Endoscope Decontamination Technician

at  Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

We have 2 vacancies within this department, 1 Part Time Permanent (28.5 hours per week) , and 1.0 Full Time fixed term (6 months).
Applications are invited from enthusiastic, hardworking, self-motivated and committed individuals for the above position. Candidates must have a pleasant and courteous disposition and a flexible attitude towards the demands of this post.
The Central Endoscope Decontamination Unit is responsible for the decontamination of all flexible endoscopes used within the Trust. The decontamination process includes manual cleaning, use of Automatic Endoscope Re-processors, storage, tracking and tracing of scopes, and delivery to point of use.
The ideal candidate should be able to work as part of a team, use own initiative and be able to meet deadlines and work with all disciplines of staff.
Previous decontamination experience would be an advantage but the successful candidates will be given full training to support their role.
To undertake the complete cycle of endoscope decontamination
This includes the visual inspection, manual cleaning, processing in an automatic endoscope reprocessor, storing, tracking, and tracing and collection and delivery of all flexible scopes used in the Trust.
To work within the designated area, ensuring that agreed standards are achieved.
To implement the correct method of decontamination of the endoscopes in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and protocols as issued by the department.
To use Endoscope Washer Disinfector (EWD) safely and correctly, Drying Cabinets and all other associated equipment as per manufacturers’ instructions.
To work within COSHH Regulations in respect of substances used, comply with departmental procedures for use of PPE and be competent in dealing with spillages of chemicals
To assist with all relevant tests required on endoscopes, washer disinfectors and associated equipment as per departmental protocol.
To understand how to escalate any problems or emergency relating to decontamination equipment to the supervisor or manager
To ensure all necessary documentation concerning the decontamination of each endoscope (tracking and tracing) is completed effectively and efficiently and in accordance with the departmental procedure (electronic and paper systems)
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9000 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
We strongly believe that the communities we serve should all have access to Five Star Patient Care.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Have some awareness of the Decontamination units’ budgets and assist in providing a value for money service by ensuring all equipment is used in an appropriate manner and items are not wasted.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification attached.
Proposed Interview date: TBC
Please be aware this vacancy may close early if a sufficient number of applicants is reached

KEY DUTIES

To undertake the complete cycle of endoscope decontamination
This includes the visual inspection, manual cleaning, processing in an automatic endoscope reprocessor, storing, tracking, and tracing and collection and delivery of all flexible scopes used in the Trust
To work within the designated area, ensuring that agreed standards are achieved
To implement the correct method of decontamination of the endoscopes in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and protocols as issued by the department
To use Endoscope Washer Disinfector (EWD) safely and correctly, Drying Cabinets and all other associated equipment as per manufacturers’ instructions
To work within COSHH Regulations in respect of substances used, comply with departmental procedures for use of PPE and be competent in dealing with spillages of chemicals
To assist with all relevant tests required on endoscopes, washer disinfectors and associated equipment as per departmental protocol
To understand how to escalate any problems or emergency relating to decontamination equipment to the supervisor or manager
To ensure all necessary documentation concerning the decontamination of each endoscope (tracking and tracing) is completed effectively and efficiently and in accordance with the departmental procedure (electronic and paper systems
Understand any non-conformities or deficiencies that may occur in the decontamination process and inform the line manager of such
Establish and maintain effective communication links within the Multi-disciplinary Team
Participate in Department and Trust wide audits when requested by the Decontamination Manager/ Supervisors and support the introduction of any changes in practice shown to improve standards
To keep, where necessary, reliable and accurate records relating to decontamination
To support departmental workloads by taking part in a flexible rota
Report any faults discovered on individual endoscope operation (failures) to supervisor or senior technician
Undertake training and education as required to keep up to date with best practice
Follow direction from the supervisor/ senior technician but be able to work alone and use own initiative as required and where appropriate

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Adhere to relevant Code of Practice for Decontamination
Maintain standards of decontamination consistent with current best practice and legislation

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure all records relating to decontamination are completed and maintained as relevant to the post

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

Have responsibility for their own personal development by taking part in any training as relevant to their role
Maintain competency