The Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) is integrated within the hospital and performs sterilization and other actions on medical devices, equipment and consumables; for subsequent use by health workers in the operating theatre of the hospital and also for other aseptic procedures, e.g. wound stitching and bandaging in a medical, surgical, maternity or paediatric ward. The CSSD plays a vital role in patient safety and in reducing hospital surgical infection. The CSSD is tasked with the cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of reusable medical equipment.