Decontamination Technician

Job overview

Closing Date: 6th August 2025

Shortlisting to take place after closing date:  commencing 7th August 2025

Interview expected to take place in the week following shortlisting:  commencing 11th August 2025

A fantastic opportunity has arisen in our purpose-built Endoscopy Decontamination Unit which opened in November 2014. The unit will provide a decontamination service to the gastroenterology department, clinics, theatres, intensive care, and all other relevant departments.

The role will involve the processing of all reusable Flexible Endoscopes; including collection of scopes from departments around the Trust and manually cleaning the scopes before placing them into an automated washer disinfector. There will be a requirement to monitor the wash cycles, its load, and quality check items before delivery or storage of scopes promptly.

We want to recruit motivated, high-performing individuals who would want to provide a high-quality of service. We are looking for trained and experienced individuals. However, we are pleased to accept untrained individuals who are willing to undertake the role. We provide comprehensive decontamination technician training and access for professional development. Individuals must be able to work a shift pattern and will be required to participate in an On-Call rota.

Main duties of the job

The unit will reprocess between 19,000 and 23,000 endoscopes per year and operates between the hours of 08:00 and 19:30 Monday to Friday, and On-call between 08:00 and 08:00 at weekends and Bank holidays. The unit currently employs 8 staff to meet the demands of the service which is likely to expand in the future.

The post holder will work as part of a team in all areas of the endoscope re-processing unit and will be expected to work flexibly to cover all shift patterns on the unit including evenings and weekends and on-call where appropriate.

The position will require handling of contaminated surgical equipment (Endoscopes), wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and the safe operation of Endoscope-Washer Disinfectors (EWD) and Drying cabinets.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Disassemble endoscopes and perform manual cleaning stage of decontamination process in accordance with local and national policies.
• To operate the equipment necessary for the decontamination of endoscopic equipment according to manufacturer guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Trust Policy.
• To decontaminate all equipment after each procedure.
• Prioritise and process endoscopes to facilitate the smooth running of clinical sessions.
• To handle potentially hazardous chemicals on a daily basis according to COSHH guidelines and Trust policies.
• To maintain accurate records of all chemicals used within the decontamination process.
• Ensure that equipment is handled safely and in accordance with agreed infection control procedures.
• To wear the appropriate protective equipment (PPE) and clothing in accordance with the department uniform code.
• To have a good understanding of all policies and procedures relevant to the safe decontamination and use of endoscopic equipment and the traceability processes involved.
• To maintain traceability of all equipment according to SOPs and Trust Policy using paper and computerised tools through and out of the department.
• To be competent in the use of all aspects of the traceability system including labelling and barcoding of scopes and staff members.
• Carry out the required daily checks on the Endoscope Washer-Disinfectors (EWD) and Drying Cabinets and report any faults / problems identified to the supervisor/manager in line with department SOP’s.