Job summary
A vacancy has arisen in the Sterile Services Department at St. Peters Hospital 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 (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. 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 within the department recording and reporting faults to ensure timely repairs and maintenance. To undertake quality checks for cleanliness and functionality of equipment, before distribution to customers 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.
About us
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 out two hospitals, Ashford, 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 Ashford & St Peters
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with our strong commitment to staff health
and wellbeing. We are committed to providing continuous professional
development, staff benefits and flexibility to shape our workforce around our
patient care.
Please
see the supporting links which you can find on the right-hand side of this job
advert.
There is guidance on how to make an application on NHS Jobs as well as more
information about joining the ASPH Team
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ADVERTS MAY CLOSE BEFORE THEIR PUBLISHED CLOSING DATE, THEREFORE PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Wash Room
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 instruments 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
Wash Room
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 instruments 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
Skills
Essential
- Must be able to demonstrate, in relation to patients, visitors, colleagues and other individuals connected with the Trust and NHS:
- You have knowledge & awareness of diversity and human rights as appropriate to your role
- You are able to communicate effectively to ensure high standards of care, treatment, service or support as appropriate to your role
- Able to prioritise own work under conditions of urgency/demanding situations
- Attention to detail for packing and checking
- Able to use computers in order to maintain traceability of all reusable
Desirable
- To comply with all requirements of legislation, quality systems and international standards
- Able to provide a customer focussed service
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a role that has specific processes and procedures.
- Able to use fine tools for equipment assembly.
- Experience of working as part of a team.
- Some experience of maintaining job specific equipment.
Desirable
- Knowledge of government legislation.
- Broad knowledge of equipment cleaning, decontamination and sterilization procedures.
- A working knowledge of machine testing, validation and operation.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE standard or NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Desirable
- E-learning in decontamination of flexible endoscopes
- Sterile Services Technician training
Knowledge
Essential
- NHS Constitution
- Trust vision, values and strategic objectives
- Understanding of consequences that may arise due to equipment or devices failure
- Understanding of infection control. Understanding of health and safety work act
Desirable
- A good level of understanding concerning the clinical use of the equipment undergoing decontamination
Other requirements
Essential
- Able to demonstrate that you are honest, reliable and trustworthy
- Treat patients, visitors, colleagues with respect
- Ability to travel between Trust sites
- Ability to be flexible to meet the needs of the team, the service and the Trust
- Clear written and spoken English
- Able to communicate information routinely across professional boundaries at all levels including senior clinicians and management
- Ability to represent the department in a professional manner
- Willingness to work in unpleasant working conditions including exposure to bodily fluids
- Ability to work all shifts including weekends
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Must be able to demonstrate, in relation to patients, visitors, colleagues and other individuals connected with the Trust and NHS:
- You have knowledge & awareness of diversity and human rights as appropriate to your role
- You are able to communicate effectively to ensure high standards of care, treatment, service or support as appropriate to your role
- Able to prioritise own work under conditions of urgency/demanding situations
- Attention to detail for packing and checking
- Able to use computers in order to maintain traceability of all reusable
Desirable
- To comply with all requirements of legislation, quality systems and international standards
- Able to provide a customer focussed service
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a role that has specific processes and procedures.
- Able to use fine tools for equipment assembly.
- Experience of working as part of a team.
- Some experience of maintaining job specific equipment.
Desirable
- Knowledge of government legislation.
- Broad knowledge of equipment cleaning, decontamination and sterilization procedures.
- A working knowledge of machine testing, validation and operation.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE standard or NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Desirable
- E-learning in decontamination of flexible endoscopes
- Sterile Services Technician training
Knowledge
Essential
- NHS Constitution
- Trust vision, values and strategic objectives
- Understanding of consequences that may arise due to equipment or devices failure
- Understanding of infection control. Understanding of health and safety work act
Desirable
- A good level of understanding concerning the clinical use of the equipment undergoing decontamination
Other requirements
Essential
- Able to demonstrate that you are honest, reliable and trustworthy
- Treat patients, visitors, colleagues with respect
- Ability to travel between Trust sites
- Ability to be flexible to meet the needs of the team, the service and the Trust
- Clear written and spoken English
- Able to communicate information routinely across professional boundaries at all levels including senior clinicians and management
- Ability to represent the department in a professional manner
- Willingness to work in unpleasant working conditions including exposure to bodily fluids
- Ability to work all shifts including weekends
