Location & Job Type
UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford – Permanent
Overview of Role
The post holder is responsible for cleaning, disinfection, packing and autoclaving of instruments using mechanical and manual methods, ensuring a high-quality service is maintained.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
CSSD:
Assist in a range of Central Decontamination Unit functions, including decontamination of used medical devices using mechanical methods.
Inspect and function test medical devices; report discrepancies immediately to CSSD Manager.
Assembly inspection and packing of instrument sets and other equipment for sterilisation.
Load and unload autoclaves, sterilising packs and sets of instruments.
Prepare and examine packs prior to storage for tears and dampness.
Distribute and store all sterilised equipment and instruments in appropriate areas.
Observe and check parameters and any malfunction of autoclaves, washers/disinfectors.
Perform daily/weekly testing of autoclaves, washer/disinfectors, heat-sealers, and ultrasonics.
Record relevant data in logbooks with full signature of operative/technician.
Maintain records in line with department policy and EU legislation.
Archive documents according to national and European legislation.
Stock shelves with sterile supplies and assist with stock control.
Store and handle raw material components.
Ensure standard precautions and infection prevention controls are adhered to.
Use PPE (personal protective equipment) and comply with Health and Safety procedures.
Report any incident/accident to the CSSD Manager in accordance with hospital policy.
Participate in manual and/or computerized traceability of reusable medical devices as part of a quality system.
Adhere to National Hygiene Standards and complete monthly Hygiene Audits.
Observe and uphold daily/weekly cleaning standards; report inadequacies.
Maintain a clean and tidy environment.
Facilitate effective communication with the multidisciplinary team as necessary.
Provide a high standard of safe practice for patient care.
Ensure all equipment in the CSSD is checked by an appropriate user according to hospital policy.
Demonstrate initiative and be receptive to new ideas and development.
Use knowledge and experience to develop ways of coping with adverse events.
Deliver telephone and verbal messages correctly to the CSSD Manager.
Act as a mentor for new technicians.
Take responsibility for own upskilling and training.
Agree to undertake education/projects relative to the role.
Endoscopy:
Ensure flexible endoscopes and accessories are decontaminated in line with hospital policy and HSE guidelines, including manual cleaning, high-level disinfection in EWD and correct storage in drying cabinet.
Adhere to all infection control protocols and use PPE correctly, handling chemicals used for decontamination appropriately.
Operate all decontamination equipment: leak tester, irrigation device, endoscopic washer/disinfector, drying cabinet.
Perform water, environmental and endoscope protein soil testing as per hospital policy; maintain records of all testing.
Maintain records of endoscope traceability.
Maintain stock levels of consumables required for endoscope decontamination.
Communicate with nursing staff to ensure endoscopes are available for daily schedules.
Report to the CNM2 in Endoscopy any issues with endoscopes or reprocessing equipment.
Participate in JCI and JAG accreditation processes.
Attend appropriate study days and courses; complete all mandatory training within the hospital.
Personnel
Follow uniform policy reference.
General
During the day or week there may be a requirement to work in other areas of the hospital in line with patient requirements as requested by line manager, deputy or nurse manager.
Staff must produce satisfactory documentary evidence of all training and experience claimed, if required by the organisation.
Respect the organisational values of the Hospital.
Quality & Safety – Safe Culture
Quality and safety are rooted in daily work; employees are required to actively participate throughout the working day in pursuit of excellence.
Work in conjunction with line manager on planning, monitoring, analysing and improving all quality programmes.
Participate in the development of performance indicators with department manager and business objectives.
Initiate, participate in and evaluate audits according to JCI, hospital policy and Lean requirements under guidance and support of audit lead.
Health & Safety
Ensure reasonable care to protect personal safety, health and welfare and that of others affected by acts or omissions.
Co-operate with UPMC to ensure safety, health and welfare at work; report any potentially dangerous incidents.
Abide by guidelines/policies and all incidents and near-misses.
Attend an educational session on Fire Health & Safety annually.
Information Governance
In the course of employment you may have access to, or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and staff.
Such records and information are strictly confidential and must not be divulged except in the performance of normal duty.
Records must never be left in a manner that allows unauthorised persons to access them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.
Qualifications & Experience
No formal qualifications are required for this post.
Ability to work on own initiative, prioritise and manage multiple issues simultaneously and demonstrate attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills and proven written and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to undertake the physical demands of the role.
Patient safety must be at the forefront when carrying out all processes within the CSSD.
Be motivated and able to identify potential difficulties and develop solutions.
Flexibility required in this position.
Salary
€34,****** – €41,****** per annum based on 40 hours per week.
Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
At UPMC we provide a total rewards programme that is market-competitive, fair and provides growth opportunities for all colleagues.
Compensation
– Competitive pay for the work performed, including base pay, performance-related pay and premium pay where applicable.
Benefits
– Fully paid maternity and paternity leave; competitive pension plan; company-funded Death in Service benefit (×3); critical illness cover for all employees up to age 66.
Performance and Recognition
– Rewards for performance that support the goals and mission of UPMC through the annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance
– Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days; flexible working opportunities to support external family commitments.
Development and Career Opportunities
– Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
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