CSSD

Central Sterilization And Supply Department

                                                                                    Planning a hospital is a wonderful project.     
When we plan a hospital , there is a department called Central Sterilization Supply Department (CSSD) which is of utmost importance. Today let's  talk about planning this department.

We all know the clinical departments of the hospitals as we have visited as a patient or a caregiver or a relative but have never seen a department which is the backbone of all departments. Because of which the hospital  is able to control infections , is able to work efficiently with all its instruments and equipments , responsible for the smooth operations of the hospital , this department is called Central Sterilization Supply Department (CSSD).

Functions of CSSD

  1. To receive and process used and unsterile supplies and sets from nursing units, OPD, operation theatres, labour rooms, etc. 

2. To sterilise and dispense sterile articles to user units 

3. To maintain an uninterrupted supply of bacteriologically safe supplies at all times

 4. To undertake studies for improvement of sterilisation practices and processing methods to provide supplies economically 

5. To impart training to hospital personnel in safe hospital practices 

6. To participate in hospital infection control programme

 7. To advice hospital administration on suitability of supplies and equipment from sterilisation point of view. 

Location 

The location of CSSD should be convenient to its principal consumers. These are the nursing units, labour suites and operation theatres. It should be so located that supplies and equipment are brought to and taken away by the shortest route. The department can conveniently be located as part of the main service core of the hospital.

DESIGN

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                                                  LAYOUT  OF CSSD

SPACE

A minimum of 7 sq ft on a per bed basis (with 100 sq ft for the smallest hospital) is considered essential for planning a CSSD with scope for future expansion and growth. The following area is recommended.

- Space required for planning a CSSD

 Up to 100 beds 10 sq ft per bed

 Up to 200 beds 9-10 sq ft per bed

 Up to 300 beds 8-9 sq ft per bed

 300 and above 7-sq ft per bed

Physical Facilities

 The direction of work flow and economy of labour determines the layout of the physical facilities.

 Articles should move only in one direction through receipt, washing and cleaning, drying, sorting,

reassembling and packing, sterilisation and storage.

 The following areas will be essentially required in the department. Although they cover most of the

requirements, special requirements of a particular hospital should be kept in mind during the planning process.

Special space requirements of a hospital

 1. Receipt of used supplies      Reception counter for small items, parking place for trolley load

 2. Cleaning and washing         Series of sinks with running hot and cold water, ultrasonic washer

                                                      for instruments caked up with blood and for fine instruments

 3. Sorting                                 Table space, next to washing area

 4. Drying area                          Table space, wires for hanging gloves

 5. Gauze cutting area               Table space

 6. Glove processing area         Table space, room for glove processing unit

 7. Packing area                        Table space

 8. Storage area for items         Shelves

       awaiting sterilization    

    9. Sterilisation                       Autoclave room

 10. Sterile storage                     Storage room with shelves

 11. Issue counter

 12. Change-room with toilet for workers

 13. CSSD supervisors room

FLOWCHART(Unidirectional flow of articles)

EQUIPMENT

 The main item of equipment in the CSSD is the Autoclave.

 Dry oven

 Gauze cutter

 Ultrasound washer

 Needle flushing device

 Ethylene oxide steriliser

 Work benches with marble or stainless steel top

 Storage cupboards and racks

 Linen folding table

 Soaking sinks

 High pressure water jets.

 Ultrasonic Cleaner

MANPOWER

 CSSD IN CHARGE/ MANAGER: SUPERVISES ACTIVITIES OF CSSD

 CSSD TECHNICIANS: OPERATE THE AUTOCLAVE AND ETO MACHINES.

 CSSD ASSISTANTS: PERFORM THE CLEANING AND PACKING, GAUGE CUTTING AND COTTON BALL MAKING.

 CLERK OR STOREKEEPER: TO MANAGE THE INVENTORY AND STERILE STORES.

 HOUSEKEEPING STAFF.

Staffing Plan

 Average 02 technicians for 100 beds and one technical supervisors.

 One clerk for keeping records, accounting and supply per shift.

 Average 04 attendants per 100 beds in all shifts.

 Adequate number of cleaning attendants and transporters.

 One technician and two attendants should be stationed at each zone.

Hope this information helps you plan CSSD department in your hospital.

Dr. Nividha Chhabra.