Theatre Sterile Services Assistant

Horder Healthcare; Crowborough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The Horder Centre in Crowborough is seeking a TSSU Assistant to join our Sterile Services team. You will prepare, decontaminate and sterilise surgical instruments, ensuring availability for O.R. procedures and upholding high patient-safety standards.

Role requires experience with sterilisation processes or a willingness to train, and a strong commitment to accuracy and teamwork in a busy perioperative setting.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Decontamination Sciences or equivalent, or willingness to work towards.
• Experience in theatre, sterile services or clinical environment.
• Understanding of surgical instruments and sterilisation processes.
• Commitment to infection prevention, patient safety and quality care.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, decontaminate, inspect, package and sterilise instruments used in theatres.
• Operate washer disinfectors and sterilisers and perform routine testing procedures.
• Assist with stock control and restock instrument cupboards.
• Collaborate with theatre teams to ensure instrument availability for procedures.
• Participate in mandatory training, induction and continuous improvement.

Skills

Sterilisation processes

Theatre experience

Attention to detail

Teamwork

IT systems

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Decontamination Sciences or equivalent

Tools

Instrument tracking systems

Decontamination management systems

Job description

The Horder Centre, Crowborough | Full Time | Permanent | Between £24,784.50 and £25,740.00

At The Horder Centre, we know that exceptional patient care starts long before a patient enters the operating theatre. We're looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented TSSU Assistant to join our Sterile Services team, playing a vital role in ensuring our surgical teams have the safe, sterile instruments they need to deliver outstanding care.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with sterilisation or theatre experience, or an individual looking to develop a rewarding career in healthcare. If you take pride in high standards, enjoy working as part of a supportive team, and are passionate about patient safety, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

As a TSSU Assistant, you'll be responsible for the preparation, decontamination, inspection, packaging and sterilisation of surgical instruments and equipment used throughout our theatres. Your work will directly support the smooth running of surgical procedures and help maintain the highest standards of patient safety.

Key responsibilities include:

• Cleaning, inspecting, assembling and repackaging surgical instruments.
• Operating washer disinfectors and sterilisers, including completing routine testing procedures.
• Preparing soft-pack trays and restocking surgical instrument cupboards.
• Ensuring all production processes comply with departmental quality standards and specifications.

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Maintaining a clean, organised and safe working environment.
• Following infection prevention and control procedures in line with national standards and legislation.
• Reporting faults, defects and discrepancies promptly.
• Adhering to Health & Safety, COSHH, Manual Handling and Safeguarding policies.
• Maintaining confidentiality and handling information appropriately.

Operational Support

• Working closely with theatre teams to ensure instruments are available when needed.
• Supporting stock control and inventory management processes.
• Assisting with additional duties as required to support service delivery.
• Participating in mandatory training and ongoing development.
• Supporting the induction and training of new colleagues where appropriate.
• Contributing ideas that improve efficiency, quality and patient outcomes.
• Demonstrating professionalism and upholding the reputation of The Horder Centre and perioperative professions.

What We're Looking For

• Understanding of surgical instruments and sterilisation processes.
• Ability to operate washer disinfectors and sterilisers, or willingness to undertake training.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Commitment to infection prevention, patient safety and quality care.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• NVQ Level 3 in Decontamination Sciences or equivalent, or willingness to work towards this qualification.
• Experience within a theatre, sterile services or clinical environment.
• Familiarity with instrument tracking or decontamination management systems.
• Strong IT and digital system skills.
• Experience supporting or mentoring colleagues.
• A proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement.

Why Join The Horder Centre?

At The Horder Centre, you'll join a friendly and supportive team dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care. We believe in investing in our people, encouraging professional development and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We are proud of our values and are looking for people who share our commitment to:

Caring | Friendly | Quality | Integrity | Pride

If you're looking for a role where attention to detail truly makes a difference and where your work contributes directly to patient care, we'd love to hear from you.