Job summary
Surrey Elective Centre:
A vacancy has arisen in the Sterile Services Department for a permanent, full time Technician. A Sterile Services Technician is responsible for providing effective safe and efficient collection, decontamination (washing, disinfection and sterilization) and distribution of re-usable medical devices with complex speciality demands, including devices, of varied design which are of a delicate and valuable nature for use in direct patient care. You should have a working understanding of health and safety at work act, C.O.S.H.H and be computer literate to undertake on-line training where required. You are also required to have a clear understanding of consequences that may arise due to equipment or devices failure and a good level of understanding concerning the clinical use of the equipment undergoing decontamination.
Main duties of the job
The Decontamination and Sterile Services Technician is responsible for providing effective safe and efficient collection, decontamination and distribution of re-usable medical devices with complex speciality demands, including devices, of varied design which are of a delicate and valuable nature for use in direct patient care. The Sterile Services Department maintains a quality management system ISO 13485:2016. Technicians must comply with the essential requirements of the UK Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (SI618 as amended). Maintaining and updating records and database, for traceability of re-usable medical instruments in accordance with quality control and accreditation. To test, validate and operate highly technical and sensitive decontamination equipment, recording and reporting faults to ensure timely repairs and maintenance. To undertake quality checks for cleanliness and functionality of equipment, in accordance with Legislation, Quality Systems and Health and Safety; both Trust wide and for external customers.
To collect and accept delivery of used equipment from all customers including external agencies. To deal with all levels of customer queries via; telephone and direct personal contact, including clinicians, nurses and other practitioners. To check equipment, instructions and other documentation before choosing correct decontamination processes. To adhere to policies and procedures, currently operating within the Department/Trust.
About us
Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond.
Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey.
We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at ASPH. We are committed to providing continuous professional development, staff benefits and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care.
This is an exciting time to join our Trust, as we work on the expansion of our theatres at Ashford Hospital and move towards this becoming our dedicated elective centre. We want to create a state-of-the-art centre for excellence for planned surgical procedures; with care delivered by dedicated, specialist teams in a modern and well-equipped environment.
We hope to use this centre to create an environment of learning and to facilitate training of the next generation of our skilled NHS workforce. Our plans are ambitious - why not, come and be a part of our journey.
Adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To test and operate highly technical and sensitive disinfection equipment within the department.
To diagnose daily test results on washer disinfectors. Receive and record sets and instruments using manual and I.T. Systems. Sort and identify instruments using relevant documentation, check for functionality following manufacturers instructions. Raise non-conformance reports where necessary. Follow Trust policy (e.g. sharps) and report incidents. To take delivery of and process unique specialist surgical loan instruments following the manufacturers instructions. Ensure correct and safe handling, using appropriate decontamination processes for sensitive and fragile equipment and instruments. Deal with customers queries and reschedule work load as fast track items are received. To use manual recording and IT systems, in order to provide traceability ofinstruments and devices throughout the Trust. Mentoring / training of new colleagues and less experienced members of staff.
Disinfection / Endoscopy
To test and operate highly technical and sensitive disinfection equipment within the department.
To diagnose daily test results on machinery.. To record and process the test results and demonstrate compliance. To decontaminate Endoscopy apparatus of varied design which are of a delicate and valuable nature. Prioritise work load depending on customer requirements to ensure minimal disruption to patient care. Pushing/manoeuvring trolleys, manual handling of endoscopes and stock. Receive and document equipment, check documentation against equipment delivered for accuracy and record non-conformances where necessary.
Clean room
Test and record results of heat sealer function. Undertake quality checks for cleanliness and functionality before packing to agreed specifications ensuring an effective sterile field. Deal with customers queries and reschedule workload as required. Visual checks are carried out on all wash cycles to ensure correct parameters are achieved, if these are not achieved wash load is failed on IT systems and returned for reprocessing. To record and process the test results and demonstrate compliance. Comply with Gowning room procedure.
Sterilizers
Test all sterilizers within the department in accordance with the departmental Quality Control Procedures. To record and process the test results and demonstrate compliance. Raise decontamination documents for returned loan sets and repairs. To process and deliver fast track sets to meet customer demands. Receive and record sets and instruments using manual and I T systems.
Sterile Stores / Check and delivery
Receive and document goods and equipment, check delivery notes against goods delivered for accuracy and record non-conformances. Keep areas clean and tidy; maintain a safe and compliant environment. Prioritise work load depending on customer requirements. Categorise all sets instruments into appropriate areas of stores for dispatch. Ensure rotation of stock. Decontaminate all equipment going for repair.
Training
SSD staff will receive practical and theoretical decontamination training. In order to develop an extensive knowledge of medical devices and their functions to include decontamination, principles, practical application and technical aspects of the service. Training will also include the Internal Programme and any other relevant training required for this position.
Communication
Staff will be required to communicate with colleagues/customers at all levels, including senior clinicians and management. Required to deal with telephone enquires as necessary in a concise and appropriate manner. Verbal and written communication is maintained within the department such as quality system documents and Trust safe code reporting system. Demonstrate a courteous and helpful approach to visitors and colleagues. Required to report untoward incidents and relevant information, to a supervisor, immediately. Taking part and representing others in working group sessions relating to health and safety, quality system, personnel, training, innovations and dealing with changes and challenges.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To test and operate highly technical and sensitive disinfection equipment within the department.
To diagnose daily test results on washer disinfectors. Receive and record sets and instruments using manual and I.T. Systems. Sort and identify instruments using relevant documentation, check for functionality following manufacturers instructions. Raise non-conformance reports where necessary. Follow Trust policy (e.g. sharps) and report incidents. To take delivery of and process unique specialist surgical loan instruments following the manufacturers instructions. Ensure correct and safe handling, using appropriate decontamination processes for sensitive and fragile equipment and instruments. Deal with customers queries and reschedule work load as fast track items are received. To use manual recording and IT systems, in order to provide traceability ofinstruments and devices throughout the Trust. Mentoring / training of new colleagues and less experienced members of staff.
Disinfection / Endoscopy
To test and operate highly technical and sensitive disinfection equipment within the department.
To diagnose daily test results on machinery.. To record and process the test results and demonstrate compliance. To decontaminate Endoscopy apparatus of varied design which are of a delicate and valuable nature. Prioritise work load depending on customer requirements to ensure minimal disruption to patient care. Pushing/manoeuvring trolleys, manual handling of endoscopes and stock. Receive and document equipment, check documentation against equipment delivered for accuracy and record non-conformances where necessary.
Clean room
Test and record results of heat sealer function. Undertake quality checks for cleanliness and functionality before packing to agreed specifications ensuring an effective sterile field. Deal with customers queries and reschedule workload as required. Visual checks are carried out on all wash cycles to ensure correct parameters are achieved, if these are not achieved wash load is failed on IT systems and returned for reprocessing. To record and process the test results and demonstrate compliance. Comply with Gowning room procedure.
Sterilizers
Test all sterilizers within the department in accordance with the departmental Quality Control Procedures. To record and process the test results and demonstrate compliance. Raise decontamination documents for returned loan sets and repairs. To process and deliver fast track sets to meet customer demands. Receive and record sets and instruments using manual and I T systems.
Sterile Stores / Check and delivery
Receive and document goods and equipment, check delivery notes against goods delivered for accuracy and record non-conformances. Keep areas clean and tidy; maintain a safe and compliant environment. Prioritise work load depending on customer requirements. Categorise all sets instruments into appropriate areas of stores for dispatch. Ensure rotation of stock. Decontaminate all equipment going for repair.
Training
SSD staff will receive practical and theoretical decontamination training. In order to develop an extensive knowledge of medical devices and their functions to include decontamination, principles, practical application and technical aspects of the service. Training will also include the Internal Programme and any other relevant training required for this position.
Communication
Staff will be required to communicate with colleagues/customers at all levels, including senior clinicians and management. Required to deal with telephone enquires as necessary in a concise and appropriate manner. Verbal and written communication is maintained within the department such as quality system documents and Trust safe code reporting system. Demonstrate a courteous and helpful approach to visitors and colleagues. Required to report untoward incidents and relevant information, to a supervisor, immediately. Taking part and representing others in working group sessions relating to health and safety, quality system, personnel, training, innovations and dealing with changes and challenges.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE standard or NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Desirable
- E-learning in decontamination of flexible endoscopes
- Sterile Services Technician Training
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Some experience of maintaining job specific equipment
Desirable
- Broad knowledge of equipment cleaning, decontamination and sterilisation procedures
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of consequences that may rise due to equipment or devices failure
- Understanding of infection control
Desirable
- A good level of understanding concerning the clinical use of the equipment undergoing decontamination
Skills
Essential
- Attention to detail for packing and checking
Other requirements
Essential
- Clear written and spoken English
- Able to demonstrate that you are honest, reliable and trustworthy
- Ability to work all shifts including weekends
- Willingness to work in unpleasant working conditions including exposure to bodily fluids
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE standard or NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Desirable
- E-learning in decontamination of flexible endoscopes
- Sterile Services Technician Training
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Some experience of maintaining job specific equipment
Desirable
- Broad knowledge of equipment cleaning, decontamination and sterilisation procedures
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of consequences that may rise due to equipment or devices failure
- Understanding of infection control
Desirable
- A good level of understanding concerning the clinical use of the equipment undergoing decontamination
Skills
Essential
- Attention to detail for packing and checking
Other requirements
Essential
- Clear written and spoken English
- Able to demonstrate that you are honest, reliable and trustworthy
- Ability to work all shifts including weekends
- Willingness to work in unpleasant working conditions including exposure to bodily fluids
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.
