Job overview Reusable flexible endoscopes are reprocessed within the Sterile Services Department. The manual and automated cleaning process is closely monitored to ensure a consistently high quality to meet customer requirements. Endoscopes vary considerably in function and complexity ranging from single to multi channel with ports and attachments. Used endoscopes returned from customer departments are regarded as contaminated. They are decontaminated using dedicated Automated Endoscope Reprocessors after first being manually cleaned and tested for leakage or other defects. Once decontaminated any endoscope that requires repair is removed from service. When cleaned and disinfected endoscopes are moved to dedicated drying cabinets or storage systems which are closely monitored to avoid any recontamination. The Assistant Manager will be responsible for the overall supervision and welfare of all staff engaged in reprocessing reusable flexible endoscopes. Ensuring testing of Automatic Endoscope Reprocessors and water quality is performed to the required frequency and specification. Providing and maintaining a quality service to all end users. Advert The post holder will be required to support the Sterile Services Manager in developing and maintaining a quality service to ensure that effective, appropriate care is provided to patients. To participate in daily activities in respect of effective decontamination and distribution of re-usable flexible endoscopes for use in direct patient care. To have made an effective contribution to reaching the Trust’s vision, strategic objectives and key work programmes. To work as part of a team of decontamination personnel. To manage and oversee Endoscopy porters, technicians, supervisors, support staff and senior SSD staff. To provide day to day operational management of the service delivery. To devise, develop, implement and oversee all training and development requirements ensuring training is effective, up-to-date and consistent. Working for our organisation 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 and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care. We are expanding our theatres at Ashford Hospital and moving towards this becoming our dedicated elective centre. We want to create a state-of-the-art centre for excellence for planned surgical procedures. We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition: Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement On-site Nurseries On-site staff cafes On-site parking Support in career development Salary Sacrifice schemes including wage stream, lease cars, Cycle to Work schemes and home electronics Adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. For more information about a career at ASPH please visit: www.asph-careers.org Detailed job description and main responsibilities Leadership and managerial The Assistant Manager shall be responsible for both performing and overseeing the following activities:- § To receive and record arrival of endoscopes returned from all areas § To dismantle and prepare contaminated endoscopy equipment prior to carrying out the selected cleaning process (this task may require the use of special tools) § To operate Automated Endoscope Reprocessors § To ensure that automatic endoscope Reprocessors are fit for use and have satisfactorily passed all required tests § To unload endoscopes from automatic endoscope Reprocessors at end of the cycle and performing checks on cycle parameters to ensure satisfactory outcome § To deal with any anomalies in machine failures and taking action as necessary § To manually load/unload Automated Endoscope Reprocessors, drying cabinets and Storage systems § To inspect endoscopes to ensure the cleanliness of all parts, reassembling and storing clean equipment § To clearly label each endoscope with all details required by the user under the terms of the contract and good manufacturing practice § To record details of all items processed § To replenish consumable items on automatic endoscope reprocessors and ensuring batch details from every cycle are recorded and stored correctly § To release product after all checks have proved satisfactory § To distribute cleaned endoscopes to storage areas § To maintain records of all machinery/equipment test results as required by current legislation § To perform the operational monitoring aspects and routine testing of all machinery used within the Endoscope reprocessing unit § To perform daily functionality tests and interpreting test results on machinery (process equipment as above) used in the Endoscopy Unit § To record process and test results to demonstrate compliance, enable audit and facilitate analysis. § To deal with untoward incidents, non conforming products and any other discrepancies or relevant information reporting as necessary § To prepare weekly work rosters and to be responsible for manpower and resource management within the department and ensuring adequate cover is provided for sickness, annual leave and all shift hours § To assess workload on a daily basis making changes to rostered activities as required, allocating overtime and/or providing bank staff as necessary § To receive goods and equipment and checking delivery notes against goods delivered for accuracy, and recording non-conformances § To restock supplies and recording any information required § To perform assigned clerical tasks as set by the department manager § To keep areas clean and tidy to maintain a safe, pleasant environment § To oversee the daily work activities § To ensure the development and continuing support of the current and future service § `To be responsible for staff training and development – ensure all staff are competent by providing technical training relevant to the work of the department and regular assessment to check progress and performance and to keep records of staff training § To assess staff competency and skills recommending re-training as necessary § To supervise staff in all areas of production and distribution to ensure standards are maintained and work quotas met within a controlled environment § To receive new equipment from clients, checking suitability for decontamination, authorising use and training staff § To train staff in the use of existing and newly purchased process equipment and maintain a register competency in equipment operation § To review and amend working practices in conjunction with the Sterile Services Manager to address issues regarding non-conforming product § To enforce policies and procedures relative to infection control to protect the health of staff and patients § To be responsible for ensuring that staff work within Trust guidelines and that all incidents and complaints are reported and investigated to ensure an effective outcome § To maintain attendance records and to conduct performance reviews § To follow up requests for maintenance ensuring that work is completed in a timely and effective manner § To participate in the annual management review of departmental quality procedures Technology or system support To be aware of all Trust and department policies and adhere to them To assist the Sterile Services Manager in the maintenance of the quality system, dealing with non-compliance, corrective action, traceability, inspection and testing To understand how to operate a PC, scanners and label printers in order to train and monitor staff use of computerized instrument tracking and other information monitoring systems within the department To maintain a computerised tracking system and the training of staff for this To ensure safe working practices for all staff To ensure that loan equipment is receipted correctly, allocated to a production area and delivered to the user unit in a timely manner To assist in managing risk assessments of the specialty processes · Interpret and make decisions under pressure in a reasoned and correct manner according to department operational procedures, the outcome of which may have major clinical consequences. Information and reporting · To manage the use of the department Instrument tracking and Information system according to authorised guidelines. · To assist in the preparation of records stored in the departments quality management system. · To have a full range of IT skills (inc Microsoft Office) to meet the needs of the department and to collate/present technical data for discussion. · Adhere to Information Governance e.g. Caldicott and ensure staff within your specialty comply. Service improvement, Communications and Engagement § To attend staff meetings and mandatory training sessions and contribute by making constructive suggestions on how services can be improved. § To deliver the set work on time and to the required standard. § To prioritise and meet deadlines depending on customer requirements to ensure minimal disruption to patient care e.g. clinic lists and trust waiting list initiatives/targets. § To provide information and demonstrate duties to less experienced staff to assist them in meeting work demands § To attend on weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered § To generally work under the supervision of the Sterile Services Manager and Deputy § To use their initiative for routine day-to-day tasks, but can refer to the Sterile Services Manager and Deputy for help and guidance. § To work within the limits of their own competence and level of responsibility § To prioritise their own workload and organise their own work to meet these priorities and reduce risks to quality § To support registered auditors and internal auditors by being audited against quality standards § To be aware of and able to use the Trust incident/concerns form in order to support enquiries into any complaint, incident or issue to ensure that a satisfactory conclusion is reached in a timely manner § To establish and maintain the communication of any relevant information within the team to ensure the continual and efficient running of the service and always communicate effectively. § To respond to internal and external customer/service users enquiries and to communicate with customers at all levels both face to face and by telephone. § To deal with telephone enquires as necessary in a concise and appropriate manner, recording all relevant information and taking action as appropriate § To ensure Verbal and written communication is maintained within the departments. § To support and train new employees in the department. § To offer advice and pastoral support to all staff within their jurisdiction. § To ensure that staff act in accordance with all departmental policies and procedures. § To demonstrate a courteous and helpful approach to visitors and colleagues. § To assist in training personnel from allied services e.g. theatre staff. § To demonstrate confidence that product conformity can be attained by effective quality control procedures within the processing area Research and Development · Organise and participate in the validation of new equipment and processes. · To manage and contribute to the development of new protocols/procedures for tests/validation/processes in the department including those which may impact on other disciplines. Health and Safety · To carry out risk assessments within the department and address any risks that the department might pose to the internal/external environment. · To monitor and audit the various work areas of the department to ensure that they are safe and free from hazard and that they conform to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines. · Update the staff at department meetings, as to any pertinent health and safety matters and lead in the training of staff in such matters. Education and Training § To work in collaboration with the manager in identifying training and development needs. To continue to develop and train where appropriate. § To undertake Trust induction program (2 days) at commencement of employment § To undertake departmental induction training (2 weeks) at commencement of employment § Continuing and enhancing professional development by attending study days, relevant training courses and training which have been identified at appraisal § Facilitate the learning of others by acting as a mentor and provide support to new members of staff undertaking certain aspects of the training