Mercy Ships has spotlighted one of its dedicated volunteers, Frank Seibure, during this year’s Sterile Processing Week, recognizing his vital contribution to ensuring safe surgical procedures aboard the organization’s hospital ships across Africa.
The celebration, themed “Serving with a Purpose,” honors sterile processing professionals whose behind-the-scenes work ensures that every surgical instrument is properly sterilized and ready to save lives.
Frank, a Certified Healthcare Leader in Sterile Processing, plays a key role in maintaining sterile environments aboard Mercy Ships. “If instruments aren’t properly sterilized, patients can end up with more complications than they came in with,” he said.
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Before joining Mercy Ships, Frank was a young human rights advocate driven by a desire to serve his community after witnessing the effects of civil war in his youth. He joined Mercy Ships in 2011 as a day crew member with no prior medical background but quickly rose through the ranks through hard work and training.
“My biggest driving force is to make an impact on society, help those in need, and serve humanity,” Frank shared.
Sterile processing is often regarded as the “heart of the hospital” because any lapse can jeopardize patient safety. A recent report by Surgical Directions titled “Unseen but Essential: The Knowledge Demands and Staffing Crisis in Sterile Processing” warned of growing patient safety risks due to chronic staffing shortages and underinvestment in the sector.
Beyond his technical expertise, Frank has also become a mentor, training many young volunteers and healthcare professionals who have since become leaders in sterile processing. “The highlight of my time with Mercy Ships is that I’ve trained many young people to become sterile processing technicians,” he said.
Through his dedication and leadership, Frank continues to embody Mercy Ships’ mission of bringing hope and healing to those in need across Africa.
