NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The Role
* The core activity of decontamination unit is the decontamination, disassembly, assembly, packaging and sterilisation of re‑usable medical devices
* The post holder will undertake all tasks appropriate to the Grade of Sterile services technician throughout the sterile services department
* To receive, disinfect, inspect, package, sterilise and distribute reusable medical devices for use on patients in theatres, wards, clinics and other patient treatment areas
* To operate within the complex environment of decontamination, ensuring that knowledge and skills are kept up to date through ongoing training and assessment
* To be part of a multi‑disciplinary team within the Central Decontamination Unit working together to achieve the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and quality standards that satisfies the needs of the service users
* The permanent base for the post holder will be the Central Decontamination Unit at Glasgow Dental Hospital, but there may be a requirement to work at other Decontamination sites throughout NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern
* We currently have one Senior Assistant Technical Officer position available at The Glasgow Dental Hospital and School
* This is a full‑time role requiring work 5 days out of 7, which may include shift or weekend work
* Core hours are 08:00–16:00 and 10:00–18:00 on a rotating basis
* Flexibility with shift patterns may be required to cover leave
Key Responsibilities
* Receive, disassemble, decontaminate, reassemble, quality inspect, pack, sterilise and distribute reusable medical devices for service users according to procedures, to ensure a satisfactory supply of accurately prepared equipment is available as and when required
* Utilise the computer system to ensure full traceability of all processed medical devices
* React to fast track requests to ensure availability of devices
* Accurately process expensive and delicate medical devices to the correct quality standards and within KPI limits, to ensure reprocessing costs are kept to a minimum
* Ensure all instruments are processed correctly according to manufacturer’s guidelines, to specific training and appropriate work instructions
* Identify missing and or damaged instruments and bring to the attention of the relevant Supervisor or Manager to allow the necessary corrective action to be taken
* Identify non‑conforming items at all stages of the process to ensure that they do not continue through the process or are distributed unless authorised by a Supervisor / Manager
* Identify heavily soiled instruments within the washroom and initiate manual wash prior to washer disinfector process. This can reduce/prevent the requirement for reprocessing
* Undertake an instrument count at the start of each procedure within the process. i.e. washroom and clean room
* Participate in the KSF framework producing a Personal Development Plan which will ensure ongoing development in the job
* Undertake regular training to perform all duties to an acceptable level and demonstrate awareness and competence in the job which includes new technology and new increasingly complex devices
* The post holder will deliver training, where appropriate, to ensure that all staff gain the skills and knowledge that are required to effectively undertake the duties of the post, thus ensuring that quality standards are met
* Also ensure that efficient cleaning of all equipment and work surfaces is undertaken in accordance with departmental work instructions
* Ensure that QMS work instructions are followed at all times thus meeting all legal requirements. Be able to train new staff in the departmental QMS work instructions when required in order to achieve the competency and necessary skills which will ensure compliance with the QMS
* Ensure quality standards are achieved through quality inspections. Any non conformances found related back to the individual who set up the tray
Knowledge, Training, Qualifications and/or Experience Required to Do the Job
* The Jobholder requires to have completed one year training in all aspects of the operation of equipment/machinery and policies/procedures within CDU to achieve basic competence
* The postholder requires to complete a further two years experience in order to become fully developed within the Role of ATO
* This will include substantial Sterile Service experience or SVQ level 3 / certificate in decontamination
* Knowledge on the operation of all CDU equipment including:
* Washers/disinfectors, sonic irrigator and jet gun
* Sterilisers
* Heat sealing equipment
* The postholder is required to have knowledge of various types of medical devices re‑processed in the CDU and how they require to be cleaned, inspected, disassembled and re‑assembled as required
* Handling of expensive delicate medical devices
* Undertake training by Manufacturers of new medical devices and refresher training on existing devices
* Undertake training to understand the requirements of the QMS
* Accurate record keeping
* Ability to train and mentor new technicians
* Good communication skills
* Good team worker
* Good organisational skills
* Knowledge and understanding of NHS GG&C relevant policies
* Contribute to meeting the turnaround times for service delivery
* Understanding and knowledge of non conformance procedures and ISO 13485
* The Postholder will participate in and contribute to a Personal Development Plan and will fulfil the criteria requirements of the Knowledge and Skills Framework outline for their post - Training and development is ongoing to keep abreast of advancement in increasingly complex devices
* The Post holder should have:
* A keen willingness to be flexible, adaptable, attentive and alert whilst fulfilling all duties
* A positive attitude to help provide this essential support service
* The ability to work with people and as part of a team
What We Offer
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
* A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
* Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
* Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
* Development opportunities including study bursaries, e‑learning and classroom‑based courses
* Enhanced pay for working public holidays
* NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
* Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For an Informal Discussion, Please Contact
Mustapha Marah, Deputy Manager, on 0141 211 9893, Mustapha.marah2@nhs.scot
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process
This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.
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From 1 April 2026, the Agenda for Change full‑time working week will reduce from 37 hours to 36 hours. Part‑time working hours will be reduced on a pro‑rata basis. A corresponding increase in the hourly rate will apply, ensuring that overall pay remains unchanged.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recognises the importance of work‑life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full‑time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as various, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
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