Sterile Services Operative

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

The Division of Theatres and Critical Care are seeking to Appoint a motivated individual to the role of Sterile Services Operative within Sterile Services.

Reporting to the Sterile Services Manager, you will provide high-quality decontamination services to the Trust's operating theatres, wards, departments, and off-site clinics. The Department cleans, decontaminates, inspects, packs and sterilises over 170,000 reusable surgical trays per year. We are looking for a committed person who can work both as an individual and as part of a team with a flexible approach to duties. You will have knowledge of infection control practices and procedures, a strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Excellent organisational and communication skills are also essential.

Previous experience in a sterile services or similar healthcare setting is advantageous, however, comprehensive training and professional development opportunities will be provided by the Educational Lead, Quality Training & Support Managers and Sterile Services Manager.

The Post provides an excellent development opportunity for someone to experience a fast-paced sterile services department and to further develop their career.

Please note the Trust are not able to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the UKVI threshold requirements. You are requested to consider this when making your application. Please visitGov.UKfor further information.

Main duties of the job

We are looking to recruit two full-time Sterile Services Operatives to join our team in the Sterile Services Department. This is a busy unit based at Sunderland Royal Hospital and is in close proximity to the Operating Theatres.

You will be required to undertake tasks associated with the cleaning, disassembly, checking, packing, sterilisation, and movement of surgical instruments to ensure the safe reprocessing and distribution of products for use in theatres and other clinical departments.

You will follow written instructions, use specialist machinery and electronic tracking systems in the accordance with departmental guidelines and quality management systems. You will comply with the requirements of the quality systems, as stated in ISO 13485:2016, medical device regulations plus all other relevant standards.

You must be willing to work flexibly within the operating hours of the Service to meet the demands of the role, this includes working a two-shift system between 07:00 22:00 Monday to Friday and 07:00 20:00 on weekends and bank holidays.

This work is physically demanding and involves lifting heavy equipment and pushing/pulling heavy trolleys up to 250kg.

About us

Please help us by adding your telephone number to your application form this will allow us to contact you quickly if required.

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. Flexible working is supported via the Trust's Flexible Working Policy.

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

08 August 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9155-THEA-0824-26

Job locations

Trust Headquarters

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Sunderland

SR4 7TP

Job description

Job responsibilities

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.

PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

Job description

Job responsibilities

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.

PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Numeracy & Literacy skills at Level 1 (GCSE D-G or equivalent or equivalent experience).

Desirable

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

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Good communication skills both face-to-face and over the telephone.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under own initiative in a logical and systematic fashion, implementing Trust departmental policies.
Basic keyboard, typing & computer skills.
Must have manual dexterity.
Able to work under pressure and to deadlines.
Able to cope with several issues at one time.

Attitude

Essential

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

Other

Essential

Must be able to work mornings from 07:00 and evenings until 22:00, including weekends and Bank Holidays.

Desirable

Please provide a contact telephone number (in case we need to contact you about your Application), or write 'no Number' if you do not have one.

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).

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Numeracy & Literacy skills at Level 1 (GCSE D-G or equivalent or equivalent experience).

Desirable

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

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Good communication skills both face-to-face and over the telephone.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under own initiative in a logical and systematic fashion, implementing Trust departmental policies.
Basic keyboard, typing & computer skills.
Must have manual dexterity.
Able to work under pressure and to deadlines.
Able to cope with several issues at one time.

Attitude

Essential

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

Other

Essential

Must be able to work mornings from 07:00 and evenings until 22:00, including weekends and Bank Holidays.

Desirable

Please provide a contact telephone number (in case we need to contact you about your Application), or write 'no Number' if you do not have one.

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).