Central Decontamination Technician

Responsibilities & Accountabilities (in no particular order of priority)

General

· The person shall be instructed and trained on-site in respect of the relevant guidelines and required duties under the direction of local management.

· The appointee will be required to rotate through all sections of the department, as defined by local management.

· The appointee will report to the Sterile Services Manager and/or persons designated by him/her.

· The appointee will be required to maintain confidentiality regarding patient information and other hospital data.

· The appointee will agree to undertake the HSE Training Programme in Decontamination Basics/WHO Decontamination and Sterilization of Medical Devices which is a requirement for the post and to participate in any further training as directed by the CDU Manager.

· Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role

Duties and Responsibilities

To assist in the reprocessing of sterilised invasive medical devices for use in all clinical and other assigned areas designated by the hospital. The main functions of the job can be categorised as follows:

· Collecting contaminated medical devices (where alternative arrangements are in place, these will continue to apply as appropriate).

· Cleaning of trolleys and storage shelves, the steam autoclave and all other equipment within the department.

· Packing – making up requisite packs for theatres, wards and departments.

· Sterilising and issue.

· Stocking shelves of sterile supplies, non-sterile disposable items and assisting with stock control and requisitioning.

· Maintenance of records, where appropriate, in line with departmental policy.

Overview and Duties

· Collection and transportation of contaminated medical devices from user areas.

· Decontamination of contaminated devices using mechanical and manual methods.

· Inspection and function testing of medical devices. Any discrepancies or faults to be reported immediately to supervisor.

· Assembly and packaging of medical devices for sterilisation.

· Recording of relevant data in appropriate log books with full clear signature of operative.

· Distribution of processed devices.

· Operation of mechanical processing equipment including washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners and sterilisers.

· Handling and storage of raw material components.

· Taking, recording and delivering phone messages as required.

· Compliance with Health and Safety procedures and observance of requirements for personal hygiene and hospital infection control.