IHSS Colleagues Attend DAS2026: Sharing Knowledge, Recognising Expertise and Looking Ahead
Colleagues from IHSS recently attended the Decontamination & Sterilisation Conference 2026: Wednesday 29th April 2026 | National Conference Centre, Birmingham, an event bringing together frontline experts, NHS leaders, suppliers and innovators from across the sterile services and decontamination sector.
With a programme focused on real-world practice, regulatory insight, workforce development and emerging technology, DAS2026 provided a valuable opportunity to explore the current challenges and future direction of decontamination and sterilisation services.
The conference covered a wide range of important topics, including healthcare guidance, standards and quality assurance, digital transformation, automation, validation, endoscope reprocessing, smart CSSD systems, and the future of the sterile services workforce.
For IHSS, the event was not only an opportunity to learn from sector specialists, but also to connect with colleagues across the wider industry, share experiences, and reflect on the vital role sterile services teams play in supporting safe patient care.
A Shared Sector, Shared Challenges
One of the strongest themes to come from the day was the recognition that decontamination units across the UK, whether NHS in-house or outsourced, are often navigating similar challenges.
These include workforce skills, career pathways, advancing technology, operational pressures, and the need to maintain consistently high standards in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
Reflecting on the day, John Curry said:
“Had a fantastic time attending the DAS2026 conference. It was a great opportunity to spend the day with colleagues, learning more about the depth and complexity of the decontamination and sterilisation world.”
He added that hearing from other units and facilities was particularly valuable, noting that it was both reassuring and motivating to see how connected the sector is across different teams and organisations.
Recognising the Role of Sterile Services Technicians
A key message throughout the conference was the importance of recognising the knowledge, responsibility and expertise required within sterile services.
For IHSS colleagues, this was an especially positive takeaway. The work carried out by operatives and technicians is highly skilled, highly responsible, and directly connected to patient safety.
Katy Miles commented:
“There was a lot of positive recognition for the responsibility and knowledge that Sterile Service Technicians are required to have. This was a positive reminder of how critical our roles are, and the importance of what we do.”
This recognition is particularly important as the sector continues to discuss future workforce requirements, national standardisation, education standards, career pathways, and the skills needed to keep pace with technological change.
Technology, Automation and the Future of Decontamination
DAS2026 also placed a strong focus on innovation, with sessions exploring digital transformation, automation, UVC disinfection validation, smart CSSD systems and advancements in endoscope reprocessing.
The afternoon panel debate on automation explored what can be automated within sterile services, whether automation can help address workforce shortages, and what artificial intelligence may mean for improving standards in the future.
Dan Evans reflected positively on this aspect of the day:
“The DAS conference was a great opportunity to learn from industry colleagues the issues they face and solutions they are implementing. It was also great to see the various suppliers and their offerings, in particular the advancements in technology and the solutions that may enhance what we do.”
For IHSS, these discussions align closely with our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, traceability, safety and service development.
Supporting Learning Across IHSS
Attending events such as DAS2026 supports our continued focus on learning, collaboration and professional development. Conferences like this provide valuable insight into how the sector is changing and help ensure that our teams remain connected to best practice, industry developments and future opportunities.
John Curry summed this up by highlighting the pride he felt in sharing the importance of sterile services work with colleagues:
“There’s no doubt that operatives and technicians are highly respected for their expertise, responsibility, and the critical role they play. I’m proud to share with my colleagues just how important our work is in maintaining patient health and safety.”
Looking Ahead
DAS2026 offered a positive and informative day for IHSS colleagues, with useful discussion around workforce development, technology, innovation and the continued importance of high-quality decontamination and sterilisation services.
As the sector continues to evolve, IHSS remains committed to supporting safe, reliable and compliant services for our customers, while recognising the skill and dedication of the people who make this work possible every day.