Decontamination Technician

Job Summary

Applications are invited for a decontamination technician to work as a member of a busy team in all aspects of reprocessing surgical equipment, medical devices, instrument sets and endoscopes, including disinfection, sterilisation and delivery.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

To undertake Decontamination Science duties and assist the Decontamination Technician Section Lead, in providing a specialised decontamination of medical devices service contributing to the clinical care of the patient.

Responsible for the receipt, disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, packing and distribution of Sterile Goods and Surgical Instruments, in one of the main sections of the Decontamination and Sterilisation unit.

Working with soiled items returned from Theatres for Decontamination and Sterilisation or under Clean Room conditions working to Quality First instructions.

To be flexible in working in different sections of the Decontamination and Sterilisation unit.

To work in accordance with the Department's Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management Systems.

This is a crucial area of the hospitals work, supporting the Operating Theatres, Wards, and local health centres in caring for the patient.

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.

We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

• Date posted: 31 December 2025
• Pay scheme:
  Agenda for change
• Band:
  Band 2
• Salary: £24,465 a year Per Annum
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Working pattern:
  Full-time
• Reference number: 216-PL-DB7657528
• Job locations:
  Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, PLYMOUTH, PL6 8DH

• Communicate, both verbally and electronically with other members of Staff and Management to ensure the continual and efficient running of the service and to the required high standards.
• Assist in receiving Customer requests and progressing high priority items.
• Ability to train other staff in aspects of decontamination.
• Communicate with Theatres and other Departments when necessary to inform them of the status of their requirements.
• Use knowledge of Surgical Instruments to produce a Quality First service to Theatres, Wards, Clinics and G.P.s.
• Support and enhance the continual quality initiative ensuring Quality First approach to all aspects of work and act as a Quality Auditor when required.
• Understanding of the procedure for Loan items.
• Acceptance to work towards the NVQ Level 3 qualification in Infection Control & Decontamination.
• Have knowledge of the complete Decontamination Process and Endoscope reprocessing process.
• Work towards or already have a Diploma in Decontamination.

Essential

• Previous demonstrable experience in a Production Environment.
• Basic IT skills.
• Able to deal with Complex assembly.
• Educated to GCSE Standard in English and Maths and a science subject grade 4-9 (A-D) or equivalent demonstrable experience in decontamination.
• Able to work towards apprenticeship NVQs at level 2…