South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Sterile Services Operative

This job is now closed

Job summary

Our Sterile Services Department is based at the Sunderland Royal Hospital servicing all trust sites from a single hub. The department cleans, disinfects, packs and sterilises some 180,000 reusable surgical instruments per annum for up to 30 theatres and clinics both on and off site.

You must be able to commit to work any of our shifts that you may be allocated; 7am-3pm, 2pm-10pm Monday to Friday, 7am-3pm, 12pm-8pm Saturday and Sunday. The department works 365 days and flexibility to work any shift on any day is essential including weekends, bank holidays, Christmas and New Year.

This work is physically demanding and involves lifting heavy equipment and pushing/pulling heavy trolleys

N.B. Previous applicants need not apply

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the role include carrying out the decontamination of reusable medical devices surgical instruments and accessories, ensuring that all instruments are clean, reassembled and functioning following cleaning and disinfection; and packing, sealing and labelling all equipment prior to sterilisation. They also include the operation of the washer-disinfectors and autoclaves including low temperature autoclaves and recording all tasks using a computer-based track and trace programme.

Previous experience in Sterile Services or formal qualifications are not required as full and comprehensive training will be given, however you must have literacy and numeracy at level 1, experience of working in a customer services environment and be computer literate to a basic level. Experience of working in a hospital, manufacturing or production environment as well as a full driving licence and be willing to take part in the driver role would also be advantageous.

About us

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One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for STSFT. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support.

The Trust employs around 8,300 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area, in some cases to a population as great as 860,000. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.

Date posted

18 July 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9155-THEA-0723-22

Job locations

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Kayll Road

Sunderland

SR4 7TP

Job description

Job responsibilities

PLEASE SEE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

A Sterile Services Operative is responsible for providing effective, safe and efficient collection, decontamination (manual cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation) and distribution of re-usable medical devices for use in direct patient care in accordance with the Departments Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management Systems

Work in co-operation with the Theatres, wards and departments to provide a flexible and efficient service that is responsive to the needs of the patients and the Trust.

At all times and throughout all production areas work in accordance with the Departments Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management Systems to support patient and staff safety.

The role involves exposure to blood and body fluids/tissue

Job description

Job responsibilities

PLEASE SEE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

Work in co-operation with the Theatres, wards and departments to provide a flexible and efficient service that is responsive to the needs of the patients and the Trust.

At all times and throughout all production areas work in accordance with the Departments Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management Systems to support patient and staff safety.

The role involves exposure to blood and body fluids/tissue

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

Essential

Must have manual dexterity
Physical fit to deal with the day to day demands of the post
Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
Able to cope with several issues at one time

Qualifications

Essential

Numeracy & Literacy Skills to Level 1 or equivalent
Basic keyboard, typing & computer skills computer skills

Desirable

Previous Sterile Services knowledge.
Knowledge of medical track & trace systems

Experience

Desirable

Decontamination processes (surgical instruments or flexible endoscopes, tracking and traceability and independent monitoring systems)
Working experience in a Quality System lead service (standing operating procedures or work instructions and reporting)

Attitude

Essential

Must have a positive attitude
Must be prepared to work flexibly
Must be able to work as part of a team

Skills

Essential

Good communication skills face to face and over the telephone
Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work under own initiative in a logical and systematic fashion, implementing trust departmental policies.
Basic keyboard, typing & computer skills

Other

Essential

Must be able to work from mornings form 07:00 and evenings till 10 pm, including weekends and Bank Holidays.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

Essential

Must have manual dexterity
Physical fit to deal with the day to day demands of the post
Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
Able to cope with several issues at one time

Qualifications

Essential

Numeracy & Literacy Skills to Level 1 or equivalent
Basic keyboard, typing & computer skills computer skills

Desirable

Previous Sterile Services knowledge.
Knowledge of medical track & trace systems

Experience

Desirable

Decontamination processes (surgical instruments or flexible endoscopes, tracking and traceability and independent monitoring systems)
Working experience in a Quality System lead service (standing operating procedures or work instructions and reporting)

Attitude

Essential

Must have a positive attitude
Must be prepared to work flexibly
Must be able to work as part of a team

Skills

Essential

Good communication skills face to face and over the telephone
Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work under own initiative in a logical and systematic fashion, implementing trust departmental policies.
Basic keyboard, typing & computer skills