(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, February 15th, 2018): Two Operating Room Nurses at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital are now certified trainers for Endoscope Reprocessing following the completion of a course offered by the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA). Senior Registered Nurses, Haydee Dayupay and Jenifer Masiclat, recently travelled to Plymouth, Minnesota to complete the training requirements.

The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) is a professional organization of nurses and associates dedicated to the safe and effective practice of gastroenterology and endoscopy. SGNA is accredited as a provider of Continuing Nursing Education by the American Nurses Credentialing Centre’s Commission on Accreditation.

The certification allows the Surgical Services Department at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital to incorporate the latest international standards, guidelines and techniques to ensure endoscopes are cleaned safely and effectively.
An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of the human body is examined using an instrument called an endoscope.

An endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light source and camera at one end. Images of the inside of the body are relayed to a television screen. Over 100 endoscopic procedures are performed annually at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, which include Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy, Biopsy and Polypectomy.

Endoscopic diagnostics and therapeutics continue to expand as new technology enable minimally invasive techniques and endoscopic equipment to improve clinical outcomes and also reduce risk. The organization’s commitment to keep pace with these improvements provides the opportunity to offer a wider range of endoscopic services.

While the transmission of infectious organisms during gastrointestinal endoscopy is considered low, the prevention of infection through increased vigilance and continuous training is imperative. Therefore, TCI Hospital has sought to ensure an astute investment in maintaining the competencies for the Surgical Services team on an annual basis.

Chief of Clinical Services, Douglas Moore said: “The inclusion of international best practices in the area of Infection Prevention is a key principle in reprocessing surgical endoscopy devices. Jenifer and Haydee have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement a continuing education and quality assurance program for our facility as trainers. These leadership qualities demonstrate our true commitment towards setting the bar higher for quality improvement at Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital.”