Mrs Janine Carrucan1, Mrs Mandy Davidson1
1Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Douglas, Australia
Biography:
Janine Carrucan is IPC Lead at Townsville Hospital, managing a multidisciplinary team since 2010. She is credentialled as an Expert ICP, serves as an ACIPC Board Director, and sits on the Queensland Infection Control Network Steering Committee. She also teaches at James Cook University and co-delivers national sterilisation training.
Abstract:
In a large regional health service spanning multiple hospital sites, inconsistencies in the reprocessing of medical devices posed risks to patient safety, audit outcomes, and compliance with national standards. Many sterilisation staff had years of experience but no formal qualifications. With increasing focus on national compliance, it became clear: reprocessing couldn’t rely on tradition or good intentions—it needed qualification-backed consistency.
To raise the bar, we implemented a mandatory Certificate III in Sterilisation Services for all sterilisation staff. This initiative was championed by infection prevention and executive leadership teams, working together to update policies, partner with training providers, and ensure staff access to flexible, supported learning pathways. Recognising our rural context, we embedded on-site mentorship and practical assessment support across all sites.
Initial resistance was real—some staff feared study, others feared change. But with targeted communication, hands-on support, and strong leadership backing, staff across our health service began their journey to formal certification. Early results include improved confidence, better alignment with AS/NZS 4187 (AS5369), and increased audit readiness. For the first time, our sterilisation workforce speaks a common, qualified language of safe practice.
Reprocessing is a frontline infection prevention strategy—and it deserves a trained, confident workforce. By making certification non-negotiable, we shifted the culture from ‘doing what we’ve always done’ to ‘doing what’s best practice.’ Our journey offers a practical, human-centred roadmap from the ground up.