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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To comply with all Trust policies and procedures.
• Carry out basic maintenance on Automated Endoscopic Reprocessors (AER’s) and Sure Store Conditioning Unit. To include the changing of filters, changing of chemicals and taking of water samples as required by the manufacture and governing standards.
• Monitor and document results of water samples. Take immediate action, to include the identification of potential sources of contamination to water supplies within the decontamination area and implementation of strict decontamination regimes, when samples fail to reach the required standard of cleanliness following Infection Control Guidelines.
• Liaise with relevant personnel to ensure Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems are monitored and maintained to HTM 2030.
• Process endoscopes and endoscopic equipment in line with British Society of Gastroenterology, Medical Devices Agency, HTM 2030 Guidelines, Trust Policies and manufacturer guidelines.
• Manually clean endoscopes and endoscopic accessories in accordance.
• With the British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for Decontamination of Endoscopy Equipment (2008).
• Inspect, function test and assemble the full range of endoscopes In accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Using specialised judgement detect both minor and major faults in a range of complex electronic and mechanical equipment used within the decontamination process. Identify, where able, the causes of such faults and implement safe working processes to reduce future incidences.
• Record and report faults to manufacturers, suppliers, in-house maintenance department immediately to ensure faults are rectified as quickly as possible and prevent delays in patient procedures. Correctly package and label any faulty equipment sent away for repair and arrange for loan equipment to be sent.
• Take personal responsibility for protection from bodily fluids during the decontamination process.
• Ensure safe use of decontamination equipment by adhering to manufactures guidelines for testing and maintenance of such equipment.
• Adhere to BSG Guidelines (vCJD) for any potentially contaminated Equipment.
• Ensure all endoscopes, AER’s and drying cabinets are serviced according to manufacturer’s guidelines and service contracts are in place.
• Liaise with Estates to ensure correct air flow monitoring in washroom, is maintained.
• Correct inputting of data onto AER’s to ensure accurate tracking and traceability of endoscopes and their accessories.
• Ensure correct tracking of equipment from patient to patient using automated and manual systems within the Endoscopy Unit. Assists management with the traceability of equipment when required to do so.
• Using advanced IT systems, on a weekly basis, download all tracking data stored on AER’s onto computer terminal, to ensure on-going traceability of equipment.
• Changing of chemicals in accordance with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
• Adhere to Health & Safety at work Act and COSHH guidelines at all times and ensure all staff working within the washroom do so safely.
• Recognise situations that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of individual staff and take appropriate action.
• Ensure the safe processing, packaging and transport of Choledocascopes for sterilisation to the Royal Liverpool Hospital.
• Correctly store and maintain stocks of chemicals, disinfectants, cleaning products/accessories used within the decontamination process.
• Handle and move decontamination equipment and decontamination consumables in and out of storage areas on a regular daily basis. This can involve weights up to 15kg.
• Keep Records of all daily/weekly/quarterly and annual tests performed on decontamination equipment.
• Keep records of all decontamination equipment and endoscope service contracts, maintenance and repairs.
• Maintains a safe, clean and calm working environment which ensures the highest clinical standards are met.
• Identify risk areas and report to Senior staff.
• Carries out both internal and external decontamination audits as required and within the set timeframe.
• Has the ability to deal with a large workload and meet deadlines, to ensure the continued flow of lists on a daily basis for both the Ormskirk and Southport site.
• Continually monitor standards within the Endoscopy decontamination area to contribute to maintenance and improvements in service, to ensure Global Rating Scale and Joint Advisory Group standards are met.
• Be familiar with the Trust Major Incident Policy and role requirements.

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Liaise on a daily basis with Endoscopy Manager, Senior Nurses to communicate any problems with decontamination equipment/processes that may affect the smooth running of Endoscopy lists.
• Communicate to Endoscopy Manager/Senior nurse any equipment failures, Health & Safety issues.
• Using advanced decision making skills, where decontamination processes are unable to meet the days requirements, assist the Endoscopy Manager in preparing and implementing a plan of action that ensures the continued running of the unit.
• Reports any incidents or complaints to the Endoscopy Manager/Senior nurse promptly.
• Communicate via phone, email, written and verbal with company representatives/estates department as required, to arrange maintenance of equipment, request loan equipment, arrange training and so forth.
• Communicate with other decontamination areas within the Trust and make alternative arrangements with them for their additional resources to be utilised, when the decontamination processes within Endoscopy are unable to meet demand.
• Liaise with Decontamination Manager on a regular basis to discuss staff training requirements and how these will be met through work allocation rota.
• Liaise with booking clerks to ascertain down time and book training accordingly, to ensure training is completed without delays to lists. Involves using negotiation and organisational skills.
• Participates in regular Trust Decontamination meetings if required, advising changes and improvements to practice in line with current Guidelines.
• Communicate with all staff during monthly meetings any problems with the decontamination process incurred through poor practice and how this should be addressed.
• Communicate with all staff during monthly meetings any updates in practice i.e. new Guidelines/Policies.
• During times of absence from unit ensure all works in progress, are clearly documented in the washroom communication book.

• To participate in the introduction of new staff to their duties.
• To ensure own personal attendance at yearly mandatory training updates in Risk management, Manual handling & Resuscitation training.
• To ensure that own personal development is maintained and recorded in line with the KSF outline for the post.
• As an NVQ assessor, to assist in identifying and attaining the personal objectives of those undertaking training during their allocation.
• To maintain effective communication, keeping the Endoscopy Manager informed of changes affecting patients and staff, in particular, accidents or untoward incidents.
• To be aware of and maintain the requirement for confidentiality in the clinical setting in relation to both patients and colleagues.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Have an awareness of cost implications. Support financial balance by ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.
• Carry out weekly stock checks and advise senior staff of equipment that requires ordering.
• Ensure stock rotation to avoid unnecessary wastage of out-of-date consumables.
• Ensure only agreed stock levels are kept.
• Be aware of the cost and usage of highly specialised equipment during the decontamination process.
• Ensure all staff working in the decontamination area adhere to the above. 

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

• To participate and assist the unit Manager in delivering education and teaching programmes for staff and students.
• To attend such courses/lectures/In-service training as indicated by the needs of the service and as required by the post and provide feedback.
• To encourage positive Health & Safety and Infection Control education within the decontamination area of the Endoscopy Unit.
• Ensure that personal protective equipment provided by the Trust is worn by all staff when processing contaminated equipment within the washroom area.
• Support and implement infection control measures and action plans to reduce infection i.e. handwashing.
• Ensure all newly appointed staff within the Endoscopy Unit are trained in the decontamination process including the safe processing of equipment using the AER’s, to a competent level
• Ensure processes of work/protocols are available for all aspects of the decontamination process and all staff are taught to adhere to them.
• Arrange training sessions both in-house and with external recognised organisations, for all existing and newly appointed staff, in the decontamination process and safe handling of endoscopes and endoscopic accessories on an ‘as need’ and annual basis.
• Train and assist all members of staff regularly practicing in the decontamination area of the Endoscopy Unit, to complete the Trust’s ‘on line’ Decontamination Training Package on an annual basis.
• Ensure all staff is kept up to date with changes in practice and training packages are amended and implanted accordingly.
• Keep records of all staff training and arrange annual updates.
• Act as a resource for all staff participating in the decontamination process.