CSSD Attendant - Ascot Park Hospital

PURPOSE OF POSITION

• Responsible for processing of used instrumentation for main theatre. Conducting a detailed cleaning of instrumentation before sterilization. While ensure sterile supplies to the OT/ward.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Ability to apply both process and biological testing of autoclave.
• Knowledge about the functions of an autoclave.
• Participating in ensuring efficient workflow in CSSD.
• Ensuring that adequate infection control policies are in place and adhered to
• Ability to effectively manage linen control as well as surgical stock control.
• Must be able to work under pressure, independently and unsupervised.
• Knowledge of different types of instruments for packs required in the operating room.

COMPETENCIES The following will be advantageous

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Educational Qualifications & Experience

• Must have Grade 12 qualification.
• Must have minimum 1-2 years relevant CSSD experience.
• CSSD Course and experience will be an advantage.
• Must be prepared to work additional hours on request.

SKILLS

Practical & Technical

• Must have excellent telephone skills.
• Must possess excellent inter-personal skills.
• Must be able to work independently under minimum supervision.
• Excellent observation skills.
• Must be computer literate

BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

• Professionalism and initiative
• Well-spoken and respectful
• Must be able to adhere to all company rules and policies.

YEARS/ MONTHS OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 1 to 2 years

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Participating in ensuring efficient workflow in CSSD will all Theatre staff.
• Processing of used instrumentation for main theatre and wards
• Ordering of new instruments when required.
• Liaising with other Hospitals Theatre staff to borrow or lend out instruments.

AUTOCLAVING

• Essential to have a sound knowledge of the operation and function of autoclave
• Understand the importance of and usage of the machine
• Ability to differentiate and understand the usage of chemical and biological test indicators
• Knowledge of how to read test results and pick out any irregularities
• Report and record all findings on a daily basis
• Know the different cycles available for autoclaving packs and instrumentation
• How to pack the autoclave with sets without overloading the autoclaving machine
• Know and understand the use of indicator tape on packs
• Double pack sharp instrumentation
• Ability to estimate time of each cycle according to selected programme
• How to handle packs one cycle is removed before storage

INSTRUMENTATION

• Ability to name and differentiate each instruments according to use
• Understand use of each instrument
• Knowledge of care and handling of instruments
• Ability to wash instruments using the correct chemicals approved by the company's infection control policy
• Ensure maximum safety precautions taken whilst handling instruments
• Knowledge of protocol to be adhered to when in contact with infectious packs
• Ability to use instruments washer correctly to disinfects packs
• Know how to compile different sets according to lists available in the department
• Ensure sets are accurately packed and labelled to avoid any delay during procedures
• Able to remove any defective item of the pack and replace or correctly indicate missing item on top of pack
• Understand importance of shelf life of each item to maintain sterility of all packs at any given time
• Ability to differentiate sterile from non-sterile packs
• Identify broken instruments and send for repairs

LINEN

• Identify the different types of linen available in stock
• Ability to fold and pack linen according to department need
• Knowledge of what is required in each pack according to sets
• Know how to fold linen correctly to facilitate easy usage in the theatre.
• Ability to identify linen that is not suitable for use and remove from shelf and send for mending
• Follow up on linen for mending and report to Unit Manager
• Sort out linen for laundry and take over linen brought back from laundry
• Ensure linen sent to laundry timeously to avoid shortage of linen
• Ability to accurately do stock of linen at the end of every month
• Know how to fold surgeon's gloves correctly
• Ability to use the correctly wrapping packs for autoclaving
• Make up specific drapes for E.N.T, GYNAE, GENERAL and EYES
• Report any shortages of linen to unit manager
• Control of linen, packs and equipment
• Accurately count linen being sent to laundry appropriately

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Participating in effective sterilization process of sterile supplies.
• Operating and monitoring steam autoclaves, sonic washers, and other sterilizing equipment
• Cleaning sterilizing equipment and packing per discipline.
• Ensuring that adequate infection control policies are in place and adhered to
• Assist to wash and pack scrubs.
• Accurate control of instrumentation before sterilization.

ADMIN MANAGEMENT

• Organizing surgical instrument trays
• Recording sterilizer test results
• Regular Stocking and inventorying audits.
• Ability to effectively manage linen control as well as surgical stock control.
• Assist theatre staff with linen count.

GENERAL

• This job description is not definitive and following periodic review may be subject to change.
• The CSSD Attendant will also be expected to contribute to the wider corporate and organisational development needs as appropriate within scope of practice.
• The CSSD will be expected to ensure compliance with the requirement of the Health and Safety regulations of the hospital.
• Upholds the organisation customer service standards at all time
• Expected to carry out any additional tasks which is reasonable and within your scope of practice and development.
• Damp dusting of Department every morning
• Receive and pack away stock from surgical stores
• Anticipate need of surgical orders and inform stores
• Follow up on items not received
• Attend CSSD Forums to upgrade and learn of new developments
• Ability to work in conjunction with Theatre staff and ensure a smooth and efficient working environment