FW: [AICA_Infexion_Connexion] Reprocessing of Items used in Medicating of clients

[Glenys Harrington]

Keryn,

I agree with John -these items should be reprocessed a dedicated kitchen
area using the kitchen dishwasher as with other utensils used in the
facility.

The issue of the items arriving the kitchen with “medications still
contained therein” is a management issue and should be resolved by
redesigning systems in the ward/kitchen areas. Facilitating a local
ward/kitchen staff working group who are asked to come up with some ideas
that they can test on the ward may be a solution – a plan-do-check QI
Project.

Medication rooms should not have sinks/wash-up areas/facilities in them
because of the risk of contamination of sterile pharmacy/medication stock or
the packaging of these products and soiled utensils or equipment should not
be reprocessed in hand washing facilities as this may result in
contamination of healthcare worker hands.

Regards

Glenys

Glenys Harrington

Consultant

Infection Control Consultancy (ICC)

PO Box 5202

Middle Park

Victoria, 3206

Australia

H: +61 3 96902216

M: +61 404 816 434

infexion@ozemail.com.au

ABN 47533508426

GREENOUGH John R (SVHM)
Medicating of clients

Hi Keryn,

Processing through the dishwasher in the kitchen would be my recommendation.
I do not understand what the “system” problem is with the kitchen processing
these items and returning them. We process our feeder cups and spoons in
the dishwasher at our facilities.

John Greenough
Infection Control Consultant
St. Vincent’s Health
PO Box 2900
Fitzroy 3065

SVH (03) 9288 2020
SGHS (03) 9816 0632

Eden, Keryn (DFC)
of clients

Good afternoon all,

Looking for advice.

I have had a query from the Aged Care area of our facilities, who state that
the Aged Care Accreditor/Auditor has raised concerns about the washing on
the ward of plastic (non-disposable) feeder cups and metal teaspoons used in
the mixing and administration of medications to the clients.

The auditor insists that these items should be assigned to the dishwasher –
the kitchens refuse them due to incidents of them being delivered with
medications still contained therein and their inability to guarantee their
return.

There is insistence that we should then use plastic disposable items.
Unfortunately we have very real concerns, and a history, of clients
attempting to consume such items or receiving oral injury from biting same.

Is there any issue with the staff washing the items in hot water and
detergent in the medicating rooms following every use and prior to reuse?

Is anyone aware of any Infection Control or OHS concern with regard to this
practice?

Keryn Eden

Occupational Health/Infection Control Nurse

Disability SA – Highgate Park

103 Fisher Street

FULLARTON SA 5063

Wash Wipe Cover ……. Don’t Infect Another
Ph. (08) 8372 1421

E-Mail – Keryn.Eden@dfc.sa.gov.au

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