Job summary
Are you a foused, pro-active, forward thinking individual? If the answer is "yes" then this could be the opportunity that you have been looking for.
We are offering you the opportunity to become part of our team at the Sterile Services & Decontamination Unit, Lostock, Bolton as a Sterile Services Technician - NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
We have the following full time vacancies available:
- x2 Monday-Friday 3pm-11pm
*Applicants who have already received feedback that they are unsuitable for the position need not apply - unless theyhave taken steps to strengthen their application, or gained further experience since that decision. *
Main duties of the job
The Sterile Services Technician is responsible for providing effective safe and efficient decontamination (washing, disinfection and sterilisation) of a broad range of reusable medical devices with complex specialist demands including devices of varied design which are of a delicate and valuable nature (in excess of £75k) for use in direct patient care.
The role will require the job holder to work across four process areas, wash/disinfection; inspection and packing; sterilisation/dispatch and sterile stores.
Technicians must comply with the essential requirements of the medical device directive (1993/42/EEC).
The Unit is also accredited to BSEN ISO 13485 and maintains a quality management system to this standard and requires the Sterile Services Technician to maintain and update records and databases for traceability of reusable medical instruments in accordance with quality control and accreditation.
About us
Choose Well - Choose WWL
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that 'happy staff, makes for happy patients'. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement, and living our values 'the WWL Way'.
WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.
On-Call
Please note that senior positions (AFC band 8A or above) may be expected to participate in an on-call rota, if the role is predominantly operational.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To undertake an intensive 6-9 month supported training programme within the Sterile Services Decontamination unit and achieve an appropriate level of competency and understanding of decontamination sciences.
- To be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, dexterity and accuracy in decontaminating high value and complex reusable medical devices which includes dismantling, oiling and reassembling; cleanliness checking, functionality of equipment; packing and sterilisation before distribution to customers in accordance with Quality Management systems, health and safety and relevant legislation.
- Undertake on-going development training as required, including annual Test Your Knowledge assessment to maintain technical knowledge and skills in-line with reusable medical device and legislative changes. Achieve the required standard of competency in the annual test your knowledge in line with Quality, health and safety and relevant legislation.
- To carry out the receipt, disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, packing and sterilization of reusable medical devices. Record all tasks using the Getinge IMS Track & Trace System.
- During the disassembly process identify any defects with the instrument set, problem solve and escalate where appropriate to the relevant manager. Receiving equipment for processing. Certify to this effect on check sheets and to the appropriate Policy.
- To identify and follow procedure for instruments in need of repair, including completion of relevant paperwork.
- Working autonomously reassemble a broad range of reusable medical devices with complex specialist demands, function checking where appropriate including lubrication and testing of power tools. Certify and sign off successful quality assurance.
- Work independently within standard operating procedures, health and safety, infection prevention and control and other relevant legislation to minimise any risks of exposure to high risk contaminated reusable medical devices.
- The operation of washer disinfectors/sterilisers plus the maintenance of production/test records for the washer disinfectors/sterilisers and other equipment records necessary for the processing of surgical instruments and equipment.
- Compile processed equipment into delivery schedules and record issues to all wards and theatres.
- Maintain the required cleanliness of workstations, sinks, trolleys and other equipment.
- To report any difficulties and infringements with machinery as they arise and escalate to Team Leader.
- To report any accidents to the Team Leader or Operational Management.
- To assist and support with the training of new starters and implementation of procedures when required.
- Ability to plan own workloads to meet the demands of customers and key performance indicators whilst consistently achieving high quality standards which will be measured by non-conformance reports.
- To operate complex decontamination equipment and carry out routine tests in accordance with the Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedule, Quality Standards and Guidance.
- Replenish raw materials to all areas and inform the managers of any raw material shortages and ensure stock is rotated.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To undertake an intensive 6-9 month supported training programme within the Sterile Services Decontamination unit and achieve an appropriate level of competency and understanding of decontamination sciences.
- To be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, dexterity and accuracy in decontaminating high value and complex reusable medical devices which includes dismantling, oiling and reassembling; cleanliness checking, functionality of equipment; packing and sterilisation before distribution to customers in accordance with Quality Management systems, health and safety and relevant legislation.
- Undertake on-going development training as required, including annual Test Your Knowledge assessment to maintain technical knowledge and skills in-line with reusable medical device and legislative changes. Achieve the required standard of competency in the annual test your knowledge in line with Quality, health and safety and relevant legislation.
- To carry out the receipt, disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, packing and sterilization of reusable medical devices. Record all tasks using the Getinge IMS Track & Trace System.
- During the disassembly process identify any defects with the instrument set, problem solve and escalate where appropriate to the relevant manager. Receiving equipment for processing. Certify to this effect on check sheets and to the appropriate Policy.
- To identify and follow procedure for instruments in need of repair, including completion of relevant paperwork.
- Working autonomously reassemble a broad range of reusable medical devices with complex specialist demands, function checking where appropriate including lubrication and testing of power tools. Certify and sign off successful quality assurance.
- Work independently within standard operating procedures, health and safety, infection prevention and control and other relevant legislation to minimise any risks of exposure to high risk contaminated reusable medical devices.
- The operation of washer disinfectors/sterilisers plus the maintenance of production/test records for the washer disinfectors/sterilisers and other equipment records necessary for the processing of surgical instruments and equipment.
- Compile processed equipment into delivery schedules and record issues to all wards and theatres.
- Maintain the required cleanliness of workstations, sinks, trolleys and other equipment.
- To report any difficulties and infringements with machinery as they arise and escalate to Team Leader.
- To report any accidents to the Team Leader or Operational Management.
- To assist and support with the training of new starters and implementation of procedures when required.
- Ability to plan own workloads to meet the demands of customers and key performance indicators whilst consistently achieving high quality standards which will be measured by non-conformance reports.
- To operate complex decontamination equipment and carry out routine tests in accordance with the Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedule, Quality Standards and Guidance.
- Replenish raw materials to all areas and inform the managers of any raw material shortages and ensure stock is rotated.
Person Specification
Additional
Essential
- Speak English to an appropriate standard relevant to their role, i.e. with confidence and accuracy, using correct sentence structures and vocabulary, and without hesitation.
- This role involves exposure to blood and body fluids and high risk contaminated reusable medical devices.
Desirable
- Commitment to work towards NVQ Level 3 in health care
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of a working to standard operating procedures, health and safety, quality management and assurance systems
- A basic understanding of the impacts and consequences that may arise due to equipment of device failure
- Understand the impacts of providing a high standard of service.
Desirable
- Understanding of infection prevention and control
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team across four sterile service process areas
- Ability to work accurately under pressure and with dexterity using fine tools for equipment assembly
- Ability to plan own workload to achieve departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to represent the department in a professional manner
- Willingness to learn and the ability to retain information
- Punctual
Experience
Essential
- Working in a team and the ability to communicate with each other effectively
- Ability to follow instructions accurately, both verbally and written and referring to the senior decontamination staff when necessary
- Flexible and accepting of change at short notice and with an open mind
- Experience of carrying out task related problem solving and escalating where appropriate
- Supporting new members of a team
- Basic IT skills
Desirable
- Experience of working in process environments which conform to relevant and specific processes and procedures e.g. food or pharmaceutical
- NHS experience or experience in a healthcare setting
- Knowledge and experience in decontamination or infection prevention
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE standard or NVQ level 2
Desirable
- Commitment to work towards NVQ Level 3 in health care
- National Decontamination Certificate
Person Specification
Additional
Essential
- Speak English to an appropriate standard relevant to their role, i.e. with confidence and accuracy, using correct sentence structures and vocabulary, and without hesitation.
- This role involves exposure to blood and body fluids and high risk contaminated reusable medical devices.
Desirable
- Commitment to work towards NVQ Level 3 in health care
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of a working to standard operating procedures, health and safety, quality management and assurance systems
- A basic understanding of the impacts and consequences that may arise due to equipment of device failure
- Understand the impacts of providing a high standard of service.
Desirable
- Understanding of infection prevention and control
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team across four sterile service process areas
- Ability to work accurately under pressure and with dexterity using fine tools for equipment assembly
- Ability to plan own workload to achieve departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to represent the department in a professional manner
- Willingness to learn and the ability to retain information
- Punctual
Experience
Essential
- Working in a team and the ability to communicate with each other effectively
- Ability to follow instructions accurately, both verbally and written and referring to the senior decontamination staff when necessary
- Flexible and accepting of change at short notice and with an open mind
- Experience of carrying out task related problem solving and escalating where appropriate
- Supporting new members of a team
- Basic IT skills
Desirable
- Experience of working in process environments which conform to relevant and specific processes and procedures e.g. food or pharmaceutical
- NHS experience or experience in a healthcare setting
- Knowledge and experience in decontamination or infection prevention
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE standard or NVQ level 2
Desirable
- Commitment to work towards NVQ Level 3 in health care
- National Decontamination Certificate
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
