Voice

Delta Chapter Report

March 2024 -- Chapter Reports

Eta Chapter Report

March 2024 -- Chapter Reports

Gamma Chapter Report

March 2024 -- Chapter Reports

Lambda Chapter Report

March 2024 -- Chapter Reports

Theta Chapter Report

March 2024 -- Chapter Reports

Delta Chapter Report

December 2023 -- Chapter Reports

ETA Chapter Report

December 2023 -- Chapter Reports

Theta Chapter Report

December 2023 -- Chapter Reports

Gamma Chapter Report

December 2023 -- Chapter Reports

Theta Chapter Report

September 2023 -- Chapter Reports

Gamma Chapter Report

September 2023 -- Chapter Reports

ETA Chapter Report

September 2023 -- Chapter Reports

Director of Education Report

September 2023 -- Director Reports

ETA Chapter Report

May 2023 -- Chapter Reports

Theta Chapter Report

May 2023 -- Chapter Reports

Delta Chapter Report

March 2023 -- Chapter Reports

As the long winter is slowly coming to an end, Delta Chapter is working with vendor reps in planning a whole-day education day in May as we were unable to set something up in January. We are hoping to cover all the new standards as well as update members on up-and-coming meetings and resources available to MDRAO members.

We are hoping to have new members join and opening this education day up for members from other chapters. We encourage members to participate as well as encourage other staff withing their hospitals to join and attend our meetings as well as education opportunities.

We encourage ideas on what members would like to see during these educational opportunities. MDRTs are becoming more recognized in many hospitals and community settings, which is amazing to see.

Delta Chapter Executive would like to thank each and every member for their contribution and hard work. It has been very hard the last couple of years, and we want everyone to know we recognize and admire how hard everyone has worked to get the patients through.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the education day. Details to follow very soon.

Thank you So Much
DELTA Chapter Executive.

ETA Chapter Report

March 2023 -- Chapter Reports

2022 was a good year for ETA chapter. We had our in-person meeting, Education Day, and sent members to attend the CAMDR conference. This year will be an awesome, unforgettable year for all members as well. March 18, 2023 is ETA’s Education Day, and the members are eagerly excited to meet and learn. Presenters are from Medline (Emma Kispal) and Steris (Manon Laflamme). We created a Facebook for ETA members to continuously learn and connect, getting to know one another and supporting each other. We are planning more activities this year, such as a summer BBQ, a tour of MDR departments (Mt. Sinai, TGH and Sick Kids) to name a few, as well as more in-person meetings to better improve the chapter. As ETA President, my primary objective is learning, knowing, and putting into practice what we’ve learned. Working in the field of medical device reprocessing, we are subjected to long hours of standing, straining our vision, heavy lifting, and repetitive movements. Being a member of MDRAO (ETA), one will feel welcome, a part of a family. We share our experiences and are always looking forward of seeing each other. More exciting events and activities to follow.

Take care!

Kind Regards,

Maria Raj (ETA President)

Gamma Chapter Report

March 2023 --

Our long winter is slowly coming to an end. For those who enjoy winter activities, it has been a great winter; for the others, I hope you had a chance to get away for a quick vacation. As the provincial government year comes to an end and this is a hopeful end to Bill 124, we all hope the new year brings more recognition and compensation to our frontline workers. The success of catching up on the large provincial backlog has added stress and expectations to our MDRDs on making sure we still adhere to standards while providing quality service and reduce equipment-related delays with new ways of being efficient. MDRAO has been an education source to help coordinate new information of standards, technology, and equipment. My thoughts on the future are that we need to gather more as an association to share our successes and struggles to support one another as we are all thinking on how we can better support our communities' access to care.

Recognition and teamwork are the keys to success, and I must share some kind words a surgeon sent to an Ottawa Hospital MDRD team recognizing the work they do. “On behalf of the bariatric surgeons, I would like to thank and congratulate everyone for their hard work and support during a very busy but very successful week. We did THIRTY-TWO cases this week!! We are tremendously appreciative of the collaborative effort required to support such an impressive feat. As always, it is a privilege to work with such dedicated, hardworking, and engaged teams across the perioperative portfolio.” This is the definition of teamwork; without each team we would be lost.

For the Gamma Chapter, we are starting to visit an idea of hosting a Gamma Chapter MDRAO education day so we can all come together and learn more as a team from all hospitals in our chapter. More updates will come in the near future.

Take care,

John McHardy (Gamma Chapter President)

Theta Chapter Report

March 2023 --

Now that the time has changes, I hope that spring shall spring forward and our winter blues disappear.

SAVE THE DATE…..

Theta is excited to announce that plans are underway for an in-person conference.

It’s been too long. We can’t wait to see you all!

When: April 28-29, 2023

Where: Best Western, North Bay

Details to follow soon.

Please visit on Facebook group, MDRO Theta Chapter.

“Quality & Patient Safety: Every Sterile Reprocessing Goal”

Delta Chapter Report�

December 2022 -- Chapter Reports

Lambda Chapter Report

December 2022 -- Chapter Reports

Theta Chapter Report

December 2022 -- Chapter Reports

Sigma Chapter Report

December 2022 -- Chapter Reports

ETA Chapter Report

December 2022 -- Chapter Reports

Gamma Chapter Report

December 2022 --

Gamma Chapter report

September 2022 -- Chapter Reports

I hope you all had a great summer and some time to take a break from the daily demands. Taking a break and reflecting is important for our own well-being. We sometimes forget that we need to create a working brain and a life brain. This means we should be keeping work at work and enjoy our time at home.

COVID-19 has adjusted all our lives at work and at home. You are not alone if you are having difficulty adjusting to the new normal; do not hesitate to reach out to friends, colleagues or support systems provided by your workplace or communities.

SIGMA Chapter report

September 2022 -- Chapter Reports

Hello Fellow MDRAO members! I hope you all had an amazing summer and smooth transition back to school for those with little ones.

The Sigma board has been busy planning our first ‘Day Conference,’ which will be held at the Double Tree convention centre in London, Ontario. Sigma will be sending out information to all the chapters soon in hopes of seeing lots of familiar faces as well as new ones!

We hope you all have a great Thanksgiving, and please stay tuned on how register for our day conference!

Stacey, Helen, Sherri and Tiffany

The Life of a Medical Device Reprocessing Technician

September 2022 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

By Maria Raj

To my fellow colleagues, life as a medical device reprocessing technician is tough.

COVID-19
Let’s talk about COVID-19, remember the lockdown, lack of PPE, wearing face masks for how many hours, washing and cleaning of soiled instruments used for COVID patients, mandatory vaccinations, adjusting our normal lives to live the COVID way?

Medical Device Reprocessing Week: October 9-15

September 2022 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

mdrao.ca
Medical Device Reprocessing Week is a great time for health care facilities to recognize and show their appreciation for the important work of MDR professionals.

Gamma Chapter report

June 2022 -- Chapter Reports

It is hard to believe, but the 2022 MDRAO conference is already behind us! This conference was again a great success, and as the Gamma Chapter President, on behalf of the Gamma chapter members, I want to thank Becker and Associates for doing such a great job at coordinating this event.

Thanks to the generosity of the MDRAO Association, Gamma Chapter was able to send 10 lucky members to the conference this year. These members’ conference registration fees were taken care of by the association. The expenses, like hotel cost and transportation to the conference, were partially covered by Gamma Chapter, up to $500 per member with receipts.

In addition to the 10 lucky members, several other Gamma Chapter members made their way to attend the conference. Everyone I talked to had nothing but good things to say about this event.

A live conference was welcomed by all, especially after the last two year of confinement that we just went through!

We have a great time mingling with the vendors, who looked equally thrilled to be at the event as well.

It was truly the <light at the end of the lumen> for everyone!

MDRAO has already decided to hold another conference in 2023. If you missed the last one, I suggest that you plan to attend the next one; you will not be disappointed.

Yours truly,
Nathalie Legault
Gamma Chapter President

Theta Chapter report

June 2022 -- Chapter Reports

The Theta Chapter is pleased to have sent eight members to this year’s MDRAO Conference. The Chapter absorbed the cost.

Some members experienced for the first time the social and educational benefits of attending a conference.

The workshops were engaging and guest speakers were informative.

I personally expanded my knowledge and was able to find solutions to a couple of problems.

Theta has an education day planned for April 2023.

As of March 2022, our Theta Chapter had 110 registered members.

Upcoming Theta meeting planned June 15th, 2022

Monique Marshall RN
President Theta Chapter

Sigma Chapter Report

June 2022 -- Chapter Reports

A brief update from the Sigma Chapter — this past April, Sigma was able to fund and send 13 members from the chapter to the MDRAO conference that was held in Toronto. Each attendee left with so much new knowledge to bring back to their teams within their home base department. It was disappointing to hear that some hospitals are not funding for their employees to attend educational conferences anymore. Sigma will forever stand behind their members and do what it takes to ensure each member will always be given an opportunity to enhance and further their knowledge through conferences and education retreats.

Sigma will be holding an education day this November and look forward to seeing everyone there.

Stacey Gielen
Sigma Chapter Rep
Sigma Chapter President

ETA Chapter Report

June 2022 -- Chapter Reports

Summer is already here, and everyone is eager to just get loose getting ready to take off on a fabulous and favorite oasis to have a break of much needed time off from a busy life working through the pandemic,

It was a month ago when a beautiful MDRAO Conference, “Light at the End of the Lumen,” took place in Toronto, Ontario. It was attended by so many members and vendors alike. Among the attendees were about 25 ETA members. There were also four presenters bringing and sharing their knowledge with very interesting and educational topics of presentations.

At this time, The ETA Chapter is not been as active in conducting meetings; hope we can have one soon as the new membership year starts. We will be planning meetings with vendors as usual, as well as Education Days.

The ETA Chapter will always empower members to learn and inspire to make a difference.

Hope everyone will have a safe and enjoyable summer season. Regards,

ETA Chapter

Chapter Development Report

June 2022 -- Director Reports

Hello Members

The MDRAO Conference this year was a huge success, and I was happy to reconnect and make new connections with many of you during the three days. While attending the conference and speaking to attendees, one thing was evident: Everyone was happy to leave the Zoom meeting and connect in person. This is so true when it comes to growing and offering great value to our members through our chapters. Bringing many of the vendor suppliers together in one area is like having a huge three-day chapter meeting. Offering members to learn and ask important questions of our suppliers is a great opportunity for us to add to our knowledge base as medical device technicians.

Communications Report

June 2022 -- Director Reports

MDRAO would like to thank everyone for their participation in the success of our 2022 conference. Beckers Associates, Directors, Chapter Executives, Sponsors, Presenters, Exhibitors, all of our delegates, members and non-members!

It was awesome reconnecting after the last couple of years. We hope all participants felt inspired and re-energized after attending the 2022 conference.

Delta Chapter Report

April 2022 -- Chapter Reports

I hope all of our members are keeping safe and healthy. It has definitely been a hectic couple of years. I hope everyone is getting excited to have an in-person conference this year. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again and taking part in all education sessions.

Delta Chapter will be having scheduled meetings again in the near future. We have had to hold off on gatherings due to COVID but are very excited to start our chapter meetings again. Delta Chapter will be drawing names of the current members to attend the conference. Hoping to see all the friendly faces again and meeting some new members from all chapters.

Delta Chapter Executive
Tamiza Samji – President
Kimberly Hunt – Vice President
Lyn Macadangdang – Treasurer

Sigma Chapter Report

April 2022 -- Chapter Reports

To our fellow MDRAO members:

It is with pure excitement Sigma brings a chapter update. With the conference just right around the corner and with all last minute plans being finalized, it is far beyond any level of excitement that we look forward to seeing everyone! With Ontario’s recent news about the province moving on from the pandemic, we still continue to face trials and tribulations as health care workers. Sigma members are constantly reminded of the amazing success they have achieved these past two years. This is our time to finally gather together and see the ‘light at the end of the lumen.’ Our chapter has over 20 members attending the conference! MDRAO — keep shining! So extremely grateful for every one of you.

Lambda Chapter Report

April 2022 -- Chapter Reports

Hello Members!

Lambda is so very happy to be able to send four of our local Thunder Bay members to the conference.

There have been some changes very recently. Candia is no longer president of Lambda nor sitting on the provincial board. I have temporarily taken over her duties as best as I can!

Unfortunately, we have not had any members wanting to join our board, so we will be looking into dissolving the Lambda chapter at or shortly after the conference.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the conference!

Megan Bozec, VP, Secretary, Treasurer

Sasha Torkkeli , Education Director

MDRAO Links

April 2022 --

MDRAO welcomes you to join us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Medical-Device-Reprocessing-Association-of-Ontario-MDRAO-107071655161175

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/5036123/

To our fellow members of the MDRAO.

December 2021 -- President's Report

The 2021 year has been an interesting rollercoaster year for all of us. We have managed to
have a board meeting and we have embarked on some interesting projects.

First and foremost is the active planning for a face to face conference next April in Toronto. The
deal was inked with the venue before the Omicron variant was announced so fingers crossed it
will go as planned.

Call for Constitutional Amendments

December 2021 -- Special Events

Constitutional amendments are presented and voted upon annually.

Our present Constitution allows members in good standing including Executive Members of each Chapter and Members of the Provincial Board of Directors to propose amendments and to vote on constitutional changes.

Greetings fellow MDRAO members and guests.

October 2021 -- President's Report

Here we are are in final quarter of 2021, and we are still not through the pandemic yet. This is frustrating for most people, especially our board as we try to plan for our future as a great association. We recently met in Toronto to discuss a lot of things, and we made great progress in a few areas.

Sigma Chapter

October 2021 -- Chapter Reports

Hello Fellow MDRAO Members,

The Sigma Board has been busy putting together our first face-to-face dinner with our members to celebrate MDRAO week. While at the same time, making sure everyone has renewed their memberships for the 2021/2022 year. The board has been brainstorming ways to increase chapter development to give our members full educational benefits.

Gamma Chapter

October 2021 -- Chapter Reports

Dear members,

The past few years have been very challenging for everyone, including MDRAO. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, we were unable to meet as usual for our chapter meetings and we have not been able to provide you with the usual education sessions.

The pandemic is not over yet, but with several of the restrictions that are lifted and with most people being vaccinated, I think that we can start our chapter activities again.

Theta Chapter

October 2021 -- Chapter Reports

The Theta chapter has been dormant during the pandemic. Work is under way for an education day in April 2023. A motivational speaker was reserved for this event and the venue provisionally.

As soon as restriction ease, the Theta chapter will schedule meetings and education sessions.

We look forward to celebrating the MDRD Week with numerous education sessions, games, great food options and an open house.

Viruses limited by COVID-19 restrictions are coming back strong this fall, experts say

October 2021 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Viruses are making a comeback as COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted. Washing your hands and staying home when you are sick are some ways to prevent these other viruses from spreading. Source: CBC

Global sterilization and disinfectants market $16.8 billion by 2027

October 2021 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

The global sterilization and disinfectants market is growing tremendously, as hospitals are work to protect patients and themselves from infections. Source: iHeathcareAnalyst

CMHA's Indigenous ally toolkit

October 2021 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

There are a variety of steps to follow being an ally that supports and respects those they support. Educating yourself is a great place to start. Source: Canadian Mental Health Association

Envisioning a Made-in-Canada Pandemic Response Products Ecosystem

October 2021 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

The COVID-19 pandemic showed gaps in resources and existing vulnerabilities. This report takes a look at a variety of categorized resources and the gaps that exist in their production and distribution. Source: Canadian Standards Association.

Healthcare Leadership in Challenging Times

October 2021 -- MDRAO Announcements

Written by John McHardy, a Manager in a Medical Device Reprocessing Department.

At some point in every leader’s career, they are faced with a crisis. One crisis that we did not predict was leading a healthcare team during a pandemic. When we are faced with a challenge, we tend to respond instinctively. This initial impulse may not always be productive, yet none of us have experience when entering a pandemic. A leader needs to be able to act quickly but must have a flexible plan. While managing a new process, they need to communicate with transparency and lead with compassion.

Public Health Resources Online

October 2021 -- MDRAO Announcements

Fellow members.

May 2021 -- President's Report

Hello and welcome to our 2nd quarterly report for 2021. I wish there were lots of things to report but given the current lockdown that we are in, we are forced to work at a slower pace.

I would like to announce that it is going to be business as normal with a conference this fall, but I am reluctant to do so. We have been attending virtual conferences of late and are currently contemplating just how we could put on a small virtual conference this fall. We will have a board meeting by mid-May to discuss the makeup and execution of such a conference. Will will keep you informed.

Sigma Chapter Report

May 2021 -- Chapter Reports

Hello MDRAO members

We at Sigma have been busy preparing our next virtual meeting. We are excited to share that we will be opening up the invitation to participate to all MDRAO members across the province. We are looking forward to the opening stages of Ontario following the pandemic outbreak we have all been challenged with this past 15 months. Sigma board members will also be gathering ideas from members with suggestions on more educational opportunity subjects as well as future meeting dates. Our Facebook page has so far been a success for communication as well as links for members to register in online webinars.

Stay tuned!

Stacey Marshal

ETA Chapter Report

May 2021 -- Chapter Reports

For more than a year now, we have been in an extremely very challenging and stressful situation in our daily activities through the pandemic. As part of the healthcare community, we are doing our part to make ourselves, our colleagues and most importantly our patients safe and healthy. We experienced first, second and third waves of lockdowns, loosening up, again lockdowns and staying home orders. To most of us, it has been a challenge, from babysitting to going work, in addition to wearing a mask all day. Our resourcefulness and creativity were also challenged when the Ontario government asked us to reprocess N95 masks, thinking that we were going to run out. Luckily, companies were able to ramp up their production, so the reprocessing of single use masks has stopped.

Gamma Chapter Report

May 2021 -- Chapter Reports

Greetings to all MDRAO Members!

Finally, spring is almost here with warmer weather and the flowers blooming! The past year has been challenging for MDRD technicians in our area. Many of them were redeployed to other areas because of the lack of work in our department due to elective surgery cancellations. It is never easy to work in an unknown area with people you do not know, but we want to thank you for your hard work, courage and dedication. You were and are still appreciated!

COVID-19 Impact to MDRD on How to Reprocess Reusable Medical Devices

May 2021 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

By Pablo Ramiro

Infections like COVID-19 have so many unknowns that health officials don’t really know when or if the illness will be eliminated — similar to what happened during the SARS outbreak in 2003. More than a year after the start of the pandemic, with new variants continuing to emerge, people from around the world continue to be affected, from daily activities at home and at work to limited ability to travel.

Don't Underestimate the Power of Kindness at Work

May 2021 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Harvard Business Review

Demonstrating and promoting kindness in the workplace can lead to a number of benefits, according to researchers.

Director of Communications Report

May 2021 -- Director Reports

This report provides an overview of communications, engagement activities and a summary of planned activities across the organization.

May 2021 Education Report

May 2021 -- Director Reports

Hello to all members,

Another academic year is about to finish at MDRAO; our online course registrations for year 2020-21 closed on January 31st and the last students had until April 30th to finish their course and exam. This left us one month to perform updates and finish business before we start another academic year on June 1st!

MDRAO President's Message

March 2021 -- President's Report

Fellow members of the MDRAO,

Welcome to our AGM. We apologize for the tardiness in bringing this to you at such a late date, but it was not without trying to.

At our last AGM, we had some serious things that were going on, with the previous president, vice president and past president resigning; a lawsuit and a dismissed association administrator. All of these things combined made it very tough for a brand new small board to sort through. We secured an association management team that fits our association's needs and will allow us to grow. During the immediate months following, we managed to prioritize and, with Gary's tremendous selling skills, put on one of the best annual conferences in recent memory. Following this high, we proceeded to work as a team on various issues, such as our education system, website, etc.

Gamma Chapter Report

March 2021 -- Chapter Reports

Greetings from Gamma,

At the Chapter level, it has been very quiet for Gamma. We did not have any meetings recently because we were not allowed to meet in person and also we still have a curfew in place in our region. I have handed out the MDRAO post cards and they were well received. Things are starting to get back to normal; the hospitals in our region are getting ready to accept the MDRT students for their Practicum. We are excited to greet them as most of us are in need of hiring new employees.

Nathalie Legault

Sigma Chapter Report

March 2021 -- Chapter Reports

Stop, Drop Off, & Roll the Carts: Signs That Make the Sterile Processing Work...Flow

March 2021 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Check out this link to a Beyond Clean Podcast with Garry Bassi.

AGM Communications Report

March 2021 -- Director Reports

Hello everyone,

I am pleased to provide the annual Communication Report. 2019 was a tremendous year for MDRAO. I had the pleasure of working with Deo Macdangdang for a short period of time. It was great having the opportunity to work with Deo in the communication position, and he was wonderful to work with on the past board of directors. This year, I am pleased to work with Pablo Ramiro, who will be joining me as a director for communications.

AGM Chapter Development Report

March 2021 -- Director Reports

Staying safe has required our MDRAO family to work and talk from a distance. Our ability to meet and gather is a big part of our functioning as an educational association. Support has been provided principally through a video connection or email. Even though our work has undergone changes with reassignments and workloads, we continue to carry the responsibility of providing uncompromised care for the patients that we serve.

Medical Device Reprocessing Quiz

March 2021 -- MDRAO Announcements

Upcoming Webinars for Your Viewing with Healthmark Industries

March 2021 -- Virtual Education Webinars

https://www.hmark.com/webinars.php

Gamma Chapter Report

January 2021 -- Chapter Reports

Goodbye 2020, hello 2021! We must admit it, 2020 has been a memorable year for everyone! This is not a year that we will forget soon.

While 2020 has been challenging for everyone, here are some of the challenges that the MDRD technicians in our region had to face.

ETA Report

January 2021 -- Chapter Reports

Year 2020, like no other, is behind us, but still the uncertainty of the pandemic is lingering around us with a new variant of COVID-19 circulating in parts of the world. Since it started, there is no doubt that everyone is affected; it changes the way we do our daily activities from hand washing, wearing face coverings and physical distancing, including social distancing, which means no parties or gatherings, no or limited visitations to our love ones and our relatives not even siblings and parents. Our workplaces are very much affected; some are closed during lockdowns to the extent employees are laid off – worst of it, a lot of businesses are straggling to restart or decides to closed down.

Sigma Chapter Report

January 2021 -- Chapter Reports

Although we still see ourselves with challenges due to COVID-19, Sigma Chapter has decided to still move forward with improvements. Following our Virtual Education Conference in October, the promise to create a Facebook group has been delivered. January 2021, an 'MDRAO- Sigma Chapter' group was created and launched via Facebook. The objectives of the group are to deliver educational links, upcoming meeting dates, scheduled conferences as well as an easy source for members with questions to post and receive answers in a timely manner. It also allows MDRD technicians to join and see firsthand the benefits of becoming an MDRAO member. Most communication has been delivered via email in the past, but not all members check their emails daily; however, each individual typically does not go a day without checking their Facebook. The Sigma Chapter board members have pure confidence this will be a successful way to communicate with our current members as well as a window to bring on more individuals to the MDRAO organization. Sigma Chapter does plan on hosting another virtual meeting this coming April.

Stacey Marshall

Tiffany Anjema

Reprocessing Single-Use Medical Devices Boosts Circular Economy for Hospitals

January 2021 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Healthcare Finance News
Medical device reprocessing can play an important role in reducing waste and helping healthcare facilities be more cost-effective, according to a new analysis.

Worn N95 Masks Can Only Be Cleaned and Reused Once Before Unsafe: New Winnipeg-Based Study

January 2021 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

CBC
A study conducted at a hospital in Winnipeg found that cleaning used N95 masks in an autoclave led to fit-testing failures for some masks.

Deep-Clean Cycle: Behind the Scenes of Medical Device Reprocessing at Dartmouth General Hospital

January 2021 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

The ChronicleHerald
A look at the medical device reprocessing department at Dartmouth General Hospital in Nova Scotia.

Director of Communications Report

January 2021 -- Director Reports

2020 was one heck of a year! Right?

We all have our stories from the past year.

For most of us, our thoughts jump to “stressful”!

What's your story? What were the ups and downs of 2020?

What about 2021? What's your story going to be?

On the surface, you might feel like it's out of your hands, as if there's too much uncertainty and you're at the whim of the world.

But dig deeper...

MDRAO Holiday Message

January 2021 -- MDRAO Announcements

Dear fellow MDRAO members and guests,

First and foremost, we would like to congratulate and commend you on the jobs you have done this year. It has been a very trying and exhausting year, to say the least. Well done!

This year has been a difficult year for the board regarding meetings and board functions. It seems that every time that we feel that the pandemic shows signs of easing up and try to coordinate a meeting, COVID comes back and we need to cancel. We did, however, manage a meeting in London in April and got a lot of work done.

Health and Wellness

January 2021 -- MDRAO Announcements

Please take a moment to browse through our health and wellness links.

Take care, stay safe!

Canadian Mental Health Association

https://ontario.cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Resources-for-crisis-Ressources-en-cas-de-crise-FINAL.pdf

Government of Canada

https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/

Infection Prevention and Control

https://ipac.discoverycampus.com

Parenting during COVID-19

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/parenting-during-covid-19.html

About MDRAO

January 2021 -- MDRAO Announcements

Read more about the Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario and what it has to offer.

President's Report

October 2020 -- President's Report

Fellow MDRAO members and guests.

It has been a very interesting ride this year and into the fall. Just when we thought that Covid was on the decline enough for us to hold our AGM (Annual General Meeting), Covid reared its ugly head with a vengeance and we are now back to square one. We are exploring other options to be able to present the AGM to you, it just may be by email or a Zoom type format. Please stay tuned.

Sigma Chapter Report

October 2020 -- Chapter Reports

Removing Biofilms; Using Indicators in Sterilization Assurance

October 2020 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Healthcare Purchasing News

Updated technologies have revealed the importance of dealing effectively with biofilms through cleaning and sterilization.

Instrument Reprocessing and Infection Control During Pandemics

October 2020 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Infection Control Today
Thorough and effective planning is key for sterile processing departments facing the challenges of a pandemic.

Toronto, Ontario’s Mount Sinai Hospital is undertaking a major renovation

October 2020 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

By Garry Bassi, Director of Medical Device Reprocessing, Mount Sinai Hospital

Phase3a is one of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects that Mt Sinai has undertaken. It involves renovating the hospital while we continue to provide services and work inside it. MDRD is a part of this project, our MDRD was in dire need of an upgrade.

We moved away from a system where we used paper checklists for our instrument sets and used no computers in our department to a fully technology advanced department.

Directors of Communications Report

October 2020 -- Director Reports

Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have worked together to support each other in several new ways. This has required adapting to change quickly and sometimes thinking “out of the box.” In the spirit of renewal and change, I am pleased to share this idea from the Sigma Chapter.

Chapter Development Report

October 2020 -- Director Reports

Hello MDRAO Members

Chapter Development is an ongoing effort to encourage MDRD professionals to become members of a professional association. MDRAO has been promoting the MDR Technician profession for over 50 years. From the beginning of these turbulent times of the Covid-19 pandemic, MDR technicians have been on the front lines prepared to ply our trade as needed in a moment's notice.

Fellow MDRAO members

June 2020 -- President's Report

To say that it has been a trying spring would be an understatement for sure. Many of us are being redeployed to various pandemic services, and some part timers are probably wondering where the part is in part time. Our thoughts are with you. The board has been moving on with business, and you will start seeing the fruits of our labours.

Theta Chapter Report

June 2020 -- Chapter Reports

Lambda Chapter Report May 2020

June 2020 -- Chapter Reports

I ended my last newsletter report in February: 2020 promises to be an interesting year for Lambda; big plans, big hopes & long drives. Well it sure isn’t turning out that way. The pandemic caused the April Lambda meeting to be cancelled because my hospital turned all the OTN rooms into patient rooms.

Sigma Chapter Report

June 2020 -- Chapter Reports

Hello Sigma!

As we wrap up the fourth quarter of our year end, I am so honoured to pass over our chapter to Stacey Marshall. Stacey is a knowledgeable, inspiring woman who gives me no doubt in her ability to successfully lead and assist each and everyone of you. Not only is Stacey more than qualified for this position as your president, she also has an incredible newly elected team standing beside her. All positions within our chapter have been filled with new executive members.

Delta Chapter Report

June 2020 -- Chapter Reports

Greetings from the Delta Chapter

These are unprecedented times. Like so many other things, this pandemic has affected the activities of the Delta Chapter. We had to abandon all of our meetings. The nominations closed but elections have been delayed and will be held as soon as possible. Whenever possible, given the circumstance the newly acclaimed executive will meet. We will do our part to ensure that everyone is safe. Thank you for all of your hard work on the front lines during this pandemic. The extent of the effects of the pandemic have highlighted the importance of our association in setting standards for the highest level of need for products and procedures in our field.

Stay Safe.

Octavio Carvalho
Delta Chapter President

ETA Chapter Report

June 2020 -- Chapter Reports

Hope everyone is staying well during this difficult time.

I would like to take this moment to thank each and every one in helping the healthcare community able to do what is needed to help our patients get better during this difficult times and the great work in helping to contain the spread of Covid 19.

Gamma Chapter Report

June 2020 -- Chapter Reports

Hello from Gamma

These past few months have been very stressful for the MDRTs in our region! The regular workload has decreased a lot, and many of our casual employees have been redeployed in other departments. Some of us temporarily went to help the housekeeping department in keeping our hospitals clean. Others were assigned special projects like decontaminating N95 masks, cleaning and disinfecting face shields, filling Purell bottles, filling accel wipes containers, and disinfecting stretchers.

MDRTs Coping During Pandemic

June 2020 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

As a frontline worker you are highly exposed to viruses and other infectious diseases daily. We ask for you to share your journey throught this global pandemic

Education Report

June 2020 -- Director Reports

This year has certainly been a very busy one as far as education goes!

Due to unpredictable difficulties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial board voted to give the students who were registered in the last MDRAO MDR Techniques Online Course a one-month extension to finish their course and write their exam.

Director of Finance Report May 2020

June 2020 -- Director Reports

Although the present pandemic has curtailed some board activities such as conferences and face to face meetings, we still have to pay our management company, textbook printer and other vendors. We are still in a good financial position, aiming to end the year in the black.

COVID-19 Temporary Pandemic Pay

June 2020 -- MDRAO Announcements

On April 25, 2020 the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, announced the pandemic wage hike of $4.00 per hour for a list of workers in the Health Care settings. Sterilization and Reprocessing staff were originally not on this list.

On May 29, 2020 sterilization and reprocessing staff were announced as eligible for the temporary pandemic pay during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We are pleased to announce that Sterile processing or MDRD has made the Ontario Pandemic pay eligibility list. Thank you all for sending our letter off to your Members of Parliament and unions.

To review the letters sent out by MDRAO please follow the link provided below.

Surgical Products Specialties and Healthmark Industries Co Webinars

June 2020 -- Virtual Education Webinars

Delta Chapter Report

March 2020 -- Chapter Reports

The following are some of our activities. On February 26, we attended the Stryker MDR Open House and Education Evening. Twenty-four members attended the evening. Seven members attended the meeting with the Executive members. Unfortunately, some members were unable to attend because of poor weather conditions. During the Delta Chapter meeting (held between 6-630) portion of the evening, we discussed elections and the protocol for nominations. Members discussed the appropriate procedures if they wanted to nominate someone. The deadline for nominations was extended to March 7. If necessary, elections will be held on March 31.

ETA Chapter Report

March 2020 -- Chapter Reports

At this time MDRAO ETA chapter had some chapter meetings and education days attended by members which include the All in Campaign for the Hospital for Sick Children and the ETA Chapter traditional Christmas Dinner party.

ETA members had expressed thanks for having a chance to attend information / education sessions and the MDRAO conference.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic going on around the world, the meeting and Cantel Medical site visit scheduled for April 4, 2020 is rescheduled at a later date.

Lambda Chapter Report

March 2020 -- Chapter Reports

On July 18, 2019, Lambda had only 16 members. We sent 7 of them to the 50th MDRAO conference in Toronto in Sept. 2019. We now have 25 members from across the Northwest and big hopes for more this year as we will be holding our first Education Day in Sept.

Sigma Chapter Report

March 2020 -- Chapter Reports

Hello March, Spring is almost here!

The Sigma bi-annual Education Day, our Provincial & Chapter level elections, along with the AGM and voting on our constitution changes forms a busy time of year within our chapter and association!

The Sigma Education Day will be one you won’t want to miss! The executive team has been meeting often to plan out all the details. Mark your calendars for May 23, 2020. This event will be held in Chatham, ON at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Registration will start at 0730 following a full day education.

May 31, 2020 marks the end of this term for some of our executive members. I’m beyond excited for the nominees that came forward to lead our chapter. Best of luck to all of our highly qualified candidates.I’m thrilled and confident in the direction that our chapter is heading.

Theta Chapter Report

March 2020 -- Chapter Reports

Thunder Bay Dental Rendevous Conference

March 2020 -- Chapter Reports

On Jan. 23 & 24, 2020, the MDRAO had a booth at a Dental Conference for the first time. Candia Anderson, Director of Finance, and Megan Bozec, Lambda Vice President, manned the booth at the 38th Thunder Bay Dental Rendezvous. The 250 attendees included receptionists, dental assistants, hygienists, teachers, dentists, orthodontists, surgeons and one pony.

They Came North

March 2020 -- Chapter Reports

These days we are not used to a president doing something for his people. Luckily, we are Canadians and members of the MDRAO. President Phelps called a Board meeting in Thunder Bay for February 21-23, 2020, of which 2/3’s of the board attended, producing quorum.

The meeting was the first of the President’s initiative to show members across the whole province they matter to the board. Each board meeting for the next two years and hopefully beyond will be held in a different region, defined by Chapter, and will include a Meet & Greet with members. The Annual General Meeting will still be held in Toronto where the MDRAO’s managing company has an office.

PIDAC-IPC Develops Best Practices Document

March 2020 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Public Health Ontario
The document, "Best Practices for Prevention, Surveillance and Infection Control Management of Novel Respiratory Infections in All Health Care Settings," outlines best practices on a number of topics related to infection control of respiratory infections.

Know Thyself: 3 Reasons Why Self-Awareness is the Holy Grail of Sterile Processing Career Growth

March 2020 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Beyond Clean
Hank Balch explains why understanding others' impressions of you is an important component of professional success in sterile processing.

Director of Communications Report

March 2020 -- Director Reports

As your Director of Communications, it is part of my duties and privilege to round up the information provided in this newsletter. The communications report is for your knowledge and awareness, and I hope to convey useful and helpful information encircling our organization.

Director of Chapter Development Report

March 2020 -- Director Reports

We are Ontario strong, with members in every corner of this great province! We are 50 years young, and we have made it this far with the support and participation from all of our members, from small clinics to our large facilities. In the effort to grow our chapters and show our commitment to every part of Ontario, we have embarked on a path of scheduling our provincial board meetings in as many different chapters as possible.

Director of Finance Report

March 2020 -- Director Reports

The MDRAO is back to a firm financial standing. The massive deficit predicted for this year by our former management company has not come to pass. Our current company has consolidated the last three year’s records, and although there was a $14 377 loss last year, this year we will be in the black.

President's Message

December 2019 -- President's Report

Another year has come and gone. It has been a very busy year for the MDRAO and a very important year as well.

2019 was our 50th year. A year of many positive changes for our association, some big ones, small ones and a lot of them hidden in the background. These changes are important because it makes us more accountable to you, the members.

Season’s Greetings MDRAO Members

December 2019 -- Chapter Reports

2019 has come and almost gone extremely quickly. It has been a busy year, with chapters successfully sending as many of their members to our biannual conference as they were able. Attending the MDRAO Conference engages members and encourages participation by members in our MDRAO association. Learning and growing is a key result of membership, and this year’s MDRAO Conference provided much learning and growing.

Delta Chapter Report

December 2019 -- Chapter Reports

Chapter Minutes - December

Our Chapter met in October at the Dunnville Hospital. We had an excellent turnout with 19 members attending. Thank you members for your continued interest and participation in our meetings. During the meeting, we were fortunate to have a presentation from Dan Meilko from the Olympus Corporation. He shared his knowledge about G.I. Endoscopy from current and future perspectives. This presentation was followed with a tour from Devlin of the newly renovated MDR Department. With a view to continue our learning from others, we look forward to an upcoming Executive meeting in the New Year when we will be planning our Education Day. Our regular Christmas dinner will be held in January. More information will follow after that meeting. Have a restful break and enjoy time with your families.

Respectfully submitted,
Octavio Carvalho
President - MDRAO

ETA Chapter Report

December 2019 -- Chapter Reports

On Saturday, November 9, 2019 the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto hosted an “All-In” Campaign fundraiser with full day education on Medical Device Reprocessing. As all were invited, the ETA Chapter decided to also plan for the group to attend. Many amazing speakers from different vendors were invited to present topics that included reprocessing and infection control standards, complex medical devices used in health care, data analytics and instrument tracking and innovations. The vendor speakers with their expertise in tow, presented standards of practice, new techniques, new devices to the group which included many MDRAO ETA chapter members. In total over 180 delegates were in attendance.

Sigma Chapter Report

December 2019 -- Chapter Reports

On November 30, 2019, the Sigma chapter hosted a brilliant Lunch and Learn session at a restaurant in London, Ontario. The members who attended included familiar and new faces. During this meeting, two members were randomly selected to attend the 2021 biannual MDRAO conference to be held in Toronto.

Theta Chapter Report

December 2019 -- Chapter Reports

MDRAO ETA Chapter Christmas Dinner / Meeting Recap

December 2019 -- Special Events

Date: Tuesday, December 03, 2019
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Mandarin Restaurant Toronto Ontario

The New CAN/CSA Z314-18 Canadian Medical Device Reprocessing

December 2019 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

CSA Group
A summary of the changes contained in the new national standard.

Medical Device Reprocessor For A Day

December 2019 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

SickKidsInteractive

The team in the medical device reprocessing department at SickKids in Toronto shares a behind-scenes look at medical device processing in this video.

Guide to Steam Sterilization Cycles - Steam Flush Pressure Pulse

December 2019 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Steris Healthcare

Some of the potential advantages of steam flush pressure pulse (SFPP) include savings in terms of both cost and time.

AQRDM CONFERENCE

December 2019 -- Annual Reports

Jeffrey Phelps, MDRAO President, and Nathalie Legault, MDRAO Vice President, attended the AQRDM Conference, which was held at the Mortagne Hotel in Boucherville on October 24th and 25th. This was the first time that MDRAO participated as a vendor at this conference. The main purpose was to show our newly translated French book.

MDRAO Director of Finance Report Dec. 16, 2019

December 2019 -- Annual Reports

Provincial Elections

December 2019 -- Election News

Nominations are now open for for the Provincial Executive positions of vice president and director of finance. In addition, nominations are open for Chapter executive and representative positions.

MDRAO Updates - from Jeffrey Phelps CD, CMDRT

October 2019 -- President's Report

Hello fellow members,

Here we are celebrating the 50th birthday of the MDRAO — an association committed to educating its members in best practices to ensure quality health care outcomes. I hope you are all as proud of this association as I am.

Throughout the summer, the executive was very busy planning the 50th year conference. And what a conference it was! This year marked the largest conference attended by delegates and vendors alike with preliminary reports and feedback indicating it was a resounding success.

Chapter Development Message

October 2019 -- Chapter Reports

Hello Members

It is new to me and a great pleasure to be the MDRAO Provincial Director of Chapter Development. Although I am at helm of the position, I look forward to having the support of our chapter executive members in continuing to improve our member experience and also introducing our association to our MDRD fellow workers throughout the province wherever they may be working in their MDR capacity. From the private plastic surgeon, to the dentist’s office and to the hospitals, our association adds a great benefit to staff working in these areas.

ETA Chapter Report

October 2019 -- Chapter Reports

The MDRAO has just finished the biannual conference, September 6-8, 2019. All members want to get back to work and the usual routine in their lives but more importantly to go home, relax and take a break.

Everyone I talked to after the closing remarks is bringing back with them new ideas and topics to brainstorm, some have met new friends willing to network and share knowledge and experiences. Yes, it was a successful three days, attended by many ETA chapter members as well as students from various colleges. In addition, by visiting manufacturers and distributors booths, vendors were there to answer questions delegates might have with instrumentation and equipment.

DELTA Chapter Report

October 2019 -- Chapter Reports

MDRAO Conference 2019 Recap - Member Experience

October 2019 -- Special Events

From MDRAO ETA Members “Why I want to attend the MDRAO Conference 2019”

Brenda Gnanasegaram: Since 2014, I keep attending MDRAO meetings and conferences. So far, I learned a lot and met MDRAO professionals, having good network with them. I don't want to miss any opportunities to learn and improve my knowledge in my field of medical device reprocessing. I'm so eager to be attending the conference

Cheryl Fedosenko: I love to learn. Any opportunity to increase my knowledge to be able to deliver safer patient care is important to me. I am able to attend and look forward to this opportunity.

Manitoba Medical Device Reprocessing Conference 2019

October 2019 -- Special Events

Saturday October 19, 2019, Garry Bassi - Director of Education and Sara Roberts - Director of Communications attended a medical device reprocessing conference in Winnipeg, MB.

During the conference, there was a vendors' exhibition which allowed Garry and Sara the opportunity to showcase MDRAO. Our MDRAO textbooks, both the English and French versions, were very popular and received a lot of great feedback. MDRAO was excited to raffle off an English MDRAO textbook, and the recipient of this textbook was beyond thrilled and very grateful. There was interest from Winnipeg folks regarding the refresher courses MDRAO offers, and some asked how they could become members. CAMDR was also there.

Vital health care work done behind the scenes

October 2019 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Reprinted with permission from Atikokan Progress.

First, do no harm.

That is the start of Hippocrates’ famous advice to doctors, a spirit that has come to spread right across the field of healthcare.

You never see most of the work that goes in to meeting that objective. Medical device reprocessing is one area of that work, one of those absolutely vital things that happen almost entirely behind the scenes.

Director of Finance Newsletter Report Oct. 2019

October 2019 -- Annual Reports

Our new Financial Manager, Ryan from Becker Associates, has been hard at work reconciling records from June 2016 to May 2019. There were many different sources, and he also had to track down missing data.

Education Director's Report

October 2019 -- Annual Reports

Hello MDRAO Members,

This year has been an eventful year; as a board, we have been successful in hosting the 50th Anniversary Conference for the MDRAO. Conference planning was a good learning experience, creating agendas, becoming an overnight graphic designer for the posters and flyers and even hosting my own promotional activity on Linkedin to bring in some international vendor interest! At first, with the resignation of previous board members, I was a little set back; I began to think it was too much to take on. However, the team we have is incredible, we get things done, keep moving forward no matter what the setback, and most importantly hold ourselves accountable for our actions. We educate one another on the Federal Canadian Not For Profit Act and our Organization Bylaws to ensure, we are taking the organization in the right direction towards a law-abiding truth and transparent future.

Lambda Chapter Report

October 2019 --

Let me start off by saying, WOW! What a great conference! This was my first time ever at a MDRAO conference, and I couldn't believe what a variety of talented speakers and the number of vendors we had! It was so much fun to be a part of the 50th Anniversary. Special thanks to the Provincial Board for all of their very hard work! Great job everyone!

Sigma Chapter Report

October 2019 --

Dear Chapter Members,

Hope the beginning of the new school year, fall and all things pumpkin spice are going well!

The Sigma chapter recently organized an education day, which was held at the London Hospital Linen Services in London, Ontario.

MDRAO Updates - from Jeffrey Phelps CD, CMDRT

May 2019 -- President's Report

My fellow MDRAO Members,

Spring has come and gone and now summer has finally arrived. It has been quite an eventful first six months, and we have seen what I believe to be a lot of positive changes for this great association.

We have hit the ground running without missing a stride with a much smaller, leaner, more cohesive board, and in my opinion we have one of the best teams I have ever worked with. I thank them all for their hard work and dedication to this association and to you, our valued members.

SIGMA Chapter Report

May 2019 -- Chapter Reports

This marks the end of another successful year, and we are very excited to begin a new year with our forever-growing chapter and your dedicated executive team.

Soon we will be sending out a calendar with dates of our upcoming education days.

This year we hope to see all of our members attend our INSPIRING INNOVATION - 50 YEARS OF TRANSFORMING EDUCATION EXCELLENCE MDRAO bi-annual Conference held in Toronto Ontario! September 6-8, 2019.

GAMMA Chapter Report

May 2019 -- Chapter Reports

We have been busy trying to include as many chapter members that want to go to our 2019 MDRAO conference. We want to be the chapter recognized for sending the most first-timers to this, our 50th anniversary!

Gamma executives will be meeting to organize an education day for members in the coming year, so stay tuned!

DELTA Chapter Report

May 2019 -- Chapter Reports

We held several executive meetings to organize the Education Day. It was a highly successful event with many guest speakers. The participants found the day to be interesting and educational. The dialogue during the question and answer period with the presenters was engaging and informative. One highlight was learning about new future standards for CSA and how it will impact our membership. Another interesting issue that was discussed, and is probably an issue for other chapters as well, is wet packs. The discussion centred on the plastic lids vs. the aluminium lids. It was felt by the speaker that, due to the plastic not cooling down as fast as the aluminium case, this could be one of the contributing factors for wet packs. Discussion also included the regular maintenance of MDRD washers and sterilizing machines. The speaker and audience agreed that maintenance of these should be done on a regular basis, not only when the machines are experiencing issues. In all, the executive committee felt that the education day was a successful day.

2019 MDRAO Award Nominations - Now Open

May 2019 -- Special Events

Recycling Single Use Devices in Canadian Hospitals

May 2019 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

greenhealthcare.ca
A new process at Grand River Hospital in Ontario has led to reduced waste costs and a substantial diversion of garbage from landfill.

Could There be Electrical Strays in Your Trays?

May 2019 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Click the link below to watch the video and find out!

ETA Chapter Report

May 2019 --

The ETA Chapter had AGM on May 10, 2019, at the Hospital for Sick Children. There were 10 members in attendance at the event.

The members were all ears on subject matters discussed. All members are encouraged to participate in any upcoming MDRAO activities.

DELTA Chapter Report

May 2019 --

The Annual General Meeting was held on Friday, May 10 via OTN. During the meeting, 33 Constitutional changes were proposed. We sincerely hope everyone had a chance to read and vote on them. MDRAO will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary and I hope all members are looking forward to the conference being held in September. Registrations are currently open and all the information can be found on the MDRAO website.

LAMBDA Chapter Report

May 2019 --

MDRAO Updates - from Tammy Bennardo

March 2019 -- President's Report

Greetings Members,

Now that the time has changed, I hope that spring shall spring forward as this winter certainly has been a snowy one. I am looking forward to seeing green grass soon. I would also like to let you know of some change that has occurred with our office.

Managing Matters is the new management team that is replacing the MDRAO office executive assistant. As the MDRAO grows and moves forward, the board has decided to have a Toronto-based management company manage the administration for the organization. You may have received an email from Managing Matters; we are currently transferring all of the administrative duties to them.

New MDRAO Director of Chapter Developement - Jeffrey Phelps, THETA Chapter

March 2019 -- Chapter Reports

MDRAO members have a new Director of Chapter Development, Jeffery Phelps of THETA Chapter. He brings 12 years experience in the MDR field, 10 years as an MDRAO Executive Board Member and a drive to improve our association`s chapters. His Co-Director of Chapter Development, (me) Candia Anderson, shares that drive.

ETA Chapter Report

March 2019 -- Chapter Reports

Since the last report, the ETA Chapter has held two meetings, and the dates and locations were picked with the majority of members' preferences taken into consideration. Our third meeting and Annual Education Day will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Delta Airport Hotel, located at 655 Dixon Road, Toronto, Ontario.

THETA Chapter Report

March 2019 -- Chapter Reports

The THETA chapter has held its third meeting on February 20th, via OTN with an education session from Nanosonics. To date, THETA has 98 members.

THETA will be sending 10 members to the 50th MDRAO conference in Toronto. The drawing is complete, and those eligible have been confirmed.

2019 Conference - Celebrating MDRAO’s 50th Anniversary as a Provincial Association

March 2019 -- Special Events

The MDRAO Conference is held every two years. It offers three days of inspiration, education and skills development for MDR Professionals.

Registration is now open. Register now for early bird pricing!

Delegate Registration
Exhibitor Registration

Recycling Single Use Devices in Canadian Hospitals

March 2019 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

greenhealthcare.ca
A new process at Grand River Hospital in Ontario has led to reduced waste costs and a substantial diversion of garbage from landfill.

Health-Care Waste

March 2019 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

World Health Organization

About fifteen percent of all healthcare-generated waste consists of hazardous materials, according to the World Health Organization, which lists key elements in improving waste management.

100 Infection Control Products to Know | 2019

March 2019 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Becker's Hospital Review

Products included on the list include UV disinfection systems, reprocessing products, and disinfectants, among others.

LAMBDA Chapter Report

March 2019 --

LAMBDA finally had a meeting that members came to on March 6th. One-third of the membership attended, and it was great to see/hear them. From Red Lake to Marathon is 850 km, and there are at least 200 km between each town represented, so these meetings on OTN are essential. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Vice President and Secretary/ Treasurer, Megan Bozec, for taking the day off work just to be able to attend and take the meeting minutes.

SIGMA Chapter Report

March 2019 --

Along with welcoming the last quarter of our MDRAO year, I’m excited to welcome the spring season and brighter evenings...yay!

For those members who weren’t able to attend our March Sigma Chapter meeting and education session, please look to the MDRAO website for our Chapter minutes and PDF presentation on “The Importance of Drying and Inspecting Your Flexible Endoscopes” compliments of Alan Scott from PriMed Canada. This Chapter meeting was held at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and was followed up with a very impressive tour of their newly designed MDRD.

DELTA Chapter Report

March 2019 --

We held several executive meetings to organize the Education Day. It was a highly successful event with many guest speakers. The participants found the day to be interesting and educational. The dialogue during the question and answer period with the presenters was engaging and informative. One highlight was learning about new future standards for CSA and how it will impact our membership. Another interesting issue that was discussed and is probably an issue for other chapters as well is wet packs. The discussion centred on the plastic lids vs. the aluminium lids. It was felt by the speaker that, due to the plastic not cooling down as fast as the aluminium case, this could be one of the contributing factors for wet packs. Discussion also included the regular maintenance of MDRD washers and sterilizing machines. The speaker and audience agreed that maintenance of these should be done on a regular basis, not only when the machines are experiencing issues. In all, the executive committee felt that the education day was a successful day.

Holiday Greetings to all!

December 2018 -- President's Report

The hustle and bustle never seems to end, and the MDRAO executive team is definitely busy.

Our conference has been named, and we are so excited to celebrate 50 years as an association! Inspiring Innovation and 50 years of Transforming Education Excellence. We have so much to celebrate and hope you will save the dates for Sept 6-8 to join us in Toronto. Reach out to your chapter to find out how they can help you attend.

I am thankful for the support of our vendor community who are also so very excited to celebrate this coming 50th Anniversary with us, as it is our vendors who have supported us and helped us grow and provide education to members all over Ontario. Log into the MDRAO website for the latest conference info.

ETA Chapter Report

December 2018 -- Chapter Reports

Christmas Holidays are just around the corner and Christmas carols are starting to fill the air.

To date, we have received the $5,000.00 cheque from the provincial executive for educational and membership rebate. The chapter balance at this time is $9,518.16. Some of the money will be utilized to offset costs for the members Dinner in December and to send members to the MDRAO Conference 2019. Historically, members who have an excellent meeting/education session attendance get the first chance. Please indicate if you are interested and able to attend.

SIGMA Chapter Report

December 2018 -- Chapter Reports

We hope that you are adapting well to this cold weather! Before we know it, the winter holidays will be upon us.

For those members who werenʼt able to attend our September Sigma Chapter meeting and education session, please look to the MDRAO website for our chapter minutes and PDF presentation on Creutzfeldt- Jakob Disease, compliments of Helen Shaw. We also had Jamie Pilouff from Olympus speak on Safe Handling of Endoscopes. Following our two hours of education, Sigmaʼs Educator Stacey Marshall led a tour of Sarniaʼs Bluewater Health.

THETA Chapter Report

December 2018 -- Chapter Reports

Theta chapter held its second meeting of the 2018-2019 year on November 14th from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. It was held by videoconferencing and teleconferencing, with 29 attending.

Tammy Bennardo gave a President's report: “Hope you all celebrated your profession last month during MDR week. If you did not, it’s never too late. There is always time to celebrate your successes. Say thank you to your co-workers and know that the work you do each day does not go unnoticed and makes a difference in the lives of the patients you serve. We are so fortunate to be supported by a great group of vendors who are always willing to help and are dedicated to you and your learning. Please check out the MDRAO website for updates and any education you may have missed. If you are looking for a gift, check out the MDRAO storefront for merchandise. As time moves ever so quickly in our world, hopefully you will all get some needed rest during the holiday season. We do not meet until February; as always, if you have any concerns please email me. All the best to you and yours this holiday season.”

Registration Now Open for the 2019 MDRAO Conference

December 2018 -- Special Events

Celebrating MDRAO’s 50th Anniversary as a Provincial Association

September 6, 7 & 8, 2019
Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre
655 Dixon Rd, Toronto, ON M9W 1J3

CAMDR 2018

December 2018 -- Special Events

Flexible Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Flexible Bronchoscopy Infection Prevention and Control Guideline

December 2018 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Infection prevention and control guidelines for all healthcare providers responsible for both using
and reprocessing flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes and flexible bronchoscopes.

Device-Related Infections: Patient-Ready Bronchoscopes Found to be Contaminated Despite Cleaning and Disinfection

December 2018 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

Infections associated with microbial transmission and bronchoscopes.

DELTA Chapter Report

December 2018 --

As the year winds down and a new one begins, I would like to update you on our past and future endeavours. First, I would like to thank Tony Leite for all his hard work and accomplishments as Past President of the the Delta Chapter. Tony has worked hard and long to promote and encourage members to excel in all their endeavours. He has been a great source of information and knowledge for both the executives as well as the membership. I wish to thank him for all that he has done and continues to do.

Chapter Development Report, November 2018

December 2018 --

by: Candia Andersons & Colleen Landers

A: Teleconference meetings held by each chapter executive in September with the Directors of Chapter Development and the MDRAO President. We reviewed the memo sent from Tammy Bennardo, President of MDRAO, to all chapter executives. MDRAO. The following was reviewed:

1) Meetings:

Four chapter meetings per year suggested keeping your chapter members informed and providing the members four hours of education. Recommended that they be in each quarter: Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec, Jan/Feb, and March/April. A minimum of two chapter meetings are required to meet your chapter requirements for this year.

More Great Things to Come for MDRAO

September 2018 -- President's Report

Greetings MDRAO Members,

As we begin another year together I want to take a moment and thank you for being a member of MDRAO. You have joined hundreds of dedicated Medical Device Reprocessing professionals who are committed to quality patient care, and ongoing career development.

The Year Ahead

September 2018 -- Vice President's Report

Hello MDRAO members.

I hope everyone had a great summer and are all enjoying this beautiful autumn weather. I would like to welcome all the new Board executives as well as thank all the outgoing Board executives for all their support and help during their term.

Performing Reprocessing of Reusable Medical Devices Safely

September 2018 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination

By Colleen Landers, Registered Nurse and Medical Device Reprocessing Technician

To practitioners in our field, it will come as no surprise to hear that the reprocessing of reusable medical devices is complex, requires a quality system, and if not performed to Canadian Standards can place citizens at risk of obtaining disease or infection. This risk has been well documented in the Canadian media over the past five years. These reports clearly emphasize that faulty practices have placed thousands of Canadians at risk resulting in many of them acquiring HIV, Hepatitis B and other unwelcome diseases.

Notice: Classification and Licensing of High-Level Disinfectants and Sterilants as Medical Devices

September 2018 -- Articles Related to Sterilization and Decontamination
Effective March 16, 2018, high-level disinfectant and sterilant solutions (including contact lens disinfectants) intended for use on medical devices are classified by Health Canada as medical devices. Medical device disinfectants and sterilants that do not meet the definition of an antimicrobial agent in the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) are no longer regulated under the FDR and are now subject to the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations (MDR.) Disinfectants that meet the definition of an antimicrobial agent continue to be regulated as drugs and subject to the requirements of the FDR.

Tammy Bennardo - President

September 2018 -- Election News
Tammy is the Supervisor at Sault Area Hospital’s Medical Device Reprocessing Department. She has been working in health care for 22 years and 11 of them in Medical Device Reprocessing. Tammy has her MDRAO certification, Olympus CERT and CMDRT, from CSA.

Tamiza Samji - Vice President

September 2018 -- Election News
Tamiza started her journey at Cambridge Memorial Hospital as an MDRD technician after completing her CSAO certification in 2005. Prior to working at CMH she owned and operated two businesses for 15 years. Tamiza also worked in endoscopy at St. Mary’s Hospital. From 2008-2013 she was the fill-in team lead and then promoted to permanent team-lead in the MDRD.

Deo Macadangdang � DELTA Chapter Representative

September 2018 -- Election News
Deo Macadangdang is currently the Educator at Hamilton Health Sciences, General site. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing in the Philippines and a Registered Nurse.

Garry Bassi � ETA Chapter Representative

September 2018 -- Election News
Garry is the Director of Medical Device Reprocessing at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, He has been working in the field of Medical Device Reprocessing since 2013.

Nathalie Legault � GAMMA Chapter Representative

September 2018 -- Election News
Nathalie works as the MDRD Educator at The Ottawa Hospital, she divides her time between The Ottawa Hospital’s three campuses. The Ottawa Hospital is a Canadian academic health science center that serve 1.2 million people across Eastern Ontario. Nathalie is a graduate from Ottawa University, where she received a BA of Science in Nursing.

Candia Anderson � LAMBDA Chapter Representative

September 2018 -- Election News
Candia Anderson was born and raised in Thunder Bay but owned and operated a Bed & Breakfast in Atikokan before joining the hospital in 2009.

Sara Roberts � SIGMA Chapter Representative

September 2018 -- Election News
Sara Roberts is a Medical Device Reprocessing Technician with 11 years experience at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance.

Colleen Landers � THETA Chapter Representative

September 2018 -- Election News
Colleen has been a dedicated member of the Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario since 1990, where she established the northern Ontario Theta Chapter. Colleen was on the MDRAO executive for twelve years holding positions of Secretary, Education, Vice President, President and Past President at the provincial level.

Denise Bosnjak � Past President

September 2018 -- Election News
Denise Bosnjak is the Manager of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department at Hamilton Health Sciences at both the General and Juravinski sites. She began her career as a Medical Device Reprocessing Technician over 35 years ago. After working as a Team Leader for 5 years she accepted an MDR Supervisor role that lead to a Manager position.

Tammara Champoux � Vendor Representative

September 2018 -- Election News
Tammara has been working in the Health Care industry for over 26 years and during that time has been employed by Getinge Canada Limited. Some may also know the former company names MDT or Wilmont Castle.

Looking Ahead

April 2018 -- President's Report
As warm weather approaches, MDRAO is getting ready to begin a new year with new teams across the province. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all new chapter and board members for their interest and commitment to medical device reprocessing as it relates to quality patient care. It is through change that the MDRAO is strengthened with innovation that continues to move us forward. To all of the senior chapter and board members, thank you for your continued commitment to the MDRAO. It is with your wisdom and mentorship that our organization continues to grow and develop.

Refresher and Distance Courses

April 2018 -- Vice President's Report
The refresher and distance courses that are currently offered online have been very well received. Videos are being taped at the SSM SAH site, and the online course is scheduled to be complete April 1, 2018. The cost of the online course will remain the same as the current classroom course, and a refresher will be required after five years. Course coordinators will no longer be used, but we will roll out a facilitator program offering the current coordinators to continue on if they choose. As facilitators, they will be responsible for answering student questions and explaining chapter information via online chat or email.