HSPA 2026: Building Stronger Relationships Between SPD and Other Departments

At HSPA 2026 in Baltimore, held from April 25 to the 28, Katie Belski, BSHCA, a-IPC, CRCST, CHL, CIS, CER; and Nicole Simon, CIS, CHL, CRCST; focused on a challenge that can directly affect patient safety: building stronger relationships between sterile processing departments (SPD) and the other teams they support.

“I’m Katie Belski,” Belski said. “My current role [is] an infection preventionist statewide for [sterile processing department (SPD)], [high level disinfection (HLD)], and surgery.”

Simon brought nearly 2 decades of health care experience to the discussion. “I’m Nicole Simon. I have 19 years of health care experience with the last 9 being spent in the sterile processing industry,” she said, noting that she has served in multiple SPD leadership roles, including traveling interim manager.

For both speakers, the topic was personal and practical. “This content was important to us because we think it’s much needed, often forgotten,” Belski said. Their goal was to give attendees usable tools for strengthening collaboration between SPD and other departments.

Simon emphasized that the need is clear across many facilities. “As a leader in sterile processing, I am traveling as well,” she said. “I see that that’s definitely a gap of having strong collaborative relationships between sterile processing and other outside departments.”

The central message was that collaboration is not optional. “It’s extremely important to hone in on creating a cohesive environment so that we all are on the same page about what’s most important, and that’s the patient,” Simon said.

The discussion also touched on professional growth through travel assignments. Simon said travel expanded her perspective. “The exposure is what gave me my knowledge,” she said. “It allowed me to see things from a different lens and understand the pain points.”

However, both cautioned that traveling should not be rushed. Belski noted, “If somebody’s interested in traveling, make sure they give themselves the time to contribute in a positive way as a traveler.”

Persistent challenges remain, including recognition, pay, mentorship, and leadership support. Belski said one major issue is “recognition for the profession,” which connects to “fair pay, competitive pay,” and whether SPD voices are heard.

Simon added that there is often “a huge gap in the understanding between the administration and sterile processing,” which can lead to inadequate resources, equipment, and support.

Still, HSPA offered encouragement. For Belski, the best part was “seeing old friends, meeting new friends, the learning.” For Simon, it was “the networking” and “being able to give back to the industry.”