HSDU Technician (Shift)

NHS; Exeter; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Exeter is seeking an HSDU Technician to join its Hospital Sterilisation and Decontamination Unit. The role involves preparing and sterilising surgical instruments and medical devices to ensure patient safety. Candidates will receive full training, and prior experience is not necessary. This is a hands-on position requiring attention to detail and teamwork. The role works in a shift pattern and includes a generous benefits package including annual leave and wellness support.

Benefits

27 - 33 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to occupational health services

Staff discounts on shopping and fitness

NHS Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Good hand skills and attention to detail.
• Basic written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Work with varied surgical instruments, cleaning and preparing them for sterilisation.
• Follow step-by-step instructions for quality service.
• Meet healthcare standards daily.

Skills

Good hand skills

Attention to detail

Basic communication skills

Teamwork

Enthusiasm

Adaptability

Job description

Job Summary

Ever wondered how hospitals make sure every surgical instrument is safe and ready for use? Join our Hospital Sterilisation and Decontamination Unit (HSDU) team at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust! As an HSDU Technician, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping patients safe by preparing and sterilising surgical instruments and medical devices used throughout our hospital. This essential team works behind the scenes to make sure every instrument is professionally cleaned, inspected, prepared and sterilised ready for clinical use. No prior experience in this field is needed; full training will be provided.

Main Duties of the Job

In this hands‑on position, you’ll work with varied surgical instruments, cleaning, inspecting, and carefully assembling them for sterilisation. We’re looking for practical, detail‑oriented candidates who are reliable and ready to learn. Our goal is to provide a consistent, quality service, meeting healthcare standards daily to support our patients and teams.

Shift pattern: Early Shift – 08:00–16:00, Monday‑Friday; Late Shift – 13:30–21:30, Monday‑Friday; Weekend rotation – 1 weekend in every 4 plus occasional public holidays on a rota’d basis. Working hours: 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Good hand skills and attention to detail
• Basic written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to work as part of a team and follow step‑by‑step instructions
• Enthusiasm and adaptability
• No experience in this type of work? No problem – we will give you all the training you need if you’re willing to learn.

Person Specification

Essential

• See job description text above

Desirable

• See job description text above

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 (formerly CRB) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Details

Posted: 19 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: 3

Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per year pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 185‑486‑12089

Job Locations

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW

Contact

Jon Windeatt, HSDU Manager – 01392 402037 or [e-mail]

Employer Details

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW

Website: https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/

Interviews

Interview date: Wednesday 14th January 2026

Benefits

We’ll work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. We’ll also offer days off to study, CPD or rotational placements. We support a healthy work‑life balance through flexible working and family‑friendly policies.

If you’re starting in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You’ll benefit from our comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, on‑site wellbeing activities and groups.

You’ll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options, and can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

Other benefits:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED‑rated outstanding nursery on site at Exeter.
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Diversity and Inclusion

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. Preference will be given to staff with Priority and ‘At Risk’ status, including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.