About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join an established decontamination team in Endoscopy. This role requires a dynamic team player who can work on own initiative and works well in a team environment. A comprehensive training package will be provided and you will be fully supported. If you would like to learn new skills and have a willingness to learn then this job is for you.
Main duties of the job
The decontamination technician role is to provide a service to endoscopy, urology and theatres by providing endoscopes when required. You will be expected to provide the services with decontaminated scopes for the lists, collect the contaminated scopes and decontaminate them in the decontamination facility. You would then either return them to the services or store them in the cabinets provided until next required. You will ensure the decontamination facility is clean, tidy, deal with stock and storage, send and receive scopes for or from repair, use a track and traceability system and any other maintenance issues in the decontamination facility. Part of your job role will be to provide scopes for out of hours procedures so you will be expected to be part of the on call rota.
About us
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.
The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester
Our workforce is more than 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us. Our values, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.
Being open and honest
Ensuring people feel cared for
Showing respect to everyone
We are committed to developing a culture of continuous improvement by embedding the principles of our Improvement System.
We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.
DBS Checks and Costs
Any applicants who are offered posts requiring a DBS check as part of their employment check will have the cost of this check (at the current rate) deducted from their salary. Please see link in Supporting Information section for more details on DBS checks and costs.
Job description Job responsibilities
Key Duties:
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
To comply with all Trust Policies and Procedures to maintain a safe working environment for patients and staff.
To work as part of the decontamination team within the Endoscopy Unit.
To report any untoward incidents and complaints.
To act always in a manner which promotes positive working relationships and maintains the professional image of the Trust.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES
To work as part of the team within the decontamination area of the Endoscopy Unit, ensuring that scopes are available for procedures
To be competent in the decontamination and disinfection of endoscopes and accessories, including the safe handling, storage and traceability of flexible endoscopes in line with BSG guidelines and company policies.
To be competent in the use of endoscopy equipment including AERS and drying cabinets
To ensure the departments documented tracking and traceability system requirements and procedures are followed throughout the department.
To have a basic understanding /knowledge of endoscopic procedures
To document all loan and return of endoscopes.
To read and document all water tests, weekly or daily.
To be capable of working alone and unsupervised but ensure documented operational procedures are adhered to.
To work under supervision but with a need to concentrate at all times.
To be able to respond to urgent requests for priority equipment processing from registered nurse or other senior team members on a daily basis.
To ensure PPE is worn in decontamination area as specified in Trust policy.
To adhere to the requirements of working within a controlled environment.
To be fully understanding of COSHH regulations, especially with regard to hazardous cleaning chemicals.
To be responsible for approving loads after decontamination cycles are complete by carrying out various quality checks to ensure instruments are safely decontaminated before use.
To ensure production areas are stocked up and stock levels maintained.
To participate in the cleaning and maintenance of all the work areas to ensure high standards of cleanliness are achieved
To respond appropriately to clinical emergencies.
COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS
Communication regarding decontamination area with Nurse in Charge any issues or delays in the processing of the scopes.
Report any issues to the Estates / appropriate Company regarding issues with decontamination machines or endoscopes, ensuring the Unit Manager and / or Nurse in Charge is aware.
Relationship with both staff and patients should be discreet, bearing in mind that all information regarding patients must be kept confidential.
Report to the nurse in charge of the ward / department matters of concern relating to patients and the ward / department environment.
Ensure that any issues that may affect the running of the lists in endoscopy relating to decontamination are escalated to the nurse in charge.
Answer the telephone, refer to the appropriate person.
Be aware of the need to greet visitors to the ward / department and ascertain the purpose of their visit.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of health and safety at work in order to maintain a safe environment.
To attend ward / departmental meetings as appropriate.
Participate in the out of hours on call rota to provide scopes
CLERICAL DUTIES
Undertake a range of clerical duties, this may involve:
Accurate records relating to the decontamination machine and endoscopes.
Reception / telephone duties.
Basic computer skills.
Stock control.
Prepare notes - using both electronic and manual systems.
To file reports, correspondence, forms etc. as required.
CLEANING
Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of area and equipment as instructed.
Ensure that policies ad procedures are followed with regard to cleaning of the endoscopes
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Decontamination Technician will be expected to attend the ENDO 1 course and completed decontamination competencies.
All staff are required to work across all Trust Sites to support the Endoscopy Service.
Person Specification
Other Job Requirements Essential
Must be flexible with shift patterns and internal rotation Must be prepared to attend meetings out of hours if necessary Confidentiality This post requires the post holder to undertake core skills as soon as is practicable Fitness and mobility to be physically active throughout a shift and undertake manual handling activities To particate in the out of hours on call rota to provide scopes
Qualifications Essential
Basic standard of education including Maths and English to Basic Skills Agency Version 1
Desirable
Experience in Decontamination Experience within Health Care/NHS
Personal Qualities Essential
Reliable and punctual Self-awareness in terms of assessing own knowledge and competence and understanding own boundaries Self-awareness in terms of recognising the impact of their behaviour and others Able to present a professional image appropriate to the working environment Committed Enthusiastic Ability to cope with stress Team worker
Skills and knowledge Essential
Ability to communicate effectively, and demonstrate excellent communication skills: verbal, listening & written Keyboard / computer knowledge / skills Legible handwriting. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concept of confidentiality
Experience Essential
Experience of working in a patient care setting or customer facing environment
Desirable
Experience working within decontamination or sterilization Units/ departments
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.
Employer details Employer name Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Address Endoscopy
Alexandra Hospital
Woodrow Drive
Redditch
Worcestershire
B98 7UB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)