Endoscopy Decontamination Technician

at  University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

You will undertake decontamination science duties and assist under supervision of Decontamination Supervisor, in providing a specialised decontamination of Endoscope medical devices service contributing to the clinical care of the patient. Furthermore you will carry out the collection, receipt, cleaning, disinfection, packing and delivering of reusable medical Endoscopes. You will also be required to conduct all tasks in the computerised Healthcare Science Information Systems (tracking and tracing) database.
It is expected that the applicant will possess a good standard of literacy and numeracy, including good basic IT skills. They must have the ability to work effectively using initiative, both within a team, and independently, in a fast paced challenging environment. It is essential that the individual is keen to learn and will receive training, in order to work towards achieving the Local Decontamination Standards in place in the Unit, and National Decontamination Standards.
As part of the dedicated Endoscopy decontamination team the post holder will contribute to the services providing patient care ensuring an efficient and quality service for Endoscopy – Theatre – Women’s Health.
The main elements of the role are decontamination duties under the supervision of the Decontamination Supervisor. Including: the collection, receipt, cleaning, disinfection, packing and delivering of reusable medical Endoscopes. You will also be required to conduct all tasks in the computerised Health Edge Information Systems (tracking and tracing) database following decontamination guidelines.
The role also includes maintaining endoscopes and relevant equipment, including the operation of automated endoscope reprocessing equipment.
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we’re highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.
All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.
UHNM create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co-created by or staff, patients and carers, and that unite us as a Trust.
At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve.
The post holder will be responsible as part of the decontamination team for the disinfection of all endoscopes in the unit and those from other departments within the Trust. This will involve inspection, cleaning, leak testing, preparing scopes for placement in the endoscopic washer disinfector and completing the tracking and traceability system following strict departmental protocols.
To operate washer / drier decontamination machines after having training.
To carry out daily / weekly checks of water / machinery as per unit policy and procedures.
To report any concerns to the Decontamination supervisor / Unit Manager relating to standards of cleanliness, hazards and patient safety within the clinical area.
To clean and maintain endoscopic equipment according to Trust, British Society of Gastroenterology and COSHH regulations and guidelines
To monitor stock levels for decontamination equipment and report to senior staff if stock is low
To ensure stock is rotated and that ‘out of date stock’ is not used
Adhere to trust and departmental infection control polices and guidelines relating to exposure to blood and body fluids.
Demonstrate understanding of COSHH regulations and the importance of using personal protective equipment when dealing with contaminated equipment and chemicals.
Demonstrate awareness of and adherence to moving and handling policies and guidance relating to equipment. Demonstrate understanding of specific manual handling requirements of the department.
To acknowledge personal limitations and seek advice from senior staff members when necessary

Please refer the Job description for details