Endoscope Decontamination Technician

Job summary We have 2 vacancies within this department, 1 Part Time Permanent ( hours per week) , and 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.
Main duties of the job To undertake the complete cycle of endoscope decontaminationThis 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 chemicalsTo 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 managerTo 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) About us 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.
Our Services: Acute Care Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.
Primary Care Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.
Community Services Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire.
Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation, freeing up space for more unwell patients.
We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre.
Specialist Regional Services We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.
Achievements: oRated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018 oTop 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal) oNational Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme Job description Job responsibilities KEY DUTIES To undertake the complete cycle of endoscope decontaminationThis 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 TrustTo work within the designated area, ensuring that agreed standards are achievedTo implement the correct method of decontamination of the endoscopes in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and protocols as issued by the departmentTo use Endoscope Washer Disinfector (EWD) safely and correctly, Drying Cabinets and all other associated equipment as per manufacturers instructionsTo 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 chemicalsTo assist with all relevant tests required on endoscopes, washer disinfectors and associated equipment as per departmental protocolTo understand how to escalate any problems or emergency relating to decontamination equipment to the supervisor or managerTo 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 systemsUnderstand any non-conformities or deficiencies that may occur in the decontamination process and inform the line manager of suchEstablish and maintain effective communication links within the Multi-disciplinary TeamParticipate 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 standardsTo keep, where necessary, reliable and accurate records relating to decontaminationTo support departmental workloads by taking part in a flexible rotaReport any faults discovered on individual endoscope operation (failures) to supervisor or senior technicianUndertake training and education as required to keep up to date with best practiceFollow 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 DecontaminationMaintain 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 roleMaintain competency 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: TBCPlease be aware this vacancy may close early if a sufficient number of applicants is reached.
Person Specification Knowledge and Experience Essential Ability to work in a fast-paced busy department Previous decontamination knowledge and experience Flexible approach to work schedule to meet the needs of the service Skills Essential Good communication skills Good team-working skills IT Literate Qualifications Essential Educated to GCSE Level or Equivalent Qualification/experience