Sterile Services
Sterile Services are often referred to as Decontamination units. Their role is to reprocess re useable medical devices, many of which are technically advanced and have to be dismantled decontaminated, reassembled and examined under a microscope or magnifier before being sterilized.
Entry requirements
Managers undertake 2-3 years in service training. There are 2 routes:
The Technician route - with accreditation of prior learning, (where previous experience and qualifications will be considered toward the membership requirements). They may have experience in supervisory management and hold a technical qualification that will count toward their membership qualification.
Direct entrant - employed because they are a good manager, or bring with them some specific quality that is required in a specific area. In this case they would need to train in the technical aspects and develop accordingly.
Support staff/assistants train during employment and can work towards qualifications awarded by the Institute of Decontamination Sciences.
Applicants usually need GCSE or equivalent passes including Maths, English and a Science subject. Good communication skills and teamwork are also important.
For more details see the NHS Careers Website .
For Further Information contact:
Institute of Decontamination Sciences
Cemetery Lodge
Crich Lane
Belper
Derbyshire
DE56 1EU
Tel: 01773 822606
Website:
www.idsc-uk.co.uk