Los Robles SPD

Shaffer Building Co. delivered a $958,000 Sterile Processing Department (SPD) sterilizer replacement and upgrade at Los Robles Regional Medical Center, designed by John Douglas Thomson. The project involved removing aging sterilization equipment and installing modern units while keeping the hospital’s critical instrument reprocessing capabilities operational throughout construction. Working within an active SPD required meticulous phasing and infection control protocols, as any disruption to sterilization workflows directly impacts surgical scheduling across the facility.

Shaffer self-performed the framing, drywall, and concrete work, while coordinating closely with mechanical and plumbing trades on the extensive utility infrastructure these units demand. The behind-the-wall photos show the density of steam, water, and drain piping required to support modern autoclave and washer-disinfector systems, along with upgraded ventilation to handle the heat loads and exhaust requirements. The finished installation delivered fully operational sterilization capacity with equipment that meets current regulatory standards for instrument reprocessing.