Sterile Services Technician

Job overview

We are offering you the opportunity to become part of our team at the Sterile Services & Decontamination Unit, Lostock, Bolton as a Sterile Services Technician - NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

We have the following full-time vacancies available:

• x4 permanent vacancies working 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday 3pm-11pm

*Applicants who have already received feedback that they are unsuitable for the position need not apply - unless they have taken steps to strengthen their application or gained further experience since that decision. *

Please note that this vacancy may close early if a sufficient number of applications are received. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SPONSORSHIP.

Main duties of the job

The Sterile Services Technician is responsible for providing effective safe and efficient decontamination (washing, disinfection and sterilisation) of a broad range of reusable medical devices with complex specialist demands including devices of varied design which are of a delicate and valuable nature (more than £75k) for use in direct patient care.

The role will require the job holder to work across four process areas, wash/disinfection; inspection and packing; sterilisation/dispatch and sterile stores.

Technicians must comply with the essential requirements of the medical device directive (1993/42/EEC).

The Unit is also accredited to BSEN ISO 13485 and maintains a quality management system to this standard and requires the Sterile Services Technician to maintain and update records and databases for traceability of reusable medical instruments in accordance with quality control and accreditation.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To undertake an intensive 6-9 month supported training programme within the Sterile Services Decontamination unit and achieve an appropriate level of competency and understanding of decontamination sciences.
• To be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, dexterity and accuracy in decontaminating high value and complex reusable medical devices which includes dismantling, oiling and reassembling; cleanliness checking, functionality of equipment; packing and sterilisation before distribution to customers in accordance with Quality Management systems, health and safety and relevant legislation.
• Undertake on-going development training as required, including annual ‘Test Your Knowledge’ assessment to maintain technical knowledge and skills in-line with reusable medical device and legislative changes. Achieve the required standard of competency in the annual test your knowledge in line with Quality, health and safety and relevant legislation.
• To carry out the receipt, disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, packing and sterilization of reusable medical devices. Record all tasks using the Getinge IMS Track & Trace System.
• During the disassembly process identify any defects with the instrument set, problem solve and escalate where appropriate to the relevant manager. Receiving equipment for processing. Certify to this effect on check sheets and to the appropriate Policy.
• To identify and follow procedure for instruments in need of repair, including completion of relevant paperwork.
• Working autonomously reassemble a broad range of reusable medical devices with complex specialist demands, function checking where appropriate including lubrication and testing of power tools. Certify and sign off successful quality assurance.
• Work independently within standard operating procedures, health and safety, infection prevention and control and other relevant legislation to minimise any risks of exposure to high risk contaminated reusable medical devices.
• The operation of washer disinfectors/sterilisers plus the maintenance of production/test records for the washer disinfectors/sterilisers and other equipment records necessary for the processing of surgical instruments and equipment.
• Compile processed equipment into delivery schedules and record issues to all wards and theatres.
• Maintain the required cleanliness of workstations, sinks, trolleys and other equipment.
• To report any difficulties and infringements with machinery as they arise and escalate to Team Leader.
• To report any accidents to the Team Leader or Operational Management.
• To assist and support with the training of new starters and implementation of procedures when required.
• Ability to plan own workloads to meet the demands of customers and key performance indicators whilst consistently achieving high quality standards which will be measured by non-conformance reports.
• To operate complex decontamination equipment and carry out routine tests in accordance with the Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedule, Quality Standards and Guidance.
• Replenish raw materials to all areas and inform the managers of any raw material shortages and ensure stock is rotated.