Job Summary
The person for this post is required to support the principle that the care of patients always comes first and will approach their work with flexibility and enthusiasm. They will participate in the provision of sterile supplies to the Operating Theatre to ensure services are maintained and conduct themselves in a manner that conveys respect and ensures safe patient care. The CSSD/Theatre Operative must ensure good practice and Quality Standard procedures are carried out within the department in ensuring a high level of patient safety.
Attend for duty as assigned by the CSSD Manager & change into full and proper uniform at the appropriate time. Report on and off duty to the line manager/nurse in charge and adhere to the agreed break times and respect that CSSD is a clean area and cross contamination to other areas that are considered contaminated will not be tolerated.
Have knowledge of and observe safe methods of work. Adhere to hospital and organisational policies, always including health and safety regulations when carrying out duties. Report any incident or potential incident which may compromise the health and safety of patients, staff or visitors and take appropriate action under the supervision of the CSSD/Theatre Manager. Ensure that CSSD is always kept clean and tidy and free from debris. Ensure appropriate protective clothing is worn as necessary when carrying out duties. Maintain a high standard of hygiene in the CSSD in line with JCI & hospital guidelines.
Check and clean specified medical equipment and report any broken equipment to the CSSD Manager/Nurse in Charge. Ensure all equipment is stored safely and appropriately.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
Ensure all equipment cleaning documentation is kept up to date and available for inspection.
- Clean, inspect, assemble, pack, seal, label and sterilize instruments and equipment.
- Daily testing of autoclaves and washer/disinfectors to standard requirements. Maintain production, test and validation records of machinery and packs in line with current legislation and regulations.
- Ensure that stock is rotated and that stock levels are maintained.
- Inform the CSSD Manager of any material shortages and ensure stock is rotated.
- Ensure that the Hospital’s Health and Safety policies are always adhered to.
- Check all instruments for defects and if necessary, record for replacement or repair.
- Work a shift system to meet service requirements. This will include weekends.
- Ensure safe handling of transportation trolleys and reusable medical devices.
- To maintain and be able to use IT systems and log tickets following protocol.
- Demonstrate work activities to untrained staff when qualified.
- To understand the Department’s Quality Policy, Quality Manual and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure that a high standard of work is always maintained.
- Contribute to the introduction of new methods of working and variation in supply as may from time to time be necessary, particularly relating to new developments.
- Participate in annual performance reviews and development planning.
- Participate in mandatory training as required.
- To comply with the Department’s training program and undertake training in line with the development of the post, as agreed with line manager (CSSD)
- Minimize risk when exposed to bodily fluids and ensure care and attention when dealing with contaminated instruments.
- Help the theatre team position patients and help with transportation of patient trolleys where required. Prepare position aids for the operating lists.
- Ensure instruments are prepared and available for the following days lists.
The duties outlined above are not intended as a restrictive list and may be extended or altered to include other tasks as the department develops. Cleaning of equipment and maintaining stock levels of theatre consumables will be included within the role on a regular basis.
The post holder has a duty to familiarize themselves with the relevant Organizational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate. It is essential to be familiar with Procedures and Standards relating to Decontamination & the Code of Practice, and Infection Control Policies
Person Specification:
Qualifications
Essential
- Hold a qualification in Health Services Skills or Health Care Support at QQI* Level 5 (or higher).
- *Note: FETAC and HETAC have been replaced by Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI). For more information visit www.QQI.ie
Desirable
- Decontamination Qualification
Experience
Essential
- Have experience in Decontamination and/or CDU/Clean Room job roles.
Desirable
- Previous Hospital CSSD role.
Special Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- The knowledge of sterilisation techniques and skills to operate related equipment.
Desirable
- Have knowledge of operating instruments and the care of them.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, conscientious and a caring personality.
- Must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role requiring attention to detail and the ability to ensure patient safety at all time
To apply please visit indeed.ie
