Sterile Services Technician – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
A vacancy has arisen in the Sterile Services Department at St. Peter's Hospital for a Technician for a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract. A Sterile Services Technician is responsible for providing effective, safe and efficient collection, decontamination (washing, disinfection and sterilization) and distribution of reusable medical devices with complex speciality demands, including devices of varied design that are of a delicate and valuable nature for use in direct patient care. You should have a working understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH and be computer literate to undertake online training where required. You are also required to have a clear understanding of the consequences that may arise due to equipment or device failure and a good level of understanding concerning the clinical use of the equipment undergoing decontamination.
Responsibilities
* Test, validate and operate highly technical and sensitive decontamination equipment within the department, recording and reporting faults to ensure timely repairs and maintenance.
* 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.
* Collect and accept delivery of used equipment from all customers, including external agencies.
* Deal with all levels of customer queries via telephone and direct personal contact, including clinicians, nurses and other practitioners.
* Check equipment, instructions and other documentation before choosing correct decontamination processes.
* Adhere to policies and procedures, currently operating within the department/Trust.
* Diagnose daily test results on washer disinfectors.
* Receive and record sets and instruments using manual and IT systems.
* Sort and identify instruments using relevant documentation; check for functionality following manufacturer's instructions.
* Raise non‑conformance reports where necessary.
* Follow Trust policy (e.g. sharps) and report incidents.
* Take delivery of and process unique specialist surgical loan instruments following the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring correct and safe handling using appropriate decontamination processes for sensitive and fragile equipment.
* Deal with customer queries and reschedule workload as fast‑track items are received.
* Use manual recording and IT systems to provide traceability of instruments and devices throughout the Trust.
* Mentor and train new colleagues and less‑experienced members of staff.
Disinfection / Endoscopy
* Test and operate highly technical and sensitive disinfection equipment within the department.
* Diagnose daily test results on machinery.
* Record and process the test results and demonstrate compliance.
* Decontaminate endoscopy apparatus of varied design, which are of a delicate and valuable nature.
* Prioritise workload depending on customer requirements to ensure minimal disruption to patient care.
* Pushing/maneuvering 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 customer 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 the wash load is failed on IT systems and returned for reprocessing.
* 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.
* Record and process the test results and demonstrate compliance.
* Raise decontamination documents for returned loan sets and repairs.
* Process and deliver fast‑track sets to meet customer demands.
* Receive and record sets and instruments using manual and IT 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 workload depending on customer requirements.
* Categorise all sets and 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, developing an extensive knowledge of medical devices and their functions, including 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 enquiries 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.
Benefits
* Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement.
* On‑site nurseries.
* On‑site staff cafés.
* On‑site parking.
* Support in career development.
* Salary sacrifice schemes, including wage stream, lease cars, Cycle to Work schemes and home electronics.
#J-18808-Ljbffr