C.S.S.D. Operative

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is: 01/08/2025

€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.

Reporting Relationship

The appointee will report directly to the Clinical Nurse Manager 2 / Sterile Services Manager, CSSD, under the overall governance of the Director of Nursing via the Assistant Director of Nursing.

Purpose of the Post

• The appointee will work as part of a team who decontaminate and sterilise instrument sets and flexible scopes for all areas in LUH.

• To undertake decontamination duties and assist in providing specialised decontamination of medical devices including but not limited to surgical instruments and flexible endoscopes, contributing to the clinical care of the patient.

• To carry out the collection and delivery, receipt, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, reassembly, packing and disinfection and/or sterilization of reusable medical devices and supporting duties. Record all tasks using the tracking and tracing systems within the department.

• Work in accordance with the Department’s Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management Systems.

• The role involves exposure to blood and body fluids.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will support the principle that care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree.

• Maintain throughout the Group’s awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.

• Performance management systems are part of the role and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme.

• Hospital Sterile Services Department (H.S.S.D.) Operatives should conduct themselves in a manner that conveys respect of the individual and ensures safe patient care. The personal characteristics that indicate these principles should include:

o Confidentiality

o Courtesy

o Accountability

o Communication

o Dignity and privacy

The C.S.S.D. Operative will:

• Work in accordance with Departmental Policy, Standard Operating Procedures and manufacturer’s instructions.

• Have a working knowledge and comply with the Recommended Practices for Endoscope Reprocessing Units, Health Service Executive (2012) and Standards and Recommended Practices for Central Decontamination Units, Health Service Executive (2011).

• Reprocess reusable medical devices, disassemble, clean either manually or with the use of mechanical aids, disinfect, check, assemble, disinfect and/or sterilize, dispatch and track, using all solutions and machines according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Operate decontamination equipment and carry out routine tests in accordance with the Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedules, Quality Standards and Guidance.

• Provide a collection and delivery service to CSSD customers.

• Inform the Supervisors of any raw material shortages and ensure stock is rotated.

• Under limited supervision meet the demands of the Department’s workload whilst consistently achieving high quality standards which will be measured by in-process checks and non-conformance reports.

• Undertake initial investigation into non-conformances reports as instructed.

• Ensure safe handling of transportation trolleys and reusable medical devices.

• Handle sterile packages in line with local SOPs.

• Stock and replenish all stores as required.

• Participate in Decontamination Audits.

Communication

• Answer the telephone as required and relay messages to appropriate members of staff.

• Communicate all relevant information within the team to ensure the continual and efficient running of the service.

Training

• Attend all mandatory training and participate in professional training and suggest methods in which errors or quality problems can be reduced. Attend departmental training sessions and keep up-to-date with changes in practices, developments and new procedures.

• Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.

• Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.

• Take responsibility for identifying what learning you need to do your job better and jointly plan with your line manager what training you require.

Other

• In the event of a major incident employees will be expected to report for duty on notification.

General Information

• Attend for duty as assigned by the Sterile Services Manager in full and proper uniform at the appropriate time.

• Ensure appropriate protective clothing is worn correctly as necessary when carrying out duties.

• Report on and off duty to the line manager or Supervisor and adhere to the agreed break times.

• Have knowledge of and observe safe methods of work. Adhere to hospital and organisational policies, including health and safety regulations at all times when carrying out duties.

• Report any incident or potential incident which may compromise the health and safety of patients, staff or visitors.

• Report any broken equipment to the Supervisor or Manager.

• Ensure all equipment is stored safely and appropriately.

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role.

• Maintain a high standard of hygiene in CSSD in line with HIQA and hospital guidelines.

• Give immediate attention to all spillages in order to reduce the risk of accidents.

• Be responsible for the segregation and safe disposal of all waste to the designated area.

• Adhere to infection control policies.

• Attend meetings as required by the Supervisor or Manager.

• Service needs require that staff may be rostered for unsocial hours/shift work/night duty.

• Carry out other duties which may be assigned from time to time.

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

KPI’s

• The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the Hospital’s service plan targets.

• The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.

• Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.

• In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.

• The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS:

• Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.

• All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.

• Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.

• In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Acts 2005 and 2010 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.

• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Buildings is not permitted.

• Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.

• Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.

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

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

• The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.

• The post holder must be familiar with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.

• The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate.

• The post holder is responsible for ensuring compliance with Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety requirements and reporting arrangements.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must on the latest date of application meet the required qualifications, experience, health, character, post specific requirements, additional eligibility requirements, skills, competencies and knowledge as outlined.

Tenure

The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time. The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled.

Working Week

The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 39 hours per week. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours will be paid pro rata.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at job offer stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme.