Supporting Youth at the Foundry

Foundry is a safe place for youth to receive a variety of health and social services in Abbotsford. And when it was discovered the organisation needed to replace their autoclave—a steam based sterilisation machine— Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation jumped at the opportunity to fund this vital item to improve health quality.

see we have tight space here. And so this is perfect…the process takes 24 minutes, whereas the other took up to 48 hours”.

Speaking further to Cindy Dunlop, primary care office manager, said the process “has made autoclaving and cleaning of instruments so much more efficient than previous. Our old autoclave had a funky door and you had to stand there and fill it; and now

Autoclaves are used to decontaminate biological waste and sterilise surgical instruments through a process of steam, pressure and time. Autoclaves operate at a high temperature and pressure with the intention of killing infectious agents microorganisms and spores.

Dr. Elizabeth Watt, long time physician, Foundry Abbotsford, described the new autoclave as, “a safer more reliable procedure for us. It’s taking less staff time. And it’s allowing us to recycle our surgical instruments. And the other thing is we had to shut down the other one, and we didn’t have one at all. So we’re thrilled with this autoclave and as you can we simply close the door, lock it, and press start”, see image one and two. Effective interventions require all kinds of stakeholders and engaging system capacities. With the unwavering support of communities that care youth and their families, will continue to have access to a safe and supportive environment. The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation is proud to support and meet the unique needs of our community by funding a necessary piece of equipment.