Sterile Services, Liverpool

The client required the creation of a brand new Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) on the existing Broadgreen Hospital site.

The new purpose built and designed CSSD is a real change for sterile services at the Trust as its development has enabled the Trust to maintain its sterile services in-house, rather than outsourcing.

The new facility is a two-storey building with a ground floor area of 1,200m², its own dedicated 220m² plant room on the first floor and additional external engineering on the extended rooftop.

Whilst ensuring user needs are met, the design of the new CSSD also sought to reduce unnecessary movements and manual handling, produce cost savings and operational efficiencies.

The new facility was handed over on schedule on December 21, 2018. It was originally expected to be fully operational from February 2019, but this was accelerated to the first week in January as a priority to replace the other unit.

It is bright and airy, with a modern plant room that has enabled the hospital to meet and exceed relevant compliance standards. Manual handling has also been reduced by 80% and the facility includes pleasant and comfortable rest and changing areas for staff, with natural daylight for an improved working environment.

The new CSSD employs some of the latest technology available. All equipment is managed and monitored digitally and the building management system links with estates maintenance to issue an alert when anything is reaching the end of its life or requires attention. Every item is tracked and traceable via a barcode.

Already the new new facility has hosted visits from other Trusts looking at replicating elements of the design of this unit and workshops with interested parties have been held.