Overview
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting for a Sterile Services Technician to join the Sterile Services Department at Luton & Dunstable NHS Trust. There are two posts available, each working 37.5 hours per week.
The closing date is 16 February 2026.
The department processes flexible endoscopes, surgical instruments and supplies that are sterile and disinfected for wards, departments and theatres within the hospital.
Main duties
Responsibilities include the decontamination and sterilisation of surgical instruments (including flexible endoscopes), operation of decontamination equipment and distribution of sterile items throughout the hospital. There is an in-house training programme for those without prior experience. Please note there is a strict uniform policy in place due to infection control. The post holder may be required to participate in the department on-call rota.
Shift information
Post 1: 08:00–16:00 days and 13:00–21:00 evenings, with every 4th weekend (bank holidays by rota). Post 2: 13:00–21:00 Monday to Friday with every 4th weekend (bank holidays by rota).
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to around 700,000 people across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas, across two hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both sites offer A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will join a friendly, high performing Trust committed to staff wellbeing with access to training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust is committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We recruit based on qualifications and experience and on behaviours that underpin our core values. We are committed to inclusive recruitment, promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close before the advertised closing date when a sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering the first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Review attached documents to familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job responsibilities
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust with access to high quality training and development. The Trust has state-of-the-art facilities and is committed to delivering the best patient care with the latest knowledge and technology. Please ensure you apply as soon as possible as vacancies may close early.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Review all attached documents to familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job summary
The Sterile Services and Endoscope Decontamination Department supplies sterile and disinfected equipment to the Wards, Departments and Theatres in the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and to other users. The work involves decontamination, preparation, packing, sterilisation and distribution of items to patient areas and to orders for users outside the hospital.
Objectives and purpose of the post
To operate computerised tracking system throughout the departments. To check ward stock and deliver sterile packs to wards and departments. To process equipment through the decontamination area via washer-disinfector machines and endoscope reprocessors, including manual washing as required. To check surgical instruments and other items prior to packing. To collate orders of sterile packs for outside users. To collect used items from patient areas. To check stock in distribution areas. To operate washer/disinfectors, endoscope reprocessors, drying cabinets, heat sealing machines, sterilizers and other equipment. To keep work areas clean and tidy at all times, participating in the department cleaning schedule. To adhere to the department policies and procedures, including quality management systems. Any other reasonable duty as requested by the Manager or Supervisor.
N.B. This job may involve the manual handling of heavy loads; training will be given. If there is any reason why you should not do this, inform your Manager immediately.
Person specification
Knowledge
* General standard of education
* Ability to read and write in English
* Ability to understand written instructions/procedures
* Knowledge of decontamination process or surgical instruments
* Awareness of infection control
* Knowledge of COSHH
Experience
* Previous relevant experience in a similar or related work environment would be beneficial
* Experience of using large scale decontamination equipment
* Previous work in a high volume environment
* Basic IT Skills
Physical requirements
* Ability to stand for long periods
* High level of manual dexterity
* Ability to wear required protective equipment
* Ability to undertake physically demanding work
Other requirements
* Willingness and aptitude to undertake training
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.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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