As a leader in the field of endoscopy, Olympus understands that the refurbishment or expansion of reprocessing facilitiesis a critical undertaking that comes with its own unique challenges.
Olympus offers an end-to-end service designed to bring together the combined expertise of architects, consultants, electrical contractors and interior designers to deliver a bespoke solution that’s tailored to its customers’ needs.
Central to the Olympus approach is the belief that every project is a partnership. By working as an extension of project teams, its experienced project managers provide all the information and support needed to focus on the things that matter most to the success of the installation.
Olympus’ project management service is available to 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.
Olympus Project Management Solutions offers a choice of several project management services to meet individual requirements such as:
Consultancy
Olympus decontamination systems are underpinned by the use of skilled and experienced PRINCE2 qualified in-house project managers, in a bid to remove the hassle of dealing with a large team of designers, architects and contractors, while also helping protect resources and effectively managing timescales. Irrespective of simply replacing existing endoscope washer disinfectors or designing and building a completely new facility, the team has the expertise and experience to deliver effective solutions. Olympus can support customers with its consultancy service by:
- Providing a detailed free of charge survey of the installation site
- Outlining practical solutions that support best practise
- Developing a timeline to keep track of each vital stage of the project
- Overseeing and managing all aspects of cost management from one single point to optimise project budget and preparing for potential risks
- Creating a project proposal that meets the latest building and planning regulations.
Bespoke design
Specialist knowledge is required to deliver a workspace that maximises the potential of the environment, optimises workflow and meets applicable standards - such as Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) requirements. With more than 10 years’ experience delivering integrated healthcare workspaces, including operating theatres, endoscopy rooms and endoscopy decontamination facilities, the Olympus design service can create a bespoke solution to optimise any working environment. Its services include:
- 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
Detailed and accurate planning is crucial to the success of any installation, and Olympus’ project planning service divides the project into distinct phases, providing a structured and simplified plan. This is designed to help ensure that quality, costs and lead times are controlled and risks and unforeseen issues are minimised. Services include:
- 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
- Completion of risk assessments to identify any project limitations providing continuous project control and revision.
Room planning - considerations for ‘dirty’ side
- Requirement for compressed air and reverse osmosis water according to hospital requirements, decontamination equipment configuration, and UK local guidelines
- Dedicated areas for storing endoscope transport systems, accessories, consumables and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- Airlock/hatch facility between the dirty and clean rooms to return instruments that have been contaminated after the disinfection process
- Negative air pressure to reduce airborne micro-organisms spreading to other areas
Room planning - considerations for ‘clean’ side
- Adequate work surfaces for equipment care and packing
- Positive air pressure to reduce airborne micro-organisms spreading from external areas
- Dedicated storage area for disinfected endoscopes i.e. endoscope drying cabinets
- Incorporate specific requirements e.g. sterilisation areas and exhaust systems
Project construction and coordination
In addition to supporting the project planning phase as part of a full turnkey installation, Olympus can provide a sole point of contact for the implementation and build phase of the project. During this phase the Olympus project management team focuses on critical success factors, managing the communication with both internal and external stakeholders including; contractors, estates department, the appointed authorised engineer decontamination (AED), and other project members and sponsors. The project management lead aims to close any gaps by executing the programmes strategic goals and defined objectives.
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 team of uptime support managers who provide extensive assistance both throughout the ‘go-live’ period and beyond, focusing on the optimal operation of the endoscope washer disinfectors and troubleshooting any problems. The workflow implications and impact on the work environment are also taken into consideration by the Olympus project manager when planning the ‘go-live’ date. Its commissioning support service 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 their existing endoscope washer disinfectors to Olympus endoscope washer disinfectors (ETD4/ETD Double), 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 designed to meet local guidelines with the whole process being overseen and managed by the Olympus project manager, in parallel to the main project programme.
For more information on how Olympus can become your endoscope decontamination partner, contact us via the details below.
Olympus, 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
