Sterile Services Porter/ Autoclave Technician

NHS; Luton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a porter/autoclave technician to join their decontamination service. The role involves transporting and sterilizing medical equipment throughout the hospital. No prior experience necessary as full training is provided. Candidates must be capable of manual handling. The position requires 37.5 hours of work weekly in Luton. Competitive salary of £24,465 per year is offered.

Qualifications

• Ability to stand for lengthy periods.
• Experience in NHS or sterile services is desirable.
• Understanding of decontamination processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collect used items from patient areas and transport them for decontamination.
• Operate sterilizers and maintain records.
• Distribute decontaminated items on schedule.
• Ensure cleanliness of store areas and stock rotation.

Skills

Ability to read and write in English

Knowledge of stock rotation requirements

Ability to lift and handle heavy items

Education

General standard of education

Job description

Job Summary

Distribution of sterilised and disinfected medical devices throughout the Trust, collection of used devices and surgical instruments. Operation of sterilising equipment, assist in receipt of deliveries and management of stock for the department.

Main duties

An opportunity has arisen to join our busy team as a porter / autoclave technician, helping to provide a comprehensive decontamination service to the Trust.

The job involves distribution of decontaminated medical equipment throughout the hospital from our decontamination facility, as well as delivering equipment to defined schedules. It also includes operating large scale sterilisation equipment. No previous experience is required; full training will be provided.

A requirement for moving heavy trolleys and the manual handling of heavy load, for which training will be given.

Hours of work are 37.5 hours per week, 14:30 to 22:30 Monday to Friday including bank holidays by rota, alternate weekends 10:00 to 18:00.

About the Trust

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics.

We are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff and provide high quality training and development.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Key details

• Band: 2
• Salary: £24,465 per year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time
• Reference number: 418‑EST7147‑PN‑B
• Job location: Luton and Dunstable NHS Trust – Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ

Job responsibilities

• Collect used items from patient areas and transport them to the Sterile Services Department and Endoscope decontamination unit for decontamination.
• Operate the sterilisers correctly, perform tests and maintain records as required. Report any defects to the manager or supervisor, keep sterilising area clean and tidy, and liaise with works department staff on machine performance.
• Distribute decontaminated items to all areas on schedule.
• Check levels of stock items and advise supervisor when further supplies are required. Keep store areas clean and tidy and ensure correct stock rotation and documentation.
• Maintain records of distribution including operating electronic tracking systems.
• Comply with department delivery and collection schedules.
• Ensure all delivery and collection equipment/trolleys are cleaned correctly according to department procedures.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as requested by the manager or supervisor.
• Manual handling of heavy loads; inform manager if unable.

General

Comply at all times with any regulations issued by the Trust, especially those governing health and safety, and report any defects that may affect safety.

The job description may be amended as duties change.

Confidentiality

All staff must respect the confidentiality of all matters learned relating to their employment, other staff and the general public, and comply with the Data Protection Act 1984.

Person Specification

Knowledge – Essential

• General standard of education
• Ability to read and write in English
• Knowledge of stock rotation requirements

Desirable

• Understanding of decontamination process
• Aware of infection control
• Aware of COSHH

Experience – Desirable

• Previous portering or NHS experience
• Sterile Services experience
• Sterilization experience
• Basic IT experience

Physical requirements – Essential

• Ability to stand for lengthy periods
• Move heavy trolleys
• Lifting and handling of heavy items
• Ability to wear PPE

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship are welcome and will be alongside all other applications.

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton and Dunstable NHS Trust – Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ

Website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/