Trainee Sterilisation Technician

Job Overview

Applications are invited for the post of Sterile Services Department, Trainee Sterilisation Technician based within the RVI and Freeman Hospitals. This role involves working under 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 applicant will start on a BAND 2 and progress to a BAND 3 on successful completion of the in house training programme.

Please be aware this is a physically demanding role and we would strongly advise any interested applicants to contact the department to arrange an informal discussion and departmental visit.

Interview Date: 8 September 2026

Hours: 37 Hours 30 Minutes per week

Main duties of the job

• To work as part of a team Sterilisation Technicians to assist with the efficient processing and preparation of contaminated re-useable surgical instrumentation for use in the hospital operating theatres, wards, and clinics for patient procedures.
• Reprocessing of endoscopes in the endoscopy SSD.
• Duties include stock control, general housekeeping, record keeping and the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes.
• The successful applicant will be trained in all aspects of the role and will be expected to achieve the In House Training programme to progress to a band 3.

Working for our organisation

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 be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

With around 2 million contacts with patients every year, we deliver care from: Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Dental Hospital, Cramlington Manor Walks, Urgent treatment centres, Newcastle Fertility Centre, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria, Northern Genetics Service. These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting-edge care (supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS. We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Band 2 - Job Description:

• To work as part of a team Sterilisation Technicians to assist with the efficient processing and preparation of contaminated re-useable surgical instrumentation for use in the hospital operating theatres, wards, and clinics for patient procedures.
• Reprocess endoscopes in endoscopy SSD.
• All staff will be required to achieve the Sterile Services Department Decontamination Training Programme.
• Staff will be required to rotate on all five sterile service departments therefore, it is essential that they have knowledge of all clinic/ward's theatres equipment.
• To abide by Trust Policies and Procedures.
• Flexible to the needs of the service and shift patterns.

Band 3 - Job Description:

• To work as part of a team of Sterilisation Technicians, to provide the efficient processing and preparation of contaminated re-usable surgical instrumentation for use in the hospital operating theatres, endoscopy departments, wards and departments for patients procedures.
• Staff will be required to rotate on all five sterile service departments; therefore it is essential that they have knowledge of all clinic/wards theatres equipment.
• To abide by the Trust Policies and Procedures.
• Contribute to housekeeping and other departmental duties as required, eg general tidiness, pre-determined stock levels are met and clinical equipment is clean, working and stored correctly.

Person specification

Band 2 Essential criteria:

• English and Maths at level 1 or equivalent (GCSE 3-2 or D-E or Functional Key Skills at Level 1)
• Health and safety knowledge
• Basic IT skills
• Good communication skills both written and verbal, ability to relate to all grades of staff
• Able to work under direction as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Band 2 Desirable criteria:

• English and Maths at Level 2 or equivalent (GCSE 9-4 or A*-C or Functional Skills Level 2)
• Previous hospital or sterile service experience
• Insight into use and care of machinery

Band 3 Essential criteria:

• English and Maths at Level 1 or equivalent (GCSE 3-2 or D-E or Functional Key Skills at Level 1)
• Basic IT knowledge
• Health and Safety knowledge
• Good communication skills both written and verbal, ability to relate to all grades of staff

Band 3 Desirable criteria:

• English and Maths at Level 2 or equivalent (GCSE 9-4 or A*-C or Functional Skills Level 2)
• 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/wards theatres equipment

Further details / informal visits contact

Name: Kerry Clark
Job title: Sterile Services Manager
Email address: kerry.clark20@nhs.net
Telephone number: 01912829422