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Delta Hospital’s MDR team embraces a new Sterile Processing Management System, modernizing workflows and strengthening patient safety

Pictured: Alex Parappilly, Manager MDR, Nand Sharma, Supervisor, Prince James, Roy George, Jobish Joseph, Madison Hill, Nhu-y Tran, Marco Vulcano, and Maitaly Cooke

Last year, we shared exciting news about a new Sterile Processing Management System (SPMS) being implemented at Delta Hospital in 2025. This week, as we celebrate Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR) Week, we’re pleased to share an update on how this new system is transforming the way our MDR team operates. We spoke with Alex Parappilly, MDR Manager at Delta Hospital, Cristy Pragides, MDR SPMS Manager, and Laurie Reeves, SPMS Project Manager to learn more about the impact of this innovative system and what it means for both staff and patients.

The implementation of the Sterile Processing Microsystem (SPM) is part of a broader initiative across Fraser Health to modernize and standardize medical device reprocessing in hospitals. The project involved converting six MDR departments from the Alex Gold (AG) Tracking System to SPM and introducing the system to sites that previously relied on paper based tracking. Across Fraser Health, MDR teams provide vital services to 12 acute care sites, supporting surgical and endoscopy departments with the reprocessing of thousands of reusable medical devices. The new SPMS helps ensure that every instrument and scope is disinfected, sterilized, and distributed safely and efficiently.

The system brings advanced technology into the reprocessing workflow, including handheld computers, integrated sterilization equipment, automated reporting, and real-time tracking capabilities. It also improves communication between MDR departments and operating rooms, ensuring a smoother, safer process for every patient procedure.

Prince James, MDR Technician using new Sterile Processing Management System

One of the most significant benefits of the SPMS is the enhanced accuracy and safety safeguards built into the system. “SPM helps ensure that every instrument is placed in the correct sterilization and washer/disinfector cycles,” says Alex. “It also integrates biological indicator testing, which is one of our key quality measures.” This integration provides improved quality control and reporting capabilities across all Fraser Health sites. The system also includes accurate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that list all the items needed for each specific instrumentation set or medical device, ensuring consistency and compliance.

While learning a new system takes time, Cristy shares that the benefits are already being seen in day-to-day operations. “Once staff become familiar and compliant with the SPM processes, we’re seeing increased efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to easily locate instrumentation,” she says. “By replacing manual, paper based tasks with automation, our team can focus on continuous improvement in other key areas.”

As SPMS continues to roll out across all Fraser Health acute sites, the benefits will extend even further. “The more we expand and refine the system, the more we’re able to gain a complete picture of reprocessing across the region,” says Laurie. “This supports greater efficiency, higher quality standards, and most importantly, enhanced safety for our patients.”

The new SPMS represents a major step forward in ensuring that every surgical instrument used at Delta Hospital Campus of Care meets the highest standards of sterilization, accuracy, and care. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated MDR team for their hard work, precision, and unwavering commitment to keeping patients safe every single day.