Sterile Services Technician

Job responsibilities

To undertake an intensive 12 month supported training programme within the Sterile Services Decontamination unit and achieve an appropriate level of competency and understanding of decontamination sciences. Once completed and signed off by either the Senior Technical Compliance Officer, or Operational Manager the individual will progress from the bottom of the pay scale to the top.

To be able to clearly 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 competency assessments to maintain technical knowledge and skills in-line with reusable medical device and legislative changes

Collection of soiled items from service users and the dispatch and transportation of sterile products to the required destination ensuring correct delivery of requested items.

To carry out the receipt, disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, packing and sterilisation of reusable medical devices

Record all tasks using the departments T-DOC Track & Trace System

During the disassembly process identify any defects with the instrument set, problem solve and escalate where appropriate to the relevant Team Leader

Receiving equipment for processing. Certify to this effect on check sheets and to the appropriate Policy

To identify and follow the procedure for instruments in need of repair, including completion of relevant paperwork

Working alongside the Technicians to reassemble a broad range of reusable medical devices with complex speciality demands, function checking where appropriate including lubrication and testing of power tools

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

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 the a Technician or Team Leader

To report any accidents to the Team Leader or Senior Technical and Compliance Officer

Ability to meet the demands of customers and key performance indicators whilst consistently achieving high quality standards which will be measured by non-conformance reports

In conjunction with a Technician or Team Leader to operate 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 Team Leaders of any raw material shortages and ensure stock is rotated

Ability to work flexibly to meet the demand of customers and respond to any other requests made by the senior management team.

When fully trained to be part of the buddy programme to support the training of all new Technician, sharing best practise, knowledge and experience of the role requirements.

May be required to work unsocial hours

Required to work in noisy environments with fluctuating temperatures

Could be required to work flexible hours including overtime, weekends and alternative shift patterns as the activity demands

Ability to maintain high levels of concentration, throughout all processes, to maintain quality and fit for purpose assessment on a daily basis

Communication

The Technician will be required to communicate with colleagues at all levels in a concise and appropriate manner

The Technician will be required to deal with telephone enquiries as necessary in a concise and appropriate manner

The Technician will need to ensure verbal and written communication is maintained within the department such as quality system documents

Demonstrate a courteous and helpful approach to visitors and colleagues

Required to report untoward incidents and relevant information to a Technician or Team Leader immediately

Workplace and Environmental Factors

Physical - Prolonged periods of standing/walking, pushing/pulling and manoeuvring heavy trolleys and lifting instrument sets and containers of various weights of up to 25kg.

Emotional - Able to deal with occasional distressing circumstances when working in and around the wash area.

Mental - Prolonged periods of intense concentration. Able to multi task due to unpredictable workloads i.e. equipment failure sets required on a quick turnaround and medical emergencies such as trauma or major incident.

Working Conditions - Artificial atmosphere including positive pressure and air conditioning causing temperature variations within the department. No windows/no natural light Awareness of COSHH and RIDDOR due to hazardous chemicals and chemical/clinical waste products Risk of sharps injury from manual wash of instruments/blades/needles Exposure to blood, bone, urine, faeces, grated bone and body tissue

Qualifications

Essential

• Basic general Educated to GCSE standard or NVQ level 2

Desirable

• National Decontamination Certificate

Experience

Essential

• Working in a team and the ability to communicate with each other effectively
• Ability to follow instructions accurately, both verbally and written and referring to the senior Sterile Services staff when required
• Flexible and accepting of change at short notice and with an open mind
• Experience of carrying out task related problem solving and escalating where appropriate
• Supporting new members of the team

Desirable

• NHS experience or experience in a healthcare setting
• Knowledge and experience in decontamination or infection prevention

Skills

Essential

• Experience using decontamination equipment.
• Can demonstrate the ability to work to strict standards of quality and safety
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work accurately under pressure
• Excellent communication skills, relates to colleagues in an effective and positive manner on routine matters
• Use of quality management system
• Use of department tracking information systems
• Ability to plan own workload to achieve departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) / deadlines
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to learn and the ability to retain information
• Ability to represent the department in a professional manner

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Willingness to act in a manner conducive to our Trust Values
• Flexible
• Punctual
• Ability to work to strict standards of quality and safety
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Demonstrates logical thinking to help troubleshooting
• Use of Word and PC systems including operation of Windows-based software and good keyboard skills
• Understand the fundamentals of data quality, data protection and the confidential use of patient information

Other

Essential

• Able to work to given schedules and rotas
• Able to organise and manage personal responsibilities
• Prioritise urgent workload

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).