Job Summary
Applications are invited for the post of Sterile Services Department, Trainee Sterilisation Technician within the RVI and Freeman Hospitals. This role involves working under the direction of a team of supervisors as part of a larger team to reprocess medical devices for use in theatres, wards and the community. Successful applicants will start on a BAND 2 and progress to a BAND 3 upon successful completion of the in‑house training programme. The role is physically demanding; interested applicants are advised to contact the department to arrange an informal discussion and departmental visit.
Interview Date: Tuesday 18 November 2025 37 Hours 30 Minutes per week You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.
Main duties
- Assist with the efficient processing and preparation of contaminated re‑usable surgical instrumentation for use in operating theatres, wards and clinics.
- Reprocess endoscopes in the endoscopy SSD.
- Maintain stock control, perform general housekeeping and keep accurate records.
- Complete the Sterile Services Department Decontamination Training Programme.
About Us
As a flexible‑working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might accommodate a flexible working arrangement.
Our staff oversee over 6,500 patient contacts every day, delivering high standards of healthcare from the following sites:
- Freeman Hospital
- Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
- Health Innovation Neighbourhood (former Newcastle General Hospital and Centre for Ageing and Vitality site)
- Newcastle Dental Hospital
- Newcastle Fertility Centre
- Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria
- Northern Genetics Service
- Cramlington Manor Walks
Job Details
- Date posted: 24 October 2025
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 2
- Salary: £24,465 to £26,598 per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full‑time
- Reference number: 317‑2025‑43‑07‑DR‑VA1
- Job locations: Royal Victoria Infirmary, 317 02 Royal Victoria Infirmary, NE1 4LP
Job Responsibilities
Band 2 – Job Purpose- Assist with the efficient processing and preparation of contaminated re‑usable surgical instrumentation for use in operating theatres, wards and clinics.
- Reprocess endoscopes in endoscopy SSD.
- Achieve the Sterile Services Department Decontamination Training Programme.
- Rotate on all five sterile service departments; must have knowledge of all clinic/ward theatre equipment.
- Abide by Trust policies and procedures.
- Be flexible to the needs of the service and shift patterns.
Band 3 – Job Purpose- Provide efficient processing and preparation of contaminated re‑usable surgical instrumentation for use in operating theatres, endoscopy departments, wards and patient procedures.
- Rotate on all five sterile service departments; essential knowledge of all clinic/ward theatre equipment.
- Abide by Trust policies and procedures.
- Contribute to housekeeping and other departmental duties as required, e.g. general tidiness, meeting predetermined stock levels, ensuring clinical equipment is clean, working and stored correctly.
Person Specification
Band 2 – Essential- English and maths at level 1 (GCSE 3–2 or equivalent).
- Health and safety knowledge.
- Basic IT skills.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, ability to relate to all grades of staff.
- Ability to work under direction as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
Band 2 – Desirable- English and maths at level 2 (GCSE 9–4 or equivalent).
- Previous hospital or sterile service experience.
- Insight into use and care of machinery.
Band 3 – Essential- English and maths at level 1 (GCSE 3–2 or equivalent).
- Basic IT knowledge.
- Health and safety knowledge.
- Good communication skills, written and verbal.
Band 3 – Desirable- English and maths at level 2 (GCSE 9–4 or equivalent).
- Previous sterile services or hospital experience.
- Insight into use and care of machinery.
- Completed the Sterile Services Department Decontamination Training Programme.
- Knowledge of all clinic/ward theatre equipment.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer Details
Employer name: The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Royal Victoria Infirmary 317 02 Royal Victoria Infirmary NE1 4LP
Website: https://careers.nuth.nhs.uk/why-us