Martin Bird

Martin has been immersed in the field of sterilisation for the last 30 years. His sterilisation career began at the Dunedin Public Hospital when his passion for safe medical products called him to the sterile services department. It was a visit to Adelaide Hospital at this same time that highlighted many gaps in local systems and standards that fuelled his fire to continue on the path advocating for patient safety through equipment.

Today, Martin is the lead coordinator responsible for the effective operations of the 26-strong sterile services department at Dunedin Hospital. He has led the sea change for many improvements, including the use of ISO standards and registered WAN products.  During Martin’s three-decade long dedication to the industry, he has been called upon to act as a sterilisation consultant to medical centres throughout the country, to hospitals under the Southern District Health Board (namely Invercargill, Queenstown, Omaru and Dunston) and as a voice for improving legislation that pertains to sterilisation standards and practices for our countries health care settings. 

Martin has presented before several government select committees and health care influencers and has successfully led the drive for our government to improve the processing standards of reusable devices over the years. His interest in patient safety through the safe-use of instruments was published in the Listener and Otago Daily Times last year.

More recently, since early 2020, he has campaigned for changes to the Medicine Act section labelling around reusable medical devices, and will lead the oral submission once it goes to the select committee.

Martin’s sterilisation knowledge and insight has seen him present at dozens of local and international conferences, workshops and events including The World Federation for Hospital Sterilisation Science Congress in France and the World Health Congress in Brisbane. 

As a long-term executive member (and ex-secretary) of the New Zealand Sterile Scientific Association, he has actively contributed to the progress and safety of sterile standards in the country. For six years,  Martin assessed and graded Level 3 sterilisation papers at The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand before it was moved to another provider. Today, he is responsible for reviewing technicians portfolios and practical experience for the purpose of registration by the association.

Martin says he is thrilled to offer sterilisation training that aligns with the international ASNZ4187 standards and practices that apply here in New Zealand. His hope is that the course content, with its step-by-step advice and education, helps improve the safe and sterile management for those using medical devices and instruments on their patients.