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Sara - I never imagined I would do a job like this
Overview of your current job
I work as a HSDU Technician in Decontamination Services.
My job is to reprocess trays for use in theatres ensuring that we work to the ISO 13485 industry standards.
We check trays when they come into the department from theatres to ensure all instrumentation is present, they are then washed in machines in our wash area. Once this has been done trays are then repacked in our clean area ensuring all instrumentation is present, clean and fit for use. Once this has been done then they are autoclaved (steam sterilised) to be sent back to theatres.
Please tell us about how you got here?
I used to work in schools for 10 years while my children were young. When they left school I wanted to return to working full time. I looked on NHS Jobs and saw the vacancy, but at the time it was only part time. I had done some research about the role and I thought it was very interesting so I applied. I did a year working in the evening and then the apprenticeship came up, this was full time, which is what I wanted so I applied and the rest is history.
How has your role developed since you started your career?
When I worked evenings I was only a band 2 so I could only do certain trays and certain parts of the role as this is the nature of being at that level.
Once I started the apprenticeship I was trained to do all the trays and also orthopaedic kits that came into the department.
I was also trained in using the autoclaves meaning I could now do all parts of the role.
What are the best bits about your role?
The variety, no two days are the same. We are rostered in every area during our working week so you get to do a bit of everything.
It is a very fast based, busy environment so you are constantly on the go which I enjoy.
What would be your next steps for career progression?
The next steps for me would to take on a supervisor role within the department.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to do a similar role/career?
Go for it. I never in a million years imagined me doing the job I’m doing but I can honestly say I love my job.