The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) will be having its annual meetings in Toronto, Canada, April 1-3, 2001.

Prior to the SHEA meetings, Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) is offering an educational symposium titled "Current Issues in Infection Control, Disinfection and Sterilization" at the Dominion Ballroom, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto, Canada, March 31, 2001, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The Symposium will feature an outstanding faculty who will provide a current perspective on health care infection control issues and developments as well as advances in the sterilization and disinfection sciences. 

There is no fee to attend the Symposium; however, pre-registration is required due to space limitations. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

Certificates for continuing education credits will be available for a fee of $25. Registration for the SHEA sessions will be at the Royal York Hotel. 

Questions about the Symposium may be directed to Kathy Tomczik at (949) 789-3970.  

News

Sterile Processing

 sterile processing page provides an inside look into the sterile processing (or central supply) department in the hospital where surgical instruments are cleaned, sterilized, and reprocessed in order to disinfect, remove bioburden, and prep for upcoming procedures. Sterile processing applies to not only the knives, scalpels, scissors, forceps, and clamps used in surgery, but also instruments such as endoscopes and duodenoscopes. 

 reports on the latest technology but also on the means to disinfect that technology. Also, the trend toward making more disposable surgical equipment. What does that mean for the sterile processing team?

Environmental Services

 environmental services (EVS) page recognizes the team responsible for sanitation and cleaning within the health care system. EVS personnel are an integral component of infection prevention in the hospital, working closely together with the health care staff to ensure patient safety and hygiene standards. 

 keeps a close eye on developments in the environmental services industry and reports on any peer-reviewed literature. This page also features video interviews with EVS and the professionals who interact with them.

SHEA conducts annual meetings in March