Changes in endoscope reprocessing examined

But how can specification of facilities and equipment be optimised, on a local basis, to ensure best practice? LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Changes in endoscope reprocessing were recently discussed at a workshop and study day, held at the Birmingham Science Museum’s “Think Tank”, providing an opportunity to explore solutions to a variety of space and regulatory requirements when designing facilities for decontamination. Organised by Shülke and chaired by Paul Jenkins, decontamination manager, North Bristol NHS Trust, the programme included presentations from leading experts on key issues – from the design of an endoscopy unit, selection of an automated endoscope reprocessor, to final rinse water quality and water treatment.

Peter Hooper, authorising engineer (decontamination) and chairman of the Central Sterilising Club, gave a presentation on raising the standards of endoscopy decontamination. He pointed out that that the nature of Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs) has changed – today, an HTM is a statement of the Department of Health’s policy, but individual Trusts have the ability to interpret the HTM and are accountable through Care Quality Commission inspections. Peter Hooper explained that there are significant changes anticipated with regards to endoscopy reprocessing, under the proposed HTM 01-06, which need to be understood and discussed. However, as the HTM remains in draft form at present, he warned that it would be inappropriate to make any recommendations in relation to the design of an endoscopy unit, based on this, as it may be subject to change. Nevertheless, he explained that the HTM is no longer a set of “instructions”. “Even at the current draft stage, there are many options and imprecision in the document,” he commented. However, the new HTM draft clearly states that the solution must meet the requirements of the Medical Devices Directive 2002.