Sterile Services Technician

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

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Luton is looking for a dedicated professional to ensure the decontamination, sterilisation, and distribution of surgical instruments and other items. This role requires adherence to strict infection control standards and operating advanced decontamination equipment. Candidates will be trained on the job, and must be willing to handle heavy loads. This position involves alternating shifts and requires working at both Bedford and Luton hospital sites.

Benefits

High-quality training and development programme

Probationary period with support

Qualifications

• Experience is desirable but not essential; an in‑house training programme will be provided.
• Ability to perform manual handling of heavy loads.
• Strict adherence to infection control standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate computerised tracking system throughout the departments.
• Check ward stock and deliver sterile packs to wards and departments.
• Process equipment through washer‑disinfector machines.
• Pack items into specified sterile packs.
• Adhere to department policies and quality management systems.

Job description

Role Overview

Duties include decontamination, sterilisation and distribution of surgical instruments, flexible endoscopes and other specialist items across Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The post requires strict adherence to infection control standards and the use of advanced decontamination equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate computerised tracking system throughout the departments.
• Check ward stock and deliver sterile packs to wards and departments.
• Process equipment through washer‑disinfector machines, endoscope reprocessors and manual washing as required.
• Check surgical instruments and other items prior to packing.
• Pack items into specified sterile packs.
• Collate and submit orders for sterile packs to outside users.
• Collect used items from patient areas and check stock in distribution areas.
• Operate washer‑disinfectors, endoscope reprocessors, drying cabinets, heat‑sealing machines, sterilisers and other mechanical equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas and participate in the department cleaning schedule.
• Adhere to department policies, procedures and quality management systems.
• Perform any other reasonable duty as requested by the Manager or Supervisor.

Hours & Working Pattern

37.5 hours per week, alternating shifts:

• Days: 08:00 – 16:00 (Monday to Friday)
• Evenings: 13:00 – 21:00 (Monday to Friday)
• Every 4th weekend: Saturday 08:00 – 16:00 or 11:00 – 19:00 depending on rota.
• Bank holidays worked on a rota system.

Conditions & Additional Information

Experience is desirable but not essential; an in‑house training programme will be provided. A strict uniform policy is in place due to infection control requirements. The role may involve manual handling of heavy loads; training will be given, and the candidate must notify management if unable to perform these tasks. Travel between the Bedford and Luton hospital sites may be required.

All new staff are subject to a probationary period covering the first six months in post. Vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient applications have been received.

About the Trust

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas through two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. The Trust offers a high‑quality training and development programme and is committed to delivering the best patient care using the latest clinical knowledge and technology.

Values

The Trust is dedicated to inclusive recruitment, equality, diversity and a culture that values differences. Recruitment is based on qualifications, experience and demonstrated behaviours that underpin the Trust’s core values.