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VVMC’S STERILE PROCESSING DEPARTMENT RECEIVES AWARD FOR HIGHEST STANDARDS IN THEIR FIELD

• Director Randy Hillman and staff raise the bar and exceed governmental mandates in sterile processing at VVMC

VAIL, Colo.—November 20, 2009—Randy Hillman, Vail Valley Medical Center’s Director of Sterile Processing, attended a Denver Area Operating Room and Nursing Room Association conference earlier this month and returned with a prestigious award in his field. Hillman and his department at VVMC received an award from 3M, providers of world-class innovative products and services, for providing the highest level of care possible in sterile processing. Of the more than 100 Colorado hospitals represented, VVMC was one of only three to receive the award.

“We were elated,” said Hillman. “We have taken measures to ensure safety far above those required of us by law; to be recognized for it in the presence of our peers was a real treat.”

Since Hillman came to VVMC as Director of Sterile Processing in October of 2008, he and those who work in his department have redefined the standards of sterilization at VVMC. Each of the 13 employees in the department, including Hillman who is certified by The International Association of Healthcare Central Services & Material Management, is certified by a professional school or teacher in sterile processing.

“This is not the norm,” said Hillman. “I’ve been a consultant in sterile processing for more than 30 years and VVMC is one of a very few hospitals that I’ve worked in where the entire sterile processing department is certified. Each person working in our department knows why they do everything that they do, the nuances of the trade and how to complete each process thoroughly. It’s a huge differentiator for us and increases overall patient safety.”

As an example of VVMC’s dedication to sterile processing, governmental mandates require that each machine used in sterilization must be tested by the department once a week. VVMC’s team tests each machine each time that it is used to be sure that there is never a load of equipment that is not properly sterilized.

“When I arrived, VVMC was already committed to setting a high standard for infection prevention,” said Hillman. “Nurse Epidemiologist Heather Gilmartin and Susan Brozovich, Associate Chief of Perioperative Services, were already raising the bar in their fields. I conducted a risk and needs assessment for sterilization and one year later have completed nearly the entire list. We work under the mantra that one infection is one too many.”

“Sterile processing is the backbone of any surgical hospital and we are fortunate to have such a talented team at VVMC,” said Heather Gilmartin. “Our sterile processing department is one of the most systematic departments at the hospital with multiple safety checks incorporated into the sterilization activities.”

Vail Valley Medical Center is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. It is governed by a Board of Directors composed of community leaders. Vail Valley Medical Center Foundation helps to support the ongoing needs of Vail Valley Medical Center. The Board, administration, employees and physicians at Vail Valley Medical Center are committed to continuous quality improvement, the centerpiece for creating an organization that provides excellence in service to each customer it serves. Vail Valley Medical Center is an equal-opportunity employer. It is handicap accessible and adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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