Decontamination Assistant (Sterile services)

The Decontamination Service at Bedford Hospital NHS Trust comprises the Sterile Services Department and the Endoscopy Decontamination Unit. Both areas are responsible for supplying sterile and disinfected reusable medical devices to wards, departments and theatres across the Trust. This work includes the collection, decontamination, preparation, packing, sterilisation or disinfection, and distribution of reusable medical devices.

Key duties include

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this vacancy; please review them for full details and responsibilities.

Key duties include

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Inspecting instruments and equipment on receipt into the decontamination area and at various stages of production, storage and distribution, and immediately reporting any damaged or missing items or components.

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Dismantling and assembling instrumentation in line with manufacturers recommendations following the cleaning and disinfection process.

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Ensuring all packaging, wrapping and labelling of instrument sets and supplementary items is completed in accordance with legislation, guidance and service requirements.

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Maintaining an understanding of the different sterilisation and disinfection methods used, and recognising the importance of product liability in relation to the reuse of medical devices.

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Carrying out quality checks to confirm that devices have been correctly decontaminated and are safe for patient use.

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Taking appropriate action if there is any doubt about the effectiveness of the decontamination process, and reporting or documenting any failures to the Decontamination Services Manager

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. 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. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Our valuesWe not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Qualifications

Experience

Knowledge

Personal Skills