Sterile Services Technician

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Sterile Services Technician

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Western Isles Health Board The best at what we do

Sterile Services TechnicianPlus £

The exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Sterile Services Technician to join the CeUnit (CDU) team within the Western Isles Hospital covering NHS Western isles. The unit supplies medical instrument decontamination and sterilization servicesand medical centres across the Western I The successful candidate must be motivated and enthusiastic and be able to work toUnit’s Quality Management system. The successful applicant will be required to participate in an out of hours on call rota. For further information regarding this post please contactIsles on 01851 708117 The successful applicant will be required to register with the PVG Scheme (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme). This post is not eligible for relocation expenses. All NHS Western Isles vacancies appear on the NHS Scotlandjob description. Any further queries please contact 01851 762027

Job Advert

Sterile Services TechnicianBand3 £21,709 to £23,603pro rata

Plus £1,117 Distant Islands Allowance pro rata 25 Hours per Week

Permanent Post

The exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Sterile Services Technician to join the CeUnit (CDU) team within the Western Isles Hospital covering NHS Western isles.

medical instrument decontamination and sterilization services to operating theatres, wards, clinics, ern Isles.

The successful candidate must be motivated and enthusiastic and be able to work to a high standard and follow the

The successful applicant will be required to participate in an out of hours on call rota.

further information regarding this post please contact Peter Wright, CDU production manager, NHS Western

The successful applicant will be required to register with the PVG Scheme (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme). This post is not eligible for relocation expenses.

NHS Western Isles vacancies appear on the NHS Scotland website: https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/ along with a

01851 762027

Sterile Services Technician

The exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Sterile Services Technician to join the Central Decontamination

to operating theatres, wards, clinics,

a high standard and follow the

Peter Wright, CDU production manager, NHS Western

The successful applicant will be required to register with the PVG Scheme (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme).

website: https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/ along with a

1. JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title: Sterile Service Technician Department: Central Decontamination Unit. W.I.H Job Holder Reference: No of Job Holders:

2. PURPOSE

a) To provide Theatres, Wards, Departments and community with decontaminated trays, medical devices, instruments and packs in compliance with the Medical Device Directive and other statutory requirements.

b) To reduce the risk of Hospital Acquired Infections through the effective provision of sterile services.

c) To reports any incidents or problems identified during the decontamination process. d) To support and mentor any new member of staff in the department to motivate, instruct and train

them to work within all designated areas within the C.D.U

N.B In the event of NHS Scotland being placed on an ‘Emergency Footing’ and or NHSWI declaring a ‘Major Incident’, or similar critical service demand, the role will be subject to change based on the exigencies of the service and post holder competence.

JOB SUMMARY

To develop the skills required to decontaminate, inspect and assemble reusable medical devices for use on patients in clinical areas across NHS Western Isles under the guidance of qualified staff.

To develop the knowledge and skills through ongoing training and experience to provide full reprocessing of medical devices and ensure these are processed to an agreed specification in accordance with Departmental Procedures, Quality Standards and Current National Legislation ( Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC Annex 12 & ISO13485 2016)

To work as part of a multidisciplinary team within CDU to provide a quality assured service to all users of the department.

Occasionally, in the absence of the Supervisor, open the department, carrying out daily checks on washers and autoclaves and logging the results using IT equipment.

3. ORGANISATIONAL CHART

4. SCOPE AND RANGE CDU reprocesses and sterilizes all the re-useable instruments used in theatres at the Western Isles Hospital across a range of specialities as well as the instruments used in wards, and clinics. It also provides decontamination services to the Western Isles dental centre and to health centres, surgeries and dental clinics across the western isles. 5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Reception, inspection and manual cleaning of dirty instruments ensuring that all equipment is present, that instruments are disassembled and that joints, lumens and cannulations, and other complex and hard to clean surfaces are cleaned. Post washing inspection, fitness for use checks and packing of instruments and sets. Ensuring that instruments are clean, in good working condition, properly assembled and lubricated, and packaged so that they can be effectively sterilized and then transported, stored, and opened for use without compromising sterility. To load, unload, and operate washer disinfectors and autoclaves (sterilizers), including awareness of operating instructions, carrying out daily testing and confirming that the required parameters for each process cycle have been met. Reporting any failures or developing problems with the equipment. To operate and maintain the electronic tracking system. Responsibility for traceability of all items received in the Unit following them through the process until despatch. To provide occasional mentoring, training and support to new technicians and to visitors and student nurses being

Head of IPC, Decontamination &

Cleaning services

Decontamination Production Manager

CDU Administrator Lead Sterile Service Technician (Quality)

Sterile Service Technicians

given an introduction to the unit. To despatch finished sets and packs to the appropriate service user, including the timely dispatch of sterile goods to areas that lie outwith the W.I.H e.g. Southern Isles following transport guidelines. To carry out housekeeping and monitoring tasks to ensure that the unit is maintained in a clean and safe condition. Assist in maintaining stock levels in the unit. Safe closure of department making sure relevant machinery and lights are all switched off. To develop a sound knowledge of medical instrumentation and of the processes required for effective disinfection including assembly and disassembly. Follow Quality Management System Policies, Procedures and Work Instructions. To follow infection control policies including hand washing, use of correct personal protective equipment, and uniform policy including awareness of frequent uniform and footwear changes to allow movement within the Unit.

Although the post has no direct contact patient care it does support patient care indirectly. Ensuring that equipment is provided sterile reduces the risk of introducing Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) to the patient. Maintaining instrument traceability is of extreme importance, especially with respect to CJD. Incomplete instrument history could result in unnecessary recall or quarantine of instruments and emotional trauma to patients.

6. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT Careful and accurate disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, re-assembly and packing of intricate and expensive medical equipment, including very fine ophthalmic instruments, fibre optic cables and telescopes, orthopaedic equipment and power tools. Postholder is responsible for applying relevant decontamination standards, work instructions and manufacturers’ instructions. Processing of ophthalmic (phaco) handpieces using the specific procedure and processing equipment for these instruments. These instruments require rapid turnaround. Operation, maintenance and daily testing of decontamination equipment (washer disinfectors and steam autoclaves), including understanding of how they function, knowledge of required cycle parameters and the interpretation of cycle data from screens and printouts to verify the correct functioning of equipment and confirm effective decontamination and sterilization of instruments. Operation, cleaning, and testing of packing and inspection equipment (heat sealers, fume cabinet, lighted magnifiers, oiling machines). Operation of the Healthedge computer tracking system to ensure the maintenance of a complete, valid, processing and usage history for all theatre equipment. Including ability to identify the location of all instruments/trays that are in the process and to retrieve records of instrument processing.

Maintenance of departmental records and quality system documents to demonstrate that housekeeping, environmental monitoring and other necessary tasks have been carried out consistently Follow Quality Management System Policies, Procedures and Work Instructions. In order to meet and maintain CDU accreditation, regularly undertake and participate in internal audits. 7. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS

Organisation and planning of daily work tasks ensuring that the department is prepared for planned theatre activity, including prioritising workflow Interpreting data produced by washer disinfectors and autoclaves to ensure cycles have passed in accordance with SHTMs In the event of any breach of procedures all SST must notify the production manager immediately so no time is lost in correcting the deficiency. Acting on urgent requests and requisitions according to need In the event of an emergency informing line manager/supervisor and implementing contingency planning according to QMS Is required to work an on-call rotation at weekends for emergencies. (This is a lone working role with sole responsibility for the Department, testing machines, communicating with Theatre, documenting and scanning trays, processing sets, packing trays and conducting all final checks before sterilisation and dispatch. All this is done within well established procedures and if a problem occurs uses initiative, acting within guidelines, to rectify the situation e.g. liaise with Supervisor or notifying Engineer)

8. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS Communicate with service users and other hospital services

Receive and report any telephone messages received in the unit. Liaise with Supervisor and colleagues regarding user requests. 9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB Requirement to work repetitively for extended periods while carrying out processing tasks including periods of standing. Moving and lifting heavy items of equipment including lifting boxes, pushing carts

and trolleys and handling heavy items. Ability to carry out fine assembly and disassembly requiring some dexterity and the use of lighted magnifiers to carry out detailed inspection, including reading fine print (instrument serial numbers). Some working in hot and humid conditions while wearing PPE (long sleeved gown, gloves, visors). Ability to concentrate for extended periods while carrying out machine testing. Ability to maintain vigilance for extended periods while breaking down dirty returns which may contain sharps Ability to work with regular interruptions while maintaining consistent high standard. The working environment will include exposure to body fluids (blood and mucus) and odours from contaminated sets/instruments.on a daily basis The working environment includes noisy machinery and hot conditions. There is a risk of exposure to blood/contaminated body fluids. There is a risk of exposure to process chemicals (enzymatic detergents, acids, alkaline detergents) through normal use and/or spillage. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment will be provided (and must be worn) and safe working procedures are in place. STANDARD ELEMENTS Confidentiality Comply with all approved NHSWI Policies and Procedures. Comply with NHSWI Communication Strategy and Media Strategy. This involves taking the necessary precautions when transmitting information only disclosing it to those who have the right and need to know it. All personal health information is held under strict legal and ethical obligations of confidentiality. NHS staff must follow guidance (NHS Code of Practice on Protecting Patient Confidentiality) before disclosing any patient information. All staff must respect confidentiality of all matters that they may learn relating to their employment, other members of staff, patients and their families. Health and Safety: Assist in maintaining own and others’ health, safety and security.

This involves: a) Complying with Board health and safety policies, procedures and participating in mandatory training. b) Maintaining a safe working environment and reporting any issues of concern as appropriate. NHS Western Isles attaches the greatest importance to the health and safety of its employees. It is the Board policy to do all that is reasonable to prevent personal injury and hazard to health by protecting staff and others including the public from foreseeable hazards compatible with the provision of proper services to patients. The Board expects its entire staff to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. More detailed information is given in departmental safety policies where appropriate. Ensure own actions support equality, diversity and rights. This involves: a) Acting in ways consistent with the Board’s policies and procedures. b) Treating those you come into contact with equitably and with respect. c) Recognising the need for aids or adaptations. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT I, (Print Name)…………………………………………………….. confirm that the job description(s) /person specification(s) attached have been discussed with me and are an accurate and up-to-date account of the duties and responsibilities and skills/qualifications required to undertake the post. Job Holder’s Signature: Date: Head of Department Signature: Date:05.02.2021

NHS WESTERN ISLES - PERSON SPECIFICATION GUIDANCE Job Title: Sterile Service Technician Department: CDU Location: Western isles hospital

FACTOR

EXPERIENCE

Understanddepartment

QUALIFICATIONS TRAINING RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

Willing to undergo training in Decontamination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Basic Numeracy and Literacy skills Quick learner Good communication Skills Basic IT skills Awareness of Infection Control and prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections

PERSON SPECIFICATION GUIDANCE

Sterile Service Technician

Western isles hospital

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

Understand the purpose of the department

Previous experience of working in a CDU or Decontamination setting.

Willing to undergo training in Decontamination.

Technical qualification in Sterile services

Basic Numeracy and Literacy skills

Quick learner

Good communication Skills

Basic IT skills

Awareness of Infection Control and prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections

DESIRABLE

Previous experience of working in a CDU or Decontamination setting.

Technical qualification in

DISPOSITION

Able to work on own and as part of a team. Sense of Humour

OTHER

Flexible Working - Required to work shifts. Full Driving licence On call commitment. (10 mile radius, 20 minute travel time from home to base)

The Western Isles, also known as the Outer Hebrides, are a chain of islands which lie 55km off the west

coast of Scotland. The islands have a population of around twenty-seven thousand people.

Those who enjoy outdoor activities will

find that the islands have a lot to offer. Outdoor pursuits such as horse riding,

hiking, and fishing are popular, as are water sports such as canoeing, surfing, and

kayaking. Further information about outdoor and sporting activities can be found on the Outer

Hebrides Tourism Information website.

The local Council website provides information regarding schools, jobs, bus timetables, and opening times of the

leisure centre.

The Board works in partnership with Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP), which means that Key Worker Status will form part of their

Housing Allocation Policy. For more information, please visit the HHP website. If you have any specific queries regarding your move, please do not hesitate to contact your Line Manager, who will do their best to answer them.

Links

visitouterhebrides.co.uk welovestornoway.com hebrides-news.com hebrideanhousing.co.uk cne-siar.gov.uk

The Western Isles Health Board employs over one thousand members of staff, excluding GPs and Dentists. There are three main hospitals situated in the Western Isles: Stornoway—Western Isles Hospital (Ospadal nan Eilean Siar) Benbecula—Uist and Barra Hospital (Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh) Barra—St Brendan’s Hospital There are a number of GP and Dental Practices across the Western Isles. Community nursing services operate out of general practice premises and at community offices in key locations. There are only two medical practices in Stornoway: the Broadbay Medical Practice on Francis Street (tel 01851 703588) and the Group Practice on Springfield Road (tel 01851 703145). Both have a pharmacy attached to the practice for the dispensing of prescriptions. The latest information about the Board’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found on the Board’s dedicated website.

About NHS Western Isles

Web wihb.scot.nhs.uk

Web coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot

The islands are accessible from mainland Scotland by ferry or by plane (please note that both services can be affected in the winter). There are three airports on the Western Isles: Stornoway Airport, Benbecula Airport, and Barra Airport. The following destinations can be reached from these airports: Stornoway Airport—Benbecula, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester Benbecula Airport—Glasgow, Inverness, Stornoway Barra Airport—Glasgow All flights to and from the Western Isles are operated by Loganair. If you live in the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland, you can apply for cheaper air travel through the Air Discount Scheme. Further information on the discounts available can be obtained via the Air Discount Scheme website. There are nine ferry ports operating in the Western Isles. Routes run between the islands, as well as to and from the mainland. All routes are operated by Calmac. Further information on the individual routes, including timetables and prices, can be obtained via the Calmac website.

Transport Information

Links

Ferry Travel: Air Travel: calmac.co.uk loganair.co.uk Car Hire: Air Discount Scheme: carhire-hebrides.co.uk airdiscountscheme.com lewis-car-rental.com