Inside Southern Cross Wellington’s Sterile Services Department

Every successful surgery on the Southern Cross Wellington campus depends on a team most patients never meet — the Sterile Services Department (SSD). From sterilising up to 23 instrument sets for a single surgical case to preparing robotic attachments, implants, and loaned equipment, this team ensures that every tool entering an operating theatre is safe, sterile, and ready for use. Their work is high-stakes, precision-driven, and essential to every operation performed.

A high-performing team powered by experience

The SSD team at Southern Cross Wellington Hospital, processes around 6,700 instrument sets every month, supporting a surgical workload that grows more complex every year. Leading this powerhouse team are Cushla and her 2IC Clare, who bring more than 40 years of combined experience to their roles.

They describe Southern Cross as having the best atmosphere of their careers — a place where a team of 12 people, each with their own character, culture, and background, come together like a “big work family.”

Their pride shines through when they talk about team development. Many SSD technicians are upskilling, working toward professional qualifications, and continuously learning as medical technology evolves.

Robotics

The rise of robotic-assisted surgery has brought new challenges — and the team has embraced them all.

Southern Cross Wellington Hospital now houses three surgical robots:

• Hugo RAS - soft tissue robot for gynaecology, urology, and general surgery.
• VELYS - robotic-assisted system for knee replacements.
• Mazor - robotic guidance platform used in spinal surgeries.

The increase in robotic assisted surgeries has meant the SSD has had to learn the sterilisation of each robot as it has been introduced.

Rising to the challenge during major campus upgrades

The Wellington SSD has been highly praised for continuing to deliver the highest quality surgical sets whilst also working around significant facility upgrades to support our latest hospital, Southern Cross Wellington Surgical Centre. Southern Cross Wellington Surgical Centre is a two-theatre day-stay orthopaedic hospital located in the newly built facility at 88 Hanson Street.

To connect Southern Cross Wellington Hospital (based at 90 Hanson Street) with the new building, a lift and airbridge were installed directly from the SSD — all while the team continued operations in a workspace temporarily reduced by half.

Despite the obstacles, the team never wavered in professionalism or performance.

The new Sterile Services Department, serving both hospitals, is a modern environment designed for efficiency, safety, and growth. Development will continue over the Christmas period with three new washers and three new sterilisers being installed, as well as improvements in storage and assembling areas.

The Sterile Services team may work behind the scenes, but their impact is felt in every successful operation, every safe procedure, and every patient journey. Cushla, Clare, and the team are the quiet achievers of healthcare.