Decontamination Assistant

You will be required to work 37.5 hours flexibly, over a 6 day week within the shift pattern in place and the possibility of some weekend commitment in the future.

The role includes reprocessing of flexible endoscopes, preparing used instrument trays/instruments for transfer to off-site reprocessing company, receiving sterile instruments back into the department, maintaining a clean & tidy environment for the sterile instruments to be used by the theatre staff. You will be required to work 37.5 hours flexibly, over a 5 day week within the shift pattern in place and the possibility of some weekend commitment in the future.

The role includes reprocessing of flexible endoscopes, preparing used instrument trays/instruments for transfer to off-site reprocessing company, receiving sterile instruments back into the department, maintaining a clean & tidy environment for the sterile instruments to be used by the theatre staff. You will be required to liaise with theatre, endoscopy and ward staff regarding their requirements for instrumentation. Knowledge of flexible endoscopy reprocessing and surgical instrumentation/sterilisation an advantage but not essential. You will need to be computer literate and able to log instruments in & out electronically and register exemptions with the service provider.

The role involves moving and handling of bulky and heavy instrument trays, trolleys and standing for long periods of time.

The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

The Christie offers a wide range of complex procedures, requiring advanced skills from our Multi-Disciplinary Team. We offer robust trust induction and training packages, with many development opportunities for all current staff and new starters; both newly qualified and experienced, ensuring high standards and skills are maintained throughout your time in The Christie. We offer a range of speciality roles within the department and in the organisation which supports progression and development of staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To clean and care for all flexible scopes which includes the washing of endoscopes and the use of the automated endoscopic reprocessor.

To ensure that all scopes are tracked and traced to each patient.

To ensure the safe transportation of scopes between clinical areas.

To undertake daily/weekly/monthly tests on automated reprocessor and the recording of results.

Ensure all Health and Safety procedures and/or potential hazard situations are reported the Theatre Manager/ Decontamination Co-ordinator.

Liaise with External service providers, such as Steris and Robotic scope decontamination services and ensure safe service delivery.

Communicate and ensure adequate sterile instrument supplies available, escalate to theatre co-ordinator/manager if necessary.

Maintain cleanliness around the decontamination area.

Restock cupboards and storage area as necessary including the reordering of necessary items.

Work on own initiative seeking advice as necessary in the co-ordination of TSSU equipment as necessary.

Provide help and support to other staff members working within the decontamination department.

Demonstrate the mandatory competencies of the Trust, attending all required mandatory updates.

To collect, sort, inspect and make available medical devices and surgical Instruments for collection.

Ensure the safe distribution of sterile goods and flexible endoscopes around the Trust.

Ensure the safe storage of sterile packs and flexible endoscope in the relevant areas across the trust.

Report machinery and Instrument faults to the Supervisor or Decontamination Coordinator.

Deal with enquires and taking necessary action to meet the requirements of the users of the service

The use of computers to log production, scan equipment at all stages of the decontamination process to ensure full traceability.

Physical Effort / Skills

Regular combination of sitting, standing, walking, lifting, pushing and pulling

Requirements to exert moderate physical effort involving lifting and handling equipment and stock items.

Need for excellent hand and eye co-ordination in order to ensure accuracy and speed when handling s