Central Sterilising Supplies Technician at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Objective

• The CSSD (Central Sterilising Supplies Department) Technician will be responsible for the decontamination, sterilization, and preparation of medical instruments and equipment used in cardiovascular and theatre procedures. 
• He/ She would ensure that all surgical and diagnostic instruments meet the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and functionality to support optimal patient care and clinical outcomes.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Sterilization and Decontamination

• Perform thorough cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization of surgical instruments following strict infection control protocols.
• Operate sterilization equipment like autoclaves and ultrasonic cleaners while ensuring consistent adherence to safety standards.
• Ensure all instruments are free from contaminants and appropriately stored to maintain sterility and readiness for use.
• Conduct daily performance checks and periodic testing of sterilization equipment to ensure proper functionality.
• Handle and dispose of biohazardous waste materials safely to prevent contamination and maintain regulatory compliance.

Instrument Management and Preparation

• Inspect surgical instruments meticulously for damage, wear, or malfunction before and after every sterilization cycle.
• Assemble comprehensive surgical trays, ensuring that all required instruments are properly organized for specific procedures.
• Maintain detailed inventory records of all instruments, ensuring timely replacement of worn or outdated equipment.
• Deliver sterile instruments to operating theatres promptly to support seamless cardiovascular and theatre operations.
• Monitor and restock CSSD supplies regularly to avoid shortages and delays in instrument preparation processes.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Adhere to international standards and organizational policies for sterilization and infection control
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation of all sterilization processes, including logs for audits and reviews.
• Implement routine quality control checks to confirm all sterilized equipment meets the required safety standards.
• Collaborate with infection control teams to ensure strict adherence to healthcare protocols and safety measures.
• Participate in internal and external audits by providing accurate records and demonstrating compliance with CSSD procedures.

Equipment Maintenance

• Perform regular cleaning and maintenance of sterilization equipment, ensuring optimal performance and extended lifespan.
• Coordinate scheduled servicing and calibration of CSSD machinery to meet manufacturer and regulatory guidelines.
• Report any technical malfunctions or breakdowns immediately to minimize disruption to surgical and clinical operations.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment maintenance schedules, including dates of repairs and preventive servicing.
• Implement safe storage and handling practices for all sterile and non-sterile equipment to maintain quality.

Training and Collaboration

• Collaborate with clinical staff to determine specific instrument requirements for cardiovascular and theatre procedures.
• Train junior CSSD staff on sterilization techniques, proper equipment handling, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Actively participate in team meetings to identify and address challenges affecting CSSD operations or service delivery.
• Support the onboarding of new team members by providing hands-on training in sterilization procedures and workflows.
• Promote a collaborative environment focused on improving CSSD processes and maintaining high operational standards.

Qualifications

Education, Skills and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Training in infection prevention and sterilization techniques is mandatory
• Knowledge of infection control standards and regulatory compliance in healthcare environments.
• Proficiency in operating sterilization and decontamination equipment used in modern healthcare facilities.
• Experience in cardiovascular and surgical environments is an added advantage.
• Comprehensive understanding of sterilization, decontamination processes, and infection prevention practices.
• Familiarity with surgical instrumentation used in cardiovascular and theatre procedures.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations, safety protocols, and CSSD equipment maintenance practices.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy in sterilization processes and instrument preparation.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate records, logs, and documentation related to sterilization cycles.
• Ability to identify and report damaged or malfunctioning instruments and maintain a reliable inventory system.
• Competence in using inventory and sterilization management systems to ensure operational efficiency.