Bradley Leaver has been a medical device reprocessing technician with KHSC for four years and says he’s incredibly proud to put on his badge every shift.
Credit
Matthew Manor/KHSC
It’s one of those positions you may never have heard of, but without people like Bradley Leaver Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) wouldn’t be able to perform many of its procedures.
Leaver is a medical device reprocessing technician.
It’s no secret health care facilities use a wide array of equipment, surgical instruments, tools and more.
It’s crucial these devices are sterilized and disinfected properly to ensure patient safety and quality assurance.
That’s where Leaver and the Medical Device Reprocessing department comes in.
“The work we do takes a great deal of effort, instrument knowledge and efficiency,” explains Leaver. “We support the operating room (OR) and other departments by cleaning, assembling and sterilizing surgical instruments. We also store them in a controlled area until they are needed for another patient.”
It takes hours to properly reprocess reusable devices, that’s why Leaver tries to stay one step ahead.
“Without our department surgeries cannot happen. Once a surgery is complete the process to clean, assemble and sterilize instruments takes hours, so we always strive to stay ahead of what doctors and surgery teams may need.”
Leaver has always wanted to work in health care.
That’s why he left a career as a commercial truck driver, to pursue his real passion.
He joined KHSC four years ago, and says what he enjoys most about the role is working hands on with surgical instruments and seeing how they’re used during procedures.
Leaver adds he’s incredibly proud to put on his badge every shift.
“My work ensures the instruments are safe, functional, sterile and most of all available when the OR needs them. So while I don’t have any direct contact with patients, our team makes sure they can get the care they need.”
In honour of Medical Device Reprocessing Week we’re shining a spotlight on the important work Leaver and the entire Medical Device Reprocessing department does day in and day out.
They may be behind the scenes, but they’re integral members of the KHSC team and help make sure the more than 500,000 patients and families we serve from across the region have access to the best possible care.
Gallery
Bradley Leaver has been a medical device reprocessing technician with KHSC for four years and says he’s incredibly proud to put on his badge every shift.
