Decontamination Technician

NHS; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated individual for a full-time role in sterilisation and waste disposal at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with regulations while supporting the decontamination of medical instruments. This physically demanding position requires teamwork and attention to detail, as well as adherence to safety protocols. If you are committed to maintaining high standards in a healthcare environment, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in sterilisation and waste disposal.
• Ability to follow SOPs and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for safe sterilisation and disposal of waste.
• Support decontamination of pathology and theatre instruments.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Skills

Compliance

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Job description

Job Summary

Previous applicants need not apply.

Role Overview:

The post holder will be responsible for the safe sterilisation and disposal of waste produced by the pathology laboratory at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

They will work closely with laboratory staff to load sterilizers, safely collect CAT 3 waste, run sterilizer cycles, sign off successful cycles, and escalate failures appropriately.

The role involves working in compliance with regulations and departmental SOPs to ensure effective and compliant service delivery.

Due to sterilizer run times, the post holder will also work in sterile services, endoscopy decontamination, and theatre logistics.

Main Duties

• Work primarily in pathology decontamination, with secondary duties in other areas.
• Follow departmental and national policies, SOPs, and quality systems.
• Support the decontamination of pathology, endoscopes, and theatre instruments, ensuring proper store management and timely delivery.
• Report incidents and non-conformities via the Trust's reporting system.
• Log and escalate equipment failures to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment following departmental procedures.
• Report maintenance issues promptly and liaise with clinical teams about delays.

About Us

QE Facilities is a subsidiary of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, providing non-clinical services including estates, facilities, procurement, medical engineering, endoscopy decontamination, and more.

We operate under our own terms and conditions, which differ from the NHS Trust's, and do not offer sponsorship or visa support.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Job Details

• Posted on: 16 May 2025
• Salary: £26,199/year
• Contract: Permanent
• Full-time
• Location: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead

Job Responsibilities

• Attend training and participate in PDP development.
• Support equipment maintenance and servicing of endoscopes and theatre instruments.
• Conduct routine tests as per maintenance schedules and standards.
• Follow COSHH and risk assessment guidelines.
• Inspect decontamination equipment and ensure process effectiveness.
• Recognize and correctly pack devices and trays for clinical use.
• Participate in meetings and support SOP development.
• Handle contact with blood, tissue, and offensive by-products; expect foul smells.
• This role is physically demanding and involves manual handling.