HSDU Technician

Company Description

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Job Description

Band 2: £25,272

Permanent contract

Full time hours: 37.5 per week, the hours for this role are a mixture of: 

Days: Monday - Friday 07.30-16.00 (working 1 weekend in 4), Wednesday-Sunday 07.30-16.00

Twilights: Monday - Friday 16.00-00.30 

An excellent opportunity to join our friendly, diverse team, in a busy environment and playing an important role providing vital medical devices for our patients.

Working in the Sterile Services Department, part of the Hospital Sterilization and Disinfection Unit (HSDU) the technician is responsible for ensuring these specialist medical devices are safely and efficiently cleaned, stored and prepared for reuse. The job requires the technician to work standing and focussed for long periods of activity, moving heavy and awkward loads and exposure to contaminated instruments and hazardous chemicals. The machines and equipment used require regular maintenance and testing. The unit is registered compliant to the Medical Device Regulations through Quality Standard ISO 13485.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities: 

• Undertake duties (under supervision) to assist the senior team in providing a specialised decontamination of medical devices service contributing to the clinical care of the patient.
• Carry out the decontamination of reusable medical devices (surgical instruments and accessories). Record all tasks using a computer-based track and trace programme.
• Work in accordance with the Department’s Quality Management System. Start and or complete forms to report on production/quality activity, considering non-conforming product, corrective/preventative actions and root cause/risk analysis as appropriate. Ensure documents are legible and clear.
• Participate in training and team meetings as required to enable safe, efficient and effective cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation and distribution of equipment.
• Operate and test specialist machinery required for the processing of medical devices in a safe and appropriate manner in accordance with documented procedures and training.
• Work on a rota basis throughout the various areas of production subject to the work loads received.
• Assist in maintaining stock levels of materials and ensuring component products are in date and safe to use.
• Report any concerns relating to the possible sterility of a product, the safe operating of equipment or any missing or damaged equipment.
• Demonstrate understanding of issues relating to Infection Control, Health & Safety and Risk management of medical devices product and processing in line with the Departmental Quality System and training.
• Behave in a professional manner at all times to ensure our colleagues and customers receive a high quality service.
• Participate in any quality assessment activities as required.
• Ensure personal protective equipment is worn as required for all production areas to minimise risk of infection or injury.

Requirements
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be willing to develop these skills. Attention to detail, an inquisitive mind and the ability to work individually and as part of a team will be advantageous.
The ideal candidates will have an interest/curiosity in manufacturing processes and will be physically fit and focused to carry out inspection, cleaning and trouble shooting of surgical instruments to the Theatres, Outpatients and other customers of the HSDU service. Full training will be provided and the successful candidate will be mentored until a level of competence is achieved. This role provides an opportunity to develop and progress and can include study towards a professional qualification.

For further information please contact Damian Clarke at HSDU, Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust 02392 283665 or email damian.clarke1@nhs.net

Qualifications

Essential

• Literate and numerate.

Desirable

• Decontamination related qualification.

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of working in a large team. 
• Evidence of working in a quality led production environment or similar.

Desirable

• Experience of healthcare/HSDU/Sterile Services work.

Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• Evidence of manual skills/dexterity.
• Good customer service skills.
• Ability to use machinery.
• Ability to follow documented work instructions/procedures.

Desirable

• Some knowledge of the type of work to be undertaken.
• Knowledge of instruments across a range of surgical/medical specialties.
• ICT skills.

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Good communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Must be a team player.
• Able to prioritise changing workload.
• Friendly helpful manner, adaptable approach to work.
• Must have a flexible approach to working hours.
• Must demonstrate a willingness to undertake professional training.

Additional Information

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.