Pictured are: Laura Witherspoon, RMA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CFER; Denise Spencer, RN; Scott Abbott, LPN; Tara Munóz, CST, CFA; Diane Essary, RN, CNOR; and Heather Kessel, RN, CNOR. Unavailable for photo was Heather Kessel, RN, CNOR.
National Surgical Technologists Week, September 17-23, is a yearly event to recognize surgical technologists and educate the community about the vital role that surgical technologists play in the OR. Fairfield Memorial Hospital has several skilled and experienced Surgical Technologists on staff including: Laura Witherspoon, RMA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CFER; Denise Spencer, RN; Scott Abbott, LPN; Tara Munoz, CST, CFA; Diane Essary, RN, CNOR; and Heather Kessel, RN, CNOR. The crew at Fairfield Memorial Hospital has a combined 101 years of service. That is an average of nearly 17 years of experience each.
“Our team of surgical technologists is a set of very talented individuals with many years of experience that our hospital is very proud to have. They each play a key role on the surgical team. Every surgery that occurs takes a team working synergistically together in order to provide optimal outcomes for our patients, and I am proud of this seasoned group serving in this role,” stated Hazel Vest, RN, BSN, FMH Surgery Nurse Leader.
Surgical technologists assist the surgeon in the operating room to ensure a successful surgery. This may include the following duties:
- Preparing operating rooms for surgery
- Sterilizing equipment and gathering supplies for surgery
- Maintaining an accurate inventory of all materials used during the surgery
- Provide the surgeon the tools needed as he is performing the surgery
Surgical technologists are obviously an integral member of a surgery team. They ensure a sterile environment and make sure all of the necessary supplies are ready and available for each surgical case. They assist in improving the health of those they serve daily, and are often serve behind the scenes. Fairfield Memorial Hospital is thankful this team continues year after year to remain dedicated to serving such a vital role in surgery.
