Trainee Sterile Services Assistant

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An NHS Trust in West Essex is seeking a part-time Trainee Sterile Services Assistant. You will be responsible for washing, inspecting, and sterilising surgical instruments to ensure a high-quality decontamination service. The ideal candidate should hold NVQ2 or equivalent qualifications, and experience in healthcare or industry will be beneficial. This role offers career development opportunities within a supportive organization, operating on a flexible schedule across various days of the week.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Generous reward and benefit schemes

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• NVQ2 or equivalent required.
• Experience in healthcare or hygiene preferred.
• Familiarity with Quality systems and Standard Operating Procedures is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Wash, inspect, pack, and sterilise surgical instruments.
• Provide collection and delivery service to customers.
• Maintain high quality standards under supervision.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Communication skills

Education

NVQ2 or equivalent

GCSE English, Maths and Science at Grade C or above

Job description

Trainee Sterile Services Assistant

The closing date is 16 January 2026

An exciting opportunity (Part time 24 hours over 4 days Monday to Sunday) has arisen for a highly motivated and proactive individual to join the team who are methodical and meticulous to detail, to wash, inspect, pack and sterilise surgical instruments ensuring the best decontamination service for our customers and patients. Trainee Sterile Services Decontamination Assistant, to work in our busy department supplying the Trust Theatre complex and other areas with sterile packs and instruments. In return you can expect to receive career development including externally accredited training, and the generous reward and benefit schemes associate with NHS employment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 06.00-22.00 and Saturday and Sunday 06.00-18.00.

Main duties of the job

• To work in accordance with Departmental Policy, Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management System.
• To reprocess reusable medical devices under supervision, disassemble, clean, disinfect, check, assemble, sterilise, despatch and track in a controlled environment.
• To provide a collection and delivery service to the Decontamination Departments’ customers.
• To inform the Decontamination Technician Supervisors of any raw material shortages and ensure stock is rotated.
• Under supervision meet the demands of the Departments workload whilst consistently achieving high quality standards which will be measured by in‑process checks and non‑conformance reports.
• To use manual dexterity and concentration for the disassembly and reassembly of the reusable medical devices in accordance with Manufacturers instructions.
• To operate decontamination equipment and carry out routine tests in accordance with the Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedules, Quality Standards and Guidance.
• To communicate with enquires from users, and other members of healthcare staff in a polite and helpful manner, seeking scientific advice where required.
• To undertake duties consistent with the responsibility of the grade and needs of the service.
• To undertake weekend and on‑call duties.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high‑quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined‑up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job responsibilities

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) provides a full range of general acute, outpatient and diagnostic services at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, the Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford, and St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping.

Our values

• Patient at heart – Always holding the patient and their wellbeing at the centre of our thoughts and efforts.
• Everyday excellence – Sharing and celebrating our successes, being honest when we get it wrong, giving us the ability to learn from both.
• Creative collaboration – Knowing strength comes from diversity, we combine our experiences, skills and talents, working together to find new and better ways to care.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NVQ2 or equivalent level of knowledge /or GCSE English, Maths and Science at Grade C or above.
• N/A

Experience

• N/A
• Healthcare/industry experience in health and safety and hygiene.
• Working within a Quality system and Standard Operating Procedures

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust