Healthcare Assistant/Technician

NHS; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Hounslow is seeking a Decontamination Technician to support registered nurses and deliver high standards of patient care. In this full-time role, you will undertake specialized decontamination duties, ensure compliance with protocols, and assist in preparation and patient care during endoscopy procedures. The ideal candidate should have relevant NVQ qualifications and demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• Secondary level education with basic computer skills.
• Experience in decontamination or theatre environment.
• Ability to prioritize workload and plan effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support nurses and the clinical team in patient care.
• Conduct specialized decontamination duties following protocols.
• Assist in preparing for endoscopy procedures and patient documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

NVQ2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent

NVQ3 (Technical Certificate Decontamination) or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

The post holder will support registered nurses and the wider clinical team in delivering high standards of patient care within the Endoscopy Department. They will contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the service by undertaking specialised decontamination duties and ensuring compliance with departmental protocols and national standards.

Job Details

Band: 3
Salary: £29,651 to £31,312 a year (incl. HCAS)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full‑time
Reference Number: 289-CS-258
Location: West Middlesex Hospital, Twickenham Road Isleworth, Hounslow, TW3 2AT

About Us

Our Trust is one of England's top‑performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award‑winning clinics across North West London.

We care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E, children’s services, specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid. We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan, aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and under‑represented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.

Key Responsibilities

• Work in accordance with Departmental Quality Policy, Standard Operating procedures and Quality management System.
• Reprocess reusable medical devices: disassemble, clean, disinfect, inspect, assemble, sterilise, dispatch and track in a control environment.
• Provide advice and training to apprentice decontamination technicians, trainee nurses and HCAs.
• Deliver collection and delivery services to department customers.
• Inform the Decontamination Team Leader of raw material shortages and ensure stock is located.
• Meet workload demands under limited supervision while consistently achieving high quality standards measured by in‑process checks and non‑conformance reports.
• Investigate and report non‑conformance reports as instructed.
• Operate decontamination equipment and carry out routine tests in accordance with Quality Standards and Guidance.
• Communicate with enquiries from users and other members of healthcare staff in a polite and helpful manner, seeking scientific advice where required.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in the working environment and in consultation/examination/procedure rooms.
• Assist in the preparation of notes and documents for patient lists, and support the endoscopist with diagnostic procedures performed in the endoscopy unit.
• Accurately record and file patient information, transport specimens, test requests, notes or charts as requested.
• Provide patient care/treatment as directed by the registered nurse in accordance with competency boundaries, support the patient's treatment plan, and assist patients during endoscopy procedures.
• Ensure equipment is in working order and report faults accordingly.
• Escort patients to other wards/departments as required.
• Encourage users to give feedback on their experience.
• Protect and maintain patient confidentiality at all times in line with trust policies.
• Undertake delegated duties as directed by the registered nurse and report incidents and potential risks to the sister/charge nurse.
• Undertake extended skills specific to individual competence under indirect supervision of the registered nurse.

Key Working Relationships

• Gastrointestinal Physicians
• Colorectal Consultants
• Head of Decontamination
• Lead Nurse for Endoscopy
• Decontamination Team Leader
• Senior and Specialist Nurses
• Other diagnostic team members
• Department of Nursing

Scientific and Technical

• Contribute to developing the service to ensure safe and effective medical device decontamination following best practice.
• Maintain high standards of department safety, ensuring health, safety and welfare of self and others.
• Demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within defined timescales.
• Raise uncertainties and refer appropriate issues to senior staff.
• Maintain security of the Decontamination Department(s), equipment and chemicals per departmental policy.
• Actively participate in the organization’s appraisal system and personal development planning process in accordance with policy.
• Ensure safe handling of transportation trolleys and reusable medical devices.

Education and Training

• Maintain compliance to all statutory and mandatory training as defined by the organization and service needs.
• Comply with the department’s training programme and undertake training in line with the development of the post, as agreed with the line manager.
• Continuously develop and maintain a portfolio of evidence of training and CPD activities.
• Understand the department’s Quality Policy, Quality Manual and Standard Operating Procedures to maintain a high standard of work.
• Be familiar with data protection and Caldecott issues relating to the use and storage of patient information.
• Assist in training other decontamination personnel to perform tasks as directed by the Decontamination Team Leader.
• Maintain and be able to use IT systems.

Infection Control

• Demonstrate knowledge of infection control techniques and hand hygiene.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safe disposal of sharps into appropriate containers.
• Understand universal safety techniques with regard to spillages.
• Keep all areas clean, tidy and in good order.
• Report any faulty or broken equipment to the manager.

Professional Development

• Ensure mandatory training and a satisfactory appraisal are in date.
• Undertake a professional development plan and demonstrate achievement of objectives.
• Ensure adherence to Trust policy and JAG guidelines at all times.
• Role model Trust values at all times.

Communication

• Communicate in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.
• Present communication appropriately to different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication and possible barriers such as language, culture or health conditions.

Person Specification

Essential

• Secondary level education (basic computer skills).
• NVQ2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience; NVQ3 (Technical Certificate Decontamination) or equivalent level of knowledge and experience through decontamination training.
• Demonstrable previous experience within decontamination/theatre environment.
• Initiative, excellent communication skills, IT literate, ability to plan and prioritise workload, evidence of collaborative teamwork.
• Professional interpersonal relationships; approachable, polite, flexible, able to cope with stressful situations, adaptable to change.

Desirable

• Evidence of continuous professional development and NHS experience.
• Understanding of NHS, Trust performance targets and JAG Standards.
• Knowledge of traceability systems.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website: https://www.gov.uk/visa/uk-visa

Employer Details

Employer: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: West Middlesex Hospital, Twickenham Road Isleworth, Hounslow, TW3 2AT
Website: https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/

Additional Information

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.