By: Jennifer Greisen

In brief:

• Prioritizing the sterile processing department during hospital construction can prevent workflow inefficiencies, equipment damage and expensive remodels.
• Designing with future growth in mind ensures the sterile processing department can handle increased surgical volumes without delays or backlogs.
   

When planning new hospital construction, the sterile processing department (SPD) often takes the back seat in the design process. This is a critical oversight, as the SPD plays a fundamental role in ensuring surgical instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized and ready for use. Too often, I’ve seen decision-makers invest millions in sterile processing equipment without incorporating input from those who actually work in the department. As a result, SPD staff are forced to navigate inefficiencies and operational breakdowns that could have been avoided with proper planning.

It doesn’t have to be this way. By learning how to avoid new construction pitfalls in SPD design, you can help create a space that supports both your current operations and future growth.

Giving SPD the “leftover space”

Far too often, the SPD is allocated whatever space is left after designing the surgical suites and other hospital areas. This approach can create a ripple effect of inefficiencies, as the SPD has unique requirements for utilities, flow and engineering. From drains and electrical capacity to linear workflow design, every aspect of the SPD should be carefully planned.

For example, a poorly designed SPD without enough washers, sinks or assembly stations can create catastrophic bottlenecks. Without enough equipment to clean, sterilize and properly prepare instruments in a timely manner to meet surgical schedules, procedures are more likely to be postponed or canceled.

Failing to account for growth

Hospitals often design SPDs based on current needs rather than future demand. Growth projections, such as adding new service lines or surgeons, are often overlooked. This can leave SPDs outgrown and overwhelmed soon after opening.

Consider the case of orthopedic surgery. Unlike ophthalmology, which typically requires one tray per procedure, orthopedic surgeries for joint replacements often need multiple trays. This means that even a modest increase in surgical volume can overwhelm an SPD not designed for this level of complexity. Without adequate space, equipment and staff to handle the additional

trays, surgeries could be delayed and backlogs may grow. This undermines an investment in new hospital construction that aimed to accommodate more surgical cases.

Overlooking utilities and standards

SPD design must meet rigorous standards from organizations like AAMI, AORN, APIC and ASHRAE. These entities provide guidance on sterilization, infection control, air quality and facility infrastructure to ensure safe, efficient operations. Without adherence to these standards, critical oversights can lead to operational failures and costly consequences.

Imagine a hospital investing millions in a state-of-the-art facility, only to discover within a year that hard water deposits are degrading their expensive equipment. This type of oversight not only damages surgical instruments but also disrupts operations and leads to costly repairs. Proper planning from the start, including attention to water quality, could prevent such a costly and avoidable mistake.

Avoiding costly remodels with strategic design

Poor planning affects more than just workflow. It can also lead to costly remodels when driven by knee-jerk reactions rather than strategic foresight. Imagine how painful it would be to spend several more millions of dollars on a remodel to address design flaws that could have been avoided with better planning upfront. We’ve seen it before.

The solution? Engaging experts who specialize in SPD design to guide the new construction process. These individuals understand how to properly integrate long-term strategic goals, anticipate future growth and account for potential contingencies from the start. It can lead to a far more effective approach to space planning and design, potentially saving hospitals millions in the long run.

The bottom line

SPD design isn’t just about fitting the department into the blueprint—it’s about creating a space that supports efficiency, growth and compliance. From tray complexity to utility needs, strategic planning is key to avoiding the pitfalls that many hospitals face.

Are you ready to start planning your SPD with confidence? Contact us today to ensure your SPD design is set up for success from the start. Our expert consultants bring decades of experience to help you maximize the life of your surgical assets and avoid costly mistakes.