About this role
Job summary
As a TSSU Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting our theatre teams by ensuring the safe, efficient preparation, decontamination, packaging, and sterilisation of surgical instruments and equipment. Your work underpins patient safety and contributes directly to the smooth running of our operating theatres. You will uphold strict infection prevention standards, maintain a highquality sterile environment, and support both daily operational tasks and continuous improvement within the Sterile Services Unit.
Main duties of the job
Instrument Decontamination & Processing Cleaning, inspecting, assembling and repackaging surgical instruments. Operating washer disinfectors and sterilisers, including completing routine testing procedures. Preparing soft-pack trays and restocking surgical instrument cupboards. Ensuring all production processes comply with departmental quality standards and specifications. Quality, Compliance & Safety Following infection prevention and control procedures in line with national standards and legislation. Reporting faults, defects and discrepancies promptly. Adhering to Health & Safety, COSHH, Manual Handling and Safeguarding policies. Maintaining confidentiality and handling information appropriately. Contributing ideas that improve efficiency, quality and patient outcomes.
About us
Horder Healthcare has been committed to caring since 1954 when we were called 'The Horder Centre for Arthritis'. We've come a long way since then. Our consultants are amongst the most skilled, experienced and innovative in their field. Our staff love to work here, so it makes sense that our patient outcomes are in the top 99%.
We have grown into a multi-service healthcare provider, with hospitals in Crowborough and East Grinstead, and outreach clinics in Eastbourne and Seaford. We are committed to making a positive impact to the health of individuals and the communities in which we work.
Not only have we developed an international reputation for orthopaedic and musculoskeletal care, our partnership with The McIndoe Centre - the birthplace of pioneering plastic surgery treatments, means that we can deliver high-quality plastic, reconstructive, maxillofacial, ophthalmology and orthopaedic services from world-class consultants to an even greater number of people.
We know that our working lives are fundamental to emotional wellbeing. Our employees are as valuable to us as our patients and we see it as our duty to nurture an engaged and skilled workforce. To do this we ensure employees have access to training and development opportunities as well as being a flexible and diverse workplace.
We are committed to caring, and committed to you.
Job description Job responsibilities
At The Horder Centre, we know that exceptional patient care starts long before a patient enters the operating theatre. We're looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented TSSU Assistant to join our Sterile Services team, playing a vital role in ensuring our surgical teams have the safe, sterile instruments they need to deliver outstanding care.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with sterilisation or theatre experience, or an individual looking to develop a rewarding career in healthcare. If you take pride in high standards, enjoy working as part of a supportive team, and are passionate about patient safety, we'd love to hear from you.
As a TSSU Assistant, you'll be responsible for the preparation, decontamination, inspection, packaging and sterilisation of surgical instruments and equipment used throughout our theatres. Your work will directly support the smooth running of surgical procedures and help maintain the highest standards of patient safety.
Person Specification
About You Essential
Understanding of surgical instruments and sterilisation processes. Ability to operate washer disinfectors and sterilisers, or willingness to undertake training. Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Strong communication and organisational skills. Commitment to infection prevention, patient safety and quality care. Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
NVQ Level 3 in Decontamination Sciences or equivalent, or willingness to work towards this qualification. Experience within a theatre, sterile services or clinical environment. Familiarity with instrument tracking or decontamination management systems. Strong IT and digital system skills. Experience supporting or mentoring colleagues. A proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Horder Healthcare
Address Horder Healthcare
Crowborough
TN6 1XP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.horderhealthcare.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)