Job summary
We have 2 vacancies within this department, 1 Full Time Permanent, and 1.0 Full Time fixed term (9 months).
Applications are invited from enthusiastic, hardworking, self-motivated and committed individuals for the above position. Candidates must have a pleasant and courteous disposition and a flexible attitude towards the demands of this post.
The Central Endoscope Decontamination Unit is responsible for the decontamination of all flexible endoscopes used within the Trust. The decontamination process includes manual cleaning, use of Automatic Endoscope Re-processors, storage, tracking and tracing of scopes, and delivery to point of use.
The ideal candidate should be able to work as part of a team, use own initiative and be able to meet deadlines and work with all disciplines of staff.
Previous decontamination experience would be an advantage but the successful candidates will be given full training to support their role.
Main duties of the job
- To undertake the complete cycle of endoscope decontamination
- This includes the visual inspection, manual cleaning, processing in an automatic endoscope reprocessor, storing, tracking, and tracing and collection and delivery of all flexible scopes used in the Trust.
- To work within the designated area, ensuring that agreed standards are achieved.
- To implement the correct method of decontamination of the endoscopes in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and protocols as issued by the department.
- To use Endoscope Washer Disinfector (EWD) safely and correctly, Drying Cabinets and all other associated equipment as per manufacturers' instructions.
- To work within COSHH Regulations in respect of substances used, comply with departmental procedures for use of PPE and be competent in dealing with spillages of chemicals
- To assist with all relevant tests required on endoscopes, washer disinfectors and associated equipment as per departmental protocol.
- To understand how to escalate any problems or emergency relating to decontamination equipment to the supervisor or manager
- To ensure all necessary documentation concerning the decontamination of each endoscope (tracking and tracing) is completed effectively and efficiently and in accordance with the departmental procedure (electronic and paper systems)
About us
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9000 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
We strongly believe that the communities we serve should all have access to Five Star Patient Care.
Our Services:
Acute Care
Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.
Primary Care
Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.
Community Services
Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation, freeing up space for more unwell patients. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre.
Specialist Regional Services
We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.
Achievements:
oRated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
oTop 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
oNational Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
- To undertake the complete cycle of endoscope decontamination
- This includes the visual inspection, manual cleaning, processing in an automatic endoscope reprocessor, storing, tracking, and tracing and collection and delivery of all flexible scopes used in the Trust
- To work within the designated area, ensuring that agreed standards are achieved
- To implement the correct method of decontamination of the endoscopes in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and protocols as issued by the department
- To use Endoscope Washer Disinfector (EWD) safely and correctly, Drying Cabinets and all other associated equipment as per manufacturers instructions
- To work within COSHH Regulations in respect of substances used, comply with departmental procedures for use of PPE and be competent in dealing with spillages of chemicals
- To assist with all relevant tests required on endoscopes, washer disinfectors and associated equipment as per departmental protocol
- To understand how to escalate any problems or emergency relating to decontamination equipment to the supervisor or manager
- To ensure all necessary documentation concerning the decontamination of each endoscope (tracking and tracing) is completed effectively and efficiently and in accordance with the departmental procedure (electronic and paper systems
- Understand any non-conformities or deficiencies that may occur in the decontamination process and inform the line manager of such
- Establish and maintain effective communication links within the Multi-disciplinary Team
- Participate in Department and Trust wide audits when requested by the Decontamination Manager/ Supervisors and support the introduction of any changes in practice shown to improve standards
- To keep, where necessary, reliable and accurate records relating to decontamination
- To support departmental workloads by taking part in a flexible rota
- Report any faults discovered on individual endoscope operation (failures) to supervisor or senior technician
- Participate and support weekend/bank holiday rota to ensure a quality service is maintained
- Participate in the on-call rota for out of hours endoscope decontamination
- Undertake training and education as required to keep up to date with best practice
- Follow direction from the supervisor/ senior technician but be able to work alone and use own initiative as required and where appropriate
CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Adhere to relevant Code of Practice for Decontamination
- Maintain standards of decontamination consistent with current best practice and legislation
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure all records relating to decontamination are completed and maintained as relevant to the post
TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES
- Have responsibility for their own personal development by taking part in any training as relevant to their role
- Maintain competency
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
- Have some awareness of the Decontamination units budgets and assist in providing a value for money service by ensuring all equipment is used in an appropriate manner and items are not wasted.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification attached.
Advertising date: 29 August 2024
Closing date: 25th September 2024
Shortlisting date: 26th September 2024
Proposed Interview date: TBC
Please be aware this vacancy may close early if a sufficient number of applicants is reached.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
- To undertake the complete cycle of endoscope decontamination
- This includes the visual inspection, manual cleaning, processing in an automatic endoscope reprocessor, storing, tracking, and tracing and collection and delivery of all flexible scopes used in the Trust
- To work within the designated area, ensuring that agreed standards are achieved
- To implement the correct method of decontamination of the endoscopes in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and protocols as issued by the department
- To use Endoscope Washer Disinfector (EWD) safely and correctly, Drying Cabinets and all other associated equipment as per manufacturers instructions
- To work within COSHH Regulations in respect of substances used, comply with departmental procedures for use of PPE and be competent in dealing with spillages of chemicals
- To assist with all relevant tests required on endoscopes, washer disinfectors and associated equipment as per departmental protocol
- To understand how to escalate any problems or emergency relating to decontamination equipment to the supervisor or manager
- To ensure all necessary documentation concerning the decontamination of each endoscope (tracking and tracing) is completed effectively and efficiently and in accordance with the departmental procedure (electronic and paper systems
- Understand any non-conformities or deficiencies that may occur in the decontamination process and inform the line manager of such
- Establish and maintain effective communication links within the Multi-disciplinary Team
- Participate in Department and Trust wide audits when requested by the Decontamination Manager/ Supervisors and support the introduction of any changes in practice shown to improve standards
- To keep, where necessary, reliable and accurate records relating to decontamination
- To support departmental workloads by taking part in a flexible rota
- Report any faults discovered on individual endoscope operation (failures) to supervisor or senior technician
- Participate and support weekend/bank holiday rota to ensure a quality service is maintained
- Participate in the on-call rota for out of hours endoscope decontamination
- Undertake training and education as required to keep up to date with best practice
- Follow direction from the supervisor/ senior technician but be able to work alone and use own initiative as required and where appropriate
CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Adhere to relevant Code of Practice for Decontamination
- Maintain standards of decontamination consistent with current best practice and legislation
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure all records relating to decontamination are completed and maintained as relevant to the post
TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES
- Have responsibility for their own personal development by taking part in any training as relevant to their role
- Maintain competency
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
- Have some awareness of the Decontamination units budgets and assist in providing a value for money service by ensuring all equipment is used in an appropriate manner and items are not wasted.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification attached.
Advertising date: 29 August 2024
Closing date: 25th September 2024
Shortlisting date: 26th September 2024
Proposed Interview date: TBC
Please be aware this vacancy may close early if a sufficient number of applicants is reached.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Ability to work in a fast-paced busy department
- Previous decontamination knowledge and experience
- Flexible approach to work schedule to meet the needs of the service
Skills
Essential
- Good communication skills
- Good team-working skills
- IT Literate
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE Level or Equivalent Qualification/experience
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Ability to work in a fast-paced busy department
- Previous decontamination knowledge and experience
- Flexible approach to work schedule to meet the needs of the service
Skills
Essential
- Good communication skills
- Good team-working skills
- IT Literate
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE Level or Equivalent Qualification/experience
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.
