A perfect synergy
The Central Sterilization Department is one of the least visible yet most strategic departments within a hospital. It is a place where technology, processes, and expertise must work in perfect synergy to ensure safety, efficiency, and operational continuity for surgical procedures. This is where the work of healthcare professionals and the support of specialized technicians from supplier companies come together every day.
We spoke with Paola Giulia Testa, a nurse and coordinator of the Central Sterilization Department at San Raffaele Hospital (outsourced to Steritalia), and with Massimo Giannuzzi, Area Manager. Their insights allowed us to explore the value of the collaboration between San Raffaele and Getinge Italia’s technical support service, which also stemmed from the extremely positive comment Testa posted on LinkedIn following a recent visit to the department.
Having joined the department in April 2024, after more than twenty years of experience in the operating room, Testa emphasizes how demanding and full of responsibility managing the Central Sterilization Department is.
Every day I discover new challenges: staff training is the biggest hurdle, but the work here is essential for patient safety.
In an environment that cannot afford downtime and where the continuous operation of sterilizers and instrument washers is critical, technical support becomes a true strategic asset.
The coordinator has known the Getinge technicians since she took on the role, and her comment on LinkedIn—where she described them as “well-prepared and problem-solving oriented”—stems from a specific incident that occurred over the summer. Faced with a malfunction, the initial assumption was that the machine had broken down. “Elia was absolutely certain that the problem wasn’t with the equipment, and he was right. His confidence and expertise greatly boosted my own confidence,” she says. Thanks to the technical consultation, the real problem was quickly identified and resolved, preventing downtime and disruptions.
The value of the support, however, goes beyond technical intervention. “He also assisted me over the phone, helping me resolve issues I couldn’t have handled on my own. I’m learning a lot thanks to him,” explains Testa, highlighting how a relationship of mutual trust has developed: “It’s not just support—it’s true collaboration.” An approach that is also reflected in staff training, a delicate matter in a department where turnover is high and skills risk being lost. “Even explaining how to load a rack correctly can make a difference in the washing results. Elia is also very skilled at practical training,” she adds.
From a technological standpoint, San Raffaele uses GSS67 sterilizers and 8668 Turbo instrument washers, robust and modern equipment. As Massimo Giannuzzi, who works in the same area, observes, “the equipment works very well; there are few issues, and they’re almost never related to the machines.” The combination of high-performance technology and competent support allows for maintaining high levels of efficiency and operational continuity.
The qualities that stand out in Getinge’s technicians are clear: expertise, helpfulness, a problem-solving mindset, and a passion for their work. Testa spontaneously mentions Elia and Sandro, emphasizing how every technician shares the same professional and compassionate approach: “They’re very passionate; they really care deeply.” In a highly complex department, these skills make it easier to handle intense workloads and unexpected situations.
When asked what advice he would give to other healthcare facilities looking to improve their sterilization processes, Testa emphasizes collaboration:
Invest in training and build a solid relationship with competent technicians. It really makes a difference.
The experience of the San Raffaele Central Sterilization Department demonstrates how a qualified technical support service can become a true added value. Thanks to Getinge’s constant support—which is fast, competent, and solution-oriented—the department can count on consistently high-performing equipment, smoother processes, and better-trained staff. A concrete example of how technology and collaboration can improve the safety, efficiency, and quality of healthcare services.