN ISO 15883-1,2 and 4, as well as UK local guidelines. The ETD Double is part of a comprehensive range of decontamination workflow systems, which also includes an endoscopy drying cabinet, transportation trolleys and a track and trace software solution. 

Equipment installation and commissioning 

Bringing newly installed endoscope washer disinfectors into service brings its own challenges with staff frequently requiring training whilst sustaining busy lists. Olympus’ Endoscope Washer Disinfectors (ETD4/ETD Double) are supported through the commissioning phase by a unique team of uptime support managers who provide extensive support both throughout the ‘golive’ period and beyond, and cover the operation and troubleshooting of the endoscope washer disinfectors. The workflow implications and impact on the end user’s environment are also taken into consideration by the Olympus project manager when planning the ‘go-live’ date. The plan for commissioning the washers also includes: 

  • Arranging for fully skilled and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) trained engineers to carry out the installation, validation and commissioning in line with the manufacturer’s requirements and local guidelines 
  • Coordination of training at the customer site ensuring familiarisation with the endoscope decontamination facilities, the equipment and workflow. The training material is provided by licensed trainers with OEM specified training content
  •  Working closely with hospital stakeholders including AEDs and decontamination leads to gain project approvals and acceptance of the equipment prior to operation.

Delivering interim solutions

For customers looking to upgrade endoscope washer disinfectors one of the most common challenges is how to minimise disruption to the endoscopy service throughout the duration of the upgrade programme. Olympus has practical experience of delivering flexible and cost effective interim solutions that meet local guidelines during the installation of Olympus Endoscope Washer Disinfectors (ETD4/ETD Double). This supports a reduction in operational downtime with the coordination and management of the interim solution being overseen by the Olympus Project Manager in parallel to the main project programme.

To keep up to date with the latest news from Olympus, go to Twitter @OlympusMedUKIE and follow #SolutionsBuiltAroundYou to find out more.

Olympus Medical KeyMed House, Stock Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 5QH, UK Telephone: +44 (0)1702 616333 e-mail: medical@olympus.co.uk website: www.olympus.co.uk

 

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Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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