Decontamination Assistant (Endoscopy)
The closing date is 04 June 2026.
As a Decontamination Assistant at Bedford Hospital, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient decontamination of reusable medical devices—including endoscopes—across our Sterile Services Department and Endoscope Decontamination Unit. Working within an ISO‑accredited quality system, you'll follow established policies, procedures, and work instructions to deliver a high‑standard service that directly supports patient safety and clinical care.
You will be part of a dedicated team responsible for completing all stages of the decontamination and sterilisation process. The role requires motivation, attention to detail, and a flexible approach to working hours, including participation in a two‑week rotating shift pattern (8am‑4pm, 11am‑7pm) and alternate weekends. A commitment to completing all required training is essential.
At Bedford Hospital, we are committed to delivering the same safe, high‑quality care we would want for our own families. By joining us, you'll contribute to a service that underpins exceptional patient care and supports clinical teams across the organisation.
Main duties of the job
The Decontamination Service within Bedford Hospital NHS Trust consists of Sterile Services Department and the Endoscopy Decontamination Unit. Both areas supply sterile and disinfected reusable medical devices to wards, departments and theatres within the Trust. The work involves collection, decontamination, preparation, packing, sterilisation or disinfection and distribution of reusable medical devices.
* Receipt, sorting and preparing of reusable medical devices including endoscopes for cleaning and disinfection.
* Inspection, re‑assembly, function testing, packaging, sealing and labelling of reusable medical devices that have been satisfactorily washed, disinfected and dried.
* Carry out required independent checking of instrument trays (for others) ensuring the contents are correct and reporting any discrepancies.
* Maintaining an awareness of the basic types and categories of instruments, flexible scopes according to their function and identifying the points for inspection and test procedures.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, obstetrics‑led maternity, and paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high‑quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Travel between hospital sites may be required.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering the first six months in post.
Job responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.
* Inspection of instruments and equipment on receipt into Decontamination area and at various stages throughout production, storage and distribution, immediately reporting damaged or missing items/components.
* Dismantle/assembly of instrumentation following the cleaning and disinfection process and manufacturers' recommendations.
* Ensuring that the packaging, wrapping and labelling of instrument sets and supplementary items is done in accordance with legislation and guidance to meet the service needs.
* Understand the different types of sterilisation/disinfection methods used, and the importance of product liability regarding the re‑use of these items.
* Carry out quality checks on items to ensure that the devices have been correctly decontaminated and are safe for patient use.
* Carry out the correct action required if the decontamination function is in doubt and report/document any failure to the Decontamination Services Manager.
* Ensure process and cycle data is checked prior to the acceptance and release of products.
* Use the correct types of wrapping materials and methods of packing and minimise damage.
* Carry out the correct procedure for non‑conforming devices and sundries in the event of a failed washer/disinfector/steriliser cycle so that these items are not used in any surgical procedure.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Excellent English—communication skills, written and verbal
Experience
* Previous experience in a healthcare environment
Knowledge
* Good organisational skills
* Basic IT skills
* Manual dexterity
* Attention to details
* Knowledge of Quality Management System—ISO 13485 / ISO 9001
Personal Skills
* Good timekeeper, changed as per policy and commence shift as indicated
* Ability to stand for lengthy periods of time
* Team‑focused
* Reliable, adaptable and dependable
* Willing to undertake training as required
* Proactive approach and participation in the Quality Management System
* Ability to be self‑directed
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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