Sterile Services Porter/ Autoclave Technician | Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional NHS Trust in the UK is looking for a porter/autoclave technician to manage the distribution and sterilization of medical equipment. This role requires no previous experience as full training will be provided. Ideal candidates should be prepared for manual handling and work within hospital settings, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The position offers 37.5 hours per week with varied shifts, enhancing career growth in a supportive healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• No previous experience is required, although it may be beneficial.
• Full training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the collection and distribution of decontaminated medical equipment.
• Operating sterilization equipment and maintaining sanitary conditions.
• Receiving stock and ensuring effective stock rotation.

Skills

Manual handling

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Job description

Job Overview

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

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 will involve distribution of decontaminated medical equipment throughout the Hospital from our decontamination facility, as well as delivering equipment to defined schedules.

The job also includes operating large scale sterilization equipment. No previous experience is required although it may be beneficial, as full training will be provided.

There is 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 Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation 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. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Our Values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience – we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Post Responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for the collection and distribution of decontaminated medical equipment throughout the Trust. The post holder will also be responsible for sterilizing equipment in the Sterile services department, operating the sterilizers and completing relevant tests and documentation as required. They will also be required to receive stock, complete date rotation and distribution of stock items to support the operation of the Sterile Services Department and Endoscope Decontamination unit.

Objectives and Purpose of the Post

1. To collect used items from patient areas and transport them to the Sterile Services Department and Endoscope decontamination unit for decontamination as required.
2. To operate the Sterilizers correctly, performing such tests and maintaining records as are required in line with department policies and procedures – reporting any defects to the manager or supervisor. To keep the sterilizers and sterilizing area in a clean and tidy condition. Liaising with works department staff on machine performance to ensure all recording devices are performing correctly.
3. To distribute decontaminated items to all areas.
4. To check levels of stock items, advising supervisor when further supplies are required. To keep the store areas in a clean and tidy condition. To receive and store items in the store, ensuring correct stock rotation and completing appropriate documentation.
5. To maintain records of distribution including operating electronic tracking systems.
6. Comply with department delivery and collection schedules.
7. Ensure all delivery and collection equipment/ trolleys etc. are cleaned correctly according to department procedures.
8. Any other reasonable duties as requested by the manager or supervisor.

N.B. This job may involve the manual handling of heavy loads, for which training will be given. If there is any reason why you should not do this, it is your responsibility to inform your Manager immediately.

General

To comply at all times with any regulations issued by the Trust, especially those governing Health and Safety at work and to ensure that any defects which may affect safety at work are brought to the attention of the appropriate manager.

Confidentiality

All staff are required to respect the confidentiality of all matters that they may learn relating to their employment, other members of staff and to the general public. All staff are expected to respect the requirements under the Data Protections Act 1984.

This advert closes on Friday 21 Nov 2025