Sterile Services Technician

Job overview

The Sterile Services Department at the Luton & Dunstable NHS Trust requires a Technician to join our busy team.

We have both a full time and part time position.  The full time postholder will work 37.5 hours per week, alternating shifts; days (08:00 to 16:00) and evenings (13:00 to 21:00) and every 4th weekend.  The part time postholder will  work 30 hours per week over 4 days (10:00 to 18:00) on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Both roles will require Bank Holiday working by rota.

The Department processes flexible endoscopes, surgical instruments and supplies sterile and disinfected equipment to the wards, departments and theatres within the hospital.

Main duties of the job

Duties will involve the decontamination and sterilizing of surgical instruments including flexible endoscopes, operation of decontamination equipment and distribution of sterile items throughout the hospital.

Experience is desirable but not essential as an in-house training programme is in place.

Please note there is a strict uniform policy in place due to infection control.

HOURS:        8am to 4pm alternating with 1pm – 9pm Monday to Friday

Saturday and Sunday 8am – 4pm or 11am to 7pm (depending on rota) every 4th weekend

Bank holidays worked on a rota system

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

JOB SUMMARY

The Sterile Services and Endoscope Decontamination Department supplies sterile and disinfected equipment to the Wards, Departments and Theatres in the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and to other users.  The work involves the decontamination, preparation, packing, sterilization and distribution of items to the patient areas within the Hospital and collating orders for users outside the hospital.

OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF THE POST:

To operate computerised tracking system throughout the departments.

To check ward stock and deliver sterile packs to the wards and departments of the hospital.

To process equipment through the department’s decontamination area via washer-disinfector machines and endoscope reprocessor’s, including manual washing as required

To check surgical instruments and other items prior to packing

To pack items into specified packs.

To collate orders of sterile packs for outside users.

To collect used items from patient areas.

To check stock in distribution areas

To operate washer/disinfectors, endoscope reprocessors, drying cabinets,  heat sealing machines, sterilizers and other mechanical equipment

To keep work areas clean and tidy at all times participating in department cleaning schedule

To adhere to the department’s policies and procedures, including quality management systems at all times

Any other reasonable duty as requested by the Manager or Supervisor.

N.B.   This job may involve the manual handling of heavy loads, for which training will be given.  If there is any reason why you should not do this, it is your responsibility to inform your Manager immediately.