Buckhannon, W.Va. — St. Joseph’s Hospital recognized their Surgical Technologists during National Surgical Technologists Week September 20 to 26. 

The weeklong celebration is held by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), a national organization that represents over 80,000 surgical technologists. Its goal is to improve the profession to ensure the highest quality care for patients. 

Surgical technologists are members of operating room teams and work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses. Their primary role is to prepare the operating room by setting up sterile instruments, equipment and supplies like drapes, gowns, gloves and suction tubing. Surgical technologists also put together the equipment and make sure it’s functioning correctly.

“Our Surgical technologists are essential and a hard working team,” said Kevin Stingo, RN, Manager of Perioperative Services at St. Joseph’s Hospital.  “We are pleased to take this opportunity to thank them for everything they do to ensure the safety of our patients and our team here at the hospital.”