Oak Valley Health is making surgeries safer, faster, and more efficient with the help of a new smart tracking system for surgical instruments.
This year, Markham Stouffville Hospital introduced a new technology called Sterile Processing Management (SPM) from Steris, a trusted name in surgical and infection prevention solutions. This system helps staff keep track of every surgical instrument from the moment it’s cleaned, to when it’s used in the operating room, and back again — making sure everything is exactly where it needs to be, when it needs to be there.
“SPM helps us to be smarter with how we manage our resources,” says Megan Hipson, Manager of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD). “We can now see what we have too much of, what we need more of, and how to better support the surgical team.”
Before SPM, staff used paper records or had to reach out to manufacturers to get cleaning instructions for tools. Now, the system includes a digital library that provides up-to-date guidance at their fingertips — helping the team follow best practices and stay ready for Accreditation reviews.
The benefits are already showing. Staff were recently able to locate a full set of instruments for an unexpected surgery in record time using the system’s search feature. The platform also helps reduce errors, track usage patterns, and plan for future needs — saving time, money, and stress.
“We can now see what we have too much of, what we need more of, and how to better support the surgical team.”
Megan Hipson, Manager of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD)
“SPM is helping us reduce waste, control spending, and deliver better care,” says Megan. “It’s a big investment, but one that’s already making a difference for our patients and our team.”
Soon, nurses in the operating room will also be able to use the system to flag any issues with surgical trays right away, creating a smoother feedback process and allowing improvements to happen in real time. Every operating room computer will have access to the system, helping teams stay informed and connected.
Supporting staff and planning for the future
We are also using this new partnership with Steris to invest in staff development. Team members now have access to Steris University, an online training platform that offers helpful courses on reprocessing and infection control. In addition, a $10,000 education grant is supporting staff as they pursue additional certifications and professional growth opportunities.
Looking ahead, the hospital plans to introduce another tool called Steris Connected Care, which will monitor the health of sterilization machines — letting staff know when maintenance is needed before a problem arises.
By bringing in this smart, connected technology, Oak Valley Health is supporting safer surgeries, reducing waste, and improving the patient experience. It’s one more way we are working behind the scenes to keep care safe, seamless, and efficient.