Decontamination Assistant (Endoscopy)

Job overview

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’ll 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 the collection, decontamination, preparation, packing, sterilisation or disinfection and the distribution of Re-Usable 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 identify the points for inspection and test procedures.

Detailed job description and main 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 use, 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 in order that these items are not used in any surgical procedure.