Scott Foster puts a load of equipment in the new sterilizer at Stephens Memorial Hospital.

Annual fund affords hospital new sterilizer

NORWAY – Western Maine Health President and CEO Timothy A. Churchill has announced that annual fund donations to Stephens Community Healthcare Foundation have been used to purchase a new sterilizer for the Central Sterile Department in the Operating Room.

The sterilizer, a medium volume steam sterilizer, has a larger capacity than the former unit, and Central Sterile Coordinator Scott Foster said, “It is more efficient and can handle more cycles than our previous equipment. This sterilizer is safer, features easier maintenance, and is quality built to meet the rigorous standards of sterilizing necessary for our operating rooms, as well as emergency services, obstetrics and physician offices.

M. Patricia Cook, senior vice president – clinical, stressed the importance of donations and staff involvement.

She said, “Many thanks to members of our community who, through their generous donations, made this purchase possible. Thanks also to Scott and Mary in Central Sterile who planned for installation and tested the equipment, as well as Les Gammon and his staff who assisted with the installation.”