GAMMA CHAPTER REPORT:
The 2011 Annual C.S.A.O. Conference, was very informative and entertaining. The three days started with a reception on Sunday. Monday morning we were greeted with a wonderful opening remark from President Lorna Coutoulas. She spoke briefly regarding an issue which would affect a few hospitals in Toronto. A private company has come forward and has offered hospitals an alternative to Sterile Processing with the possibilities of having it done off-site. She reminds us all that no matter where we are processing instruments, the goal is still the same. We are all responsible to make sure the patient receives the best possible care and that starts with us as reprocessing specialists.
The speakers on Monday shared their expertise in surgical instrument inspection, hands-on testing; lean transformation for when cuts don’t cut it. We participated in two workshops. We were taught the importance of hand washing, PPE and given an in-depth look at flexible endoscopes. The day ended with an evening of fun and pride at the awards dinner. We were treated to a special guest, one of our members dressed up as "Slash" and gave everyone an evening it will be hard to forget.
Tuesday we had the pleasure of hearing Chuck Hughes speak on the fact or fiction of sterilization. David showed us how to make sure our washers are working to their fullest potential. We ended our day with a motivational speaker that knocked our socks off.
The Annual Meeting was an Amendment meeting. The changes are: 3.1 Members; 4.1 Executive Committee; 4.7c has been added; 4.13 has been added; 5.3 Director of Education; 5.3 has been deleted; 10.8 Finances; 13.5 Chapters of the association. All of these were mailed out to the members prior to the conference. The others that were submitted were either removed from the vote or not passed.
Reminder that the deadline for registration for Gamma Chapter CSAO Course is November 28, 2011 to take place at the Ottawa General Campus Wednesday, February 1st , 2nd, 3rd, and 4th .
Gamma Chapter Executive.