Digitalization, reprocessing and the path to enhanced efficiency

Our client, the Kepler University Hospital located in Linz, Austria's third-largest city, operates with a robust workforce of approximately 7,000 and offers about 1,800 patient beds. The hospital features 19 state-of-the-art operating rooms, where more than 100 surgical procedures take place daily. The Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) alone employs around 50 dedicated professionals who work tirelessly around the clock.

To enhance the efficiency and efficacy of their operations, the hospital placed an order for five MST-Vs, two return gates, ten automation elements and thirty-five adjustable trolleys. This newly integrated equipment allows the hospital to now reprocess up to 56 sterilization units each day.

These improvements offer multiple advantages, not just scaled up reprocessing. Of particular note are the ergonomically designed electric height-adjustable trolleys. They facilitate a more streamlined workflow and lessen manual labor. This innovative design also enhances workplace safety by minimizing potential accidents due to its user-focused construction. The automation units placed on both sides of the divided batch trolleys not only save space but also offer greater flexibility.

The aim of including automation elements for loading and unloading is to conserve the valuable time and manpower resources of CSSD staff, simultaneously boosting efficiency and productivity levels.
We have also incorporated Smart Hub Orbit in collaboration with the Asanus instrument tracking system. This seamless integration ensures accurate tracing of instruments throughout their lifecycle, providing an additional layer of security. Thanks to digitalization of the CSSD department, Kepler University Hospital Linz has become one of the growing numbers of smart CSSDs. 

With plans to culminate the entire project by May 2024, we are paving the way to a new era of digitalization and smart CSSDs.