Applications are invited from enthusiastic, hardworking, self-motivated and committed individuals for the position of Endoscope Decontamination Technician.
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.
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)
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:
Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
To participate in duty rota
Receive contaminated flexible endoscopes and accessories from all areas for re-processing
Leak test all flexible scopes
Manually clean all flexible scopes and accessories according to manufacturer’s instructions.
To report immediately to estates/EBME/ appropriate manufacturer any faults or damage and inform senior nurse of action.
Perform all necessary test cycles on AER’s ensuring all required documentation is completed and retained appropriately.
To demonstrate competency and understanding of decontamination of flexible endoscopes and accessories.
To ensure high standard of tidiness and cleanliness are met throughout all areas of the department
Participate in personal development through the appraisal process
Participate in all external training
To par Participate in the ISO 13485 Audits as required
Liaise with Estates re equipment failure and keep department Manager or deputy informed of any delays in repair/replacement.
To comply with current legislation and national guidance relevant to the decontamination of flexible endoscopes and their accessories.
To comply with all Trust policies and procedures
PERSONAL & PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT
To participate in the introduction of new staff to their duties
To ensure own personal attendance at yearly mandatory training updates in Risk management, Manual handling & Resuscitation training.
To ensure that own personal development is maintained and recorded in line with the KSF outline for the post.
COMMUNICATION
To maintain effective communication, keeping the Clinical Manager informed of changes affecting patients and staff, in particular, accidents or untoward incidents.
To be aware of and maintain the requirement for confidentiality in the clinical setting in relation to both patients and colleagues.
GENERAL DUTIES
To follow hospital policy on the management of valuable and non-valuable patient/client’s property.
To provide support and assistance to the Department Manager by undertaking routine administrative tasks necessary for the general functioning of the department.
To ensure the care and maintenance of equipment meets the required standard, reporting any faults or hazards to the person in charge.
To monitor stock levels of necessary supplies, being mindful of the need for economy, and keeping the Department Manager informed of needs.
CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
Comply fully with all policies, procedures and clinical guidelines approved by the Trust for self and others.
Support peoples equality, diversity and rights.
To ensure that own competency is maintained in the use of decontamination equipment relevant to the role.
To ensure compliance to all Trust Risk Management procedures.
To ensure compliance with all Trust research governance procedures.
To comply with health and safety regulations.
ENVIRONMENTAL
To ensure the environment is clean and tidy, disposing of rubbish appropriately.
To ensure all equipment is clean and in safe working order.
Ensure prompt reporting of faulty equipment in order to maintain a safe environment for patient, staff and visitors
To comply with all Infection Control Policies and specifically the Trust Hand Hygiene Policy
The strict confidentiality of all information to which the post-holder has access must maintained at all times.
