C.S.S.D Operative

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is: €41,117 €42,190 €43,335 €44,433 €45,608 €46,817 €48,064

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Purpose of the Post The CSSD department performs the tasks to comply with the full decontamination process of reusable invasive medical devices and flexible endoscopes in line with local and national recommended decontamination guidelines. The UHW CSSD is a centralised unit providing the decontamination service of flexible endoscopes, ultrasound probes and reusable invasive medical devices (RIMD), and the operative post is essential to this process.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities The C.S.S.D Operative will:

• Be able to consistently produce accurate work to a high standard in accordance with the procedures and standards of practice and quality initiatives within the department.

• Maintain effective work practices and relationships within the unit and hospital.

• Work within a team and report directly to the Decontamination Manager CNM2/CNM1.

• Check and identify all endoscopes / equipment that require disinfection in line with the national decontamination standards.

• Respond efficiently and appropriately to damaged / leaking / faulty R.I.M.D when it has been identified and report to the Decontamination Manager / CNM2 / CNM1.

• Inspect, assemble and test general speciality instrumentation for proper functioning.

• Be competent with the traceability system and participate with the further development of a computerised traceability system and any other computerised system.

• Be able to decontaminate reusable used medical devices using mechanical and manual methods in line with HSE national standards and manufacturers guidelines.

• Be able to operate mechanical processing equipment including Washer Disinfectors, Ultra Sonic Washer, Drying Cabinets, Autoclave, Heat Sealing Machine, light cable control tester, Low temperature Sterrad Sterilizer, TOE probe washer / disinfector, Pin Hole Detector and leak tester. Document daily tests and report problems to the Decontamination Manager CNM1 / CNM2 immediately in accordance with the department’s reporting policy for equipment / machinery.

• Attend to the general cleaning of environment including all work surfaces, trolleys, shelving, storage and department machines and any other areas that require surface cleaning in the Decontamination unit in accordance with Hospital Infection Control Guidelines.

• Under the CNM supervision, meet the demands of the decontamination unit workload when requested and undertake duties when required as instructed by the CNM.

• Receive returned used items / trolleys and participate in the collection and distribution of all processed devices.

• Partake in the handling and storage of raw material components.

• Stocking of shelves with sterile supplies, non-sterile disposable items and assisting with stock control and requisitioning. Inform the Decontamination Manager and / or CNM / Deputy of any stock shortages and ensure continued stock rotation.

• Maintain effective and efficient use of resources.

• Ensure appropriate and effective communication within all disciplines of the department, theatre and throughout the hospital.

• Communicate effectively, take, record and deliver messages and act according to departmental policy.

• Maintenance of records and documentation of all processes with full clear signature as required according to departmental guidelines.

• Ensure safe handling and storage of cleaning materials components using personal protective equipment in line with Health and Safety Act. Be familiar with the location of the “Spill Kit” and actions to take in the event of a chemical spillage.

• Ensure all clinical waste is disposed of correctly, in correct bins and labelled appropriately as per Waste Management Guidelines and IPC Guidelines.

• Observe hospital policy for safe disposal of sharps as per IPC Guidelines.

• Be familiar with and act in accordance to and comply with all legislation and hospital policies and standards, including health and safety, infection control, moving and handling, dress code and fire policy, in order to demonstrate the necessary knowledge to provide a safe working environment.

• Compliance with ongoing decontamination audits and participate when required by the Decontamination Manager.

• Partake in the department roster.

• Attend training courses / study days as directed by the Manager.

• Be involved in continuing education programme within the Department.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding patient information, department and hospital data.

• Demonstrate flexibility, mobility consistent with the needs of the service.

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role, for example Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. Comply with associated HSE protocols including HSE standards and recommended practices in decontamination of RIMD, flexible endoscopes and TOE probe.

• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him / her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and / or Experience Candidates must on the latest date of application:

1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc. a) Hold a qualification in Health Services Skills or Health Care Support at Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 5 (or higher).

Or

b) Hold a relevant certification in Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Operation (QQI) Level 6.

Or

c) Hold a relevant cleanroom / decontamination qualification at least equivalent to above.

Or

d) Have relevant recent experience in Decontamination in CSSD / CDU / HSSD in a hospital setting (see note 2).

Or

e) Have recent experience working in a health care or manufacturing cleanroom environment as relevant to the role (see note 2).

And

f) Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.

Note 1: FETAC and HETAC have been replaced by Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI). For more information visit www.QQI.ie

Note 2: Candidates for appointment must, if they do not satisfy requirements specified in 1) a – c, give a contractual undertaking to undertake such a qualification within a 12 month period (subject to availability of courses) of appointment as a CSSD Operative.

2. Health Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. Character Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

Other requirements specific to the post The post holder will be required to undertake the E-learning decontamination programme on HSE Land and to participate in the Minor Award Level 6 Certificate in Microbiology and Decontamination of RIMD and Decontamination of Endoscopes, if not previously completed.

The post holder will be required to have access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship Requirements Eligible candidates must be:

(i) EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii) Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

Skills, Competencies and / or Knowledge

Professional Knowledge

• Demonstrate awareness of and adherence to relevant standards, policies and legislation, for example health and safety, Freedom of Information Act 1997, Childcare Act and HIQA Standards.

• Demonstrate knowledge of HSE code of practise for Decontamination of Reusable Invasive Medical Devices.

• Demonstrate evidence of basic computer skills.

Team Skills

• Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with others, understanding and valuing individuals and their respective professional roles.

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a wider healthcare team, building and maintaining relationships.

• Maintains open communication channels with team members and others as appropriate.

• Reacts constructively to setbacks.

Planning and Organising Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to look ahead and forward plan for service delivery.

• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise their workload and complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.

• Demonstrate a meticulous approach to work and the ability to pay attention to detail.

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

• Demonstrate commitment to providing a high quality service.

• Innovative and open to change in striving to ensure high standards in service delivery.

• Ensures that the service user is a key consideration at all times.

• Monitors and reviews his / her own work to ensure its quality and accuracy.

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development and facilitate the development of others by providing support such as mentoring and coaching.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Demonstrate initiative, flexibility and problem solving skills.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.