S14 · Sterilisation

Sterilising surgical instruments and materials

Every instrument used in the operating theatre or for wound care must be sterilised beforehand. The sterilisation unit operates directly next to the surgical area and ensures that all materials meet hygiene requirements.

At the Red Cross Emergency Hospital in Rafah, sterilisation is constantly hampered by shortages of consumables. Sterile gauze bandages must be rationed at times, and chlorine tablets for water disinfection are sometimes scarce. The available supplies are prioritised according to ward needs — areas with the highest risk are supplied first.

Sterilisation is closely linked to drinking water treatment: without guaranteed water quality, reliable sterilisation is not possible.