Endoscope Decontamination Technician

Job overview

We have 2 vacancies within this department, 1 Full Time  Permanent, and 1.0 Full Time fixed term (9 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 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)

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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
• Participate and support weekend/bank holiday rota to ensure a quality service is maintained
• Participate in the on-call rota for out of hours endoscope decontamination
• 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

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.

Advertising date: 14th October 2024

Closing date: 28th October 2024

Shortlisting date: 29th October 2024

Proposed Interview date: TBC

Please be aware this vacancy may close early if a sufficient number of applicants is reached.