EXPERIENCE

• Have the ability to work on own initiative, prioritise and manage a number of issues simultaneously and demonstrate attention to detail.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and proven written and verbal communication abilities.
• Have the ability to undertake the physical demands of the role in order to meet the demands of the service.
• Patient safety must be at the forefront when carrying out all processes within the CSSD.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

We are currently recruiting for a CSSD/Endoscopy Decontamination Operative on a 20-hour, 6-month fixed-term contract. at UPMC Kildare Hospital. The post holder is responsible for cleaning, disinfection, packing and autoclaving of instruments using mechanical and manual methods thus ensuring that a high-quality service is maintained.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The post holder will assist in a range of Central Decontamination Unit functions including but not limited to:

• Decontaminate used medical devices using mechanical methods.
• Inspect and function test medical devices. Report any discrepancies immediately to CSSD Manager.
• Assembly inspection and packing of instrument sets and other equipment for sterilisation.
• Loading and unloading autoclaves, sterilising packs and sets of instruments.
• Prepare and examine packs prior to their storage, for tears and dampness.
• Distribute and store all sterilised equipment and instruments in appropriate areas.
• Observation and checking of parameters and any malfunction of autoclaves, washers/disinfectors.
• Daily/Weekly testing of autoclaves, washer/disinfectors, heat sealers and ultrasonics.
• Record relevant data in appropriate logbooks with full clear signature of operative/technician.
• Maintenance of records in line with policy of Department and EU legislation.
• Archive documents according to national and European legislation.
• Stocking shelves with sterile supplies and assisting with stock control.
• Storage and handling of raw material components.
• Ensure that standard precautions are adhered to and are compliant with infection prevention control and other policies.
• Comply with Health and Safety procedures by using protective clothing – PPE (personal protective equipment).
• Ensure Health & Safety standards are met.
• Report any incident/accident that may occur to the CSSD Manager in accordance with hospital policy.
• Participate in manual and/or computerised traceability of reusable medical devices as part of a quality system.
• Adhere to National Hygiene Standards and complete Hygiene Audits monthly.
• Observe and uphold daily / weekly cleaning standards in the department. Report any inadequacies.
• Maintain a clean and tidy environment at all times.
• Facilitate effective communication with the multidisciplinary team as necessary.
• Provide a high standard of safe practice for patient care.
• Ensure that all equipment in the CSSD is checked by an appropriate user according to hospital policy.
• Demonstrate initiative and be receptive to new ideas and development.
• Use knowledge, and experience to develop ways of coping with adverse events.
• Ensure that telephone/verbal messages are correctly delivered to the CSSD Manager.
• Act as a mentor for new Technicians.
• Be responsible for their own upskilling and training.
• Agree to undertake education/projects relative to their role.