Infection Control and Sterilisation Conference United Kingdom 2025

day one main conference

Registration and Refreshments 

Welcome note by Fortinus Events

Opening address from the Chairperson 

INFECTION CONTROL & PREVENTION IN HEALTHCARE

Keynote Presentation: Implementation of NHS’s Infection Control Guidelines 

• Steps for aligning hospital protocols with national standards

Burkholderia vietnamiensis outbreak in an Adult ICU

• Outbreak investigation 
• Not always hi-tech despite the setting 
• Outbreak closure

Breda O’Brien, Assistant Director of Nursing, University Limerick Hospital Group

Presentation Session – Reserved for Title Sponsor

Networking and Tea Break/ One-on-One Meetings

Hand Hygiene Compliance: Challenges and Solutions 

• Importance of hand hygiene in infection control 
• Barriers to achieving high compliance rates 
• Technological solutions for monitoring and promoting hand hygiene 

Presentation Session – Reserved for Partner

How does the Pseudomonas aeruginosa get into our wee? Is this nosocomial? 

• An audit presentation on the likely origins of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in the urine samples. 
• The aim of investigation is to find a potential link between Pseudomonas colonisation and previous urological interventions. 
• The lecture also covers the decontamination of the urological instruments. 

Monika Pasztor,Consultant Microbiologist, East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Optimizing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs 

• Data-driven strategies (using EHR’s and CDSS to track antibiotic use and monitor resistance trend) 
• Impact of rapid diagnostic testing 

Networking Lunch Break/ One-on-One Meetings 

Infection Control in High-Risk Areas: ICUs and NICUs 

• Specific challenges in controlling infections in critical care units 
• Best practices and protocols for high-risk patient populations 
• Role of specialized infection control teams 

Presentation Session – Reserved for Partner 

Machine Learning and AI in Predicting Infection Outbreaks 

• AI integration with surveillance systems 

Networking and Tea Break/ One-on-One Meetings 

Permanent Protocol Changes and Innovations In PPE 

• Standardize PPE protocols across all HC settings 
• Enhanced PPE designs which offer more comfortable and breathable protection, reusable, enhanced filtration and integrated communication devices attached 
• Regular training and drills to ensure all HC workers are proficient in correct use of PPE

Future Directions in Infection Control Research 

• Latest research on microbiomes and antimicrobial agents 
• Advanced Pathogen Detection and Surveillance-Rapid testing, POCT, Genomic Sequencing, Real Time Data Analytics and AI which can track and predict outbreaks 

Panel Discussion: Global Infection Control Standards vs. Local Adaptations 

• Importance of adhering to global standards 
• Necessity of local adaptations to address specific needs 
• Outbreak management and preparedness 
• Case studies highlighting successes and challenges 

Closing Remarks from the Chairperson 

end of day one

day two main conference

registration and refreshments

Welcome Back Address from the Chairperson 

STERILIsATION & DECONTAMINATION IN HEALTHCARE

Keynote Presentation: Sustainable Practices In CSSD 

• Reusable instruments to combat waste generated from single use instruments 
• Energy efficient sterilisation processes-Steam sterilizers 
• Waste management and Recycling for proper disposal of hazardous waste 

Columbus’ egg for Pandorra’s box– Borescope inspection for flexible endoscopes

• The cleaning and disinfection of (high risk) flexible endoscopes is a multi-step approach 
• The cleaning and disinfection of (high risk) flexible endoscopes should be regularly checked 
• New ways for the checks are the future? 

Harry Oussoren, Accredited Sterile Medical Device Expert, Amsterdam UMC

Presentation Session – Reserved for Partner 

Networking Tea Break/ One-on-One Meetings 

Case Studies And Evaluation Of Robotic Cleaning (Case Studies On Hospital Cleaning Robots Vs. Traditional Methods) 

• Comparative study in multiple facilities and large hospitals 
• Implications on patient safety and cost 
• Operational efficiency and risk of cross contamination 

Endoscope Decontamination – a unique challenge in Infection Control 

• Burden of Healthcare-Associated Infection- evidence of endoscope-associated infection  
• Why endoscopes create a unique challenge for Infection Control  
• Best Practice for Endoscope Decontamination 

Celine Herra, Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology, TU Dublin

Special Considerations for Cleaning and Sterilizing Robotic Instruments, Protocols For Ensuring Sterility Without Damaging Delicate Equipment 

• Cleaning protocols-Precleaning, manual cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals to prevent chemical damage to the electrical part 
• Sterilisation protocols-low temperature methods 
• Post sterilisation handling and storage 

Panel Discussion: Outsourcing Sterilisation Services vs. In-House CSSD 

• Cost-effectiveness and quality control of outsourcing sterilisation services
• Benefits and risks of maintaining in-house CSSD operations 
• Impact on patient safety and infection control 

Examination Of Plasma Sterilisation and UV Light Efficacy 

• Plasma sterilisation advantages-effective for heat and moisture sensitive materials 
• UV light sterilisation-damages DNA RNA of micro-organisms by disinfecting surfaces and air 

Panel Discussion: Centralized vs. Decentralized Sterilisation Services 

• Panel Discussion: Centralized vs. Decentralized Sterilisation Services 
• Impact on workflow, logistics, and challenges and costs associated with meeting rigorous regulations 
• Balancing flexibility and innovation with compliance 

Closing Remarks from the Chairperson 

Networking Lunch Break/ One-on-One Meetings 

End of Conference