SSD Assistant

Sterile Services Assistant | Theatre Department | Spire Harpenden Hospital | Full Time | 37.5 

Spire Harpenden Hospital has an exciting opportunity for a Sterile Services Decontamination (SSD) Assistant to join our Theatre Department on a permanent full-time basis.

The successful candidate will support the SSD team by cleaning, sterilising, and packing theatre instruments, ensuring all equipment is correct, safe, and ready for use. This is a physically demanding role , involving regular manual handling and heavy lifting.

Duties and responsibilities

• Undertake routine tasks related to patient health and wellbeing
• Check that the correct instruments are present on trays pre‑ and post‑decontamination
• Pack linen, instruments, and consumables for sterilisation
• Accurately complete instrument tracking systems
• Monitor and report instrument repairs
• Check the function of sterilising and decontamination equipment in line with manufacturers’ instructions
• Carry out physical duties, including heavy lifting, as required

Who we're looking for

• Certificate in Decontamination or NVQ Level 3 in Decontamination (desirable)
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Basic awareness of health, safety, and hygiene standards

Understanding of

• Infection control principles
• Fundamentals of microbiology and aseptic technique
• SSD machinery
• Basic surgical instruments and equipment
• Sterile packing techniques
• ISO standards

Training can be provided for the right candidates who demonstrate a passion for healthcare and a willingness to learn.

Shifts

Monday to Friday (07:30-15:30, 10:00-18:00, 13:30-21:30)

Saturday (07:30-17:30)

Benefits

We offer employed colleagues a competitive salary as well as a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• 35 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Employer and employee contributory pension with flexible retirement options
• ‘Spire for you’ reward platform - discount and cashback for over 1000 retailers
• Free Bupa wellness screening
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance

Our Values

We are extremely proud of our heritage in private healthcare and of our values as an organisation:

• Driving clinical excellence
• Doing the right thing
• Caring is our passion.
• Keeping it simple
• Delivering on our promises
• Succeeding and celebrating together

Spire Healthcare is a leading independent healthcare group in the United Kingdom, running 38 hospitals and over 50 clinics across England, Wales and Scotland. It provides diagnostics, inpatient, day case and outpatient care, operates a network of private GPs and provides workplace health services to over 800 corporate clients. It also delivers a range of private and NHS mental health, musculoskeletal and dermatological services.

Spire Healthcare are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture for all. Our people are our difference, it’s their dedication, warmth and pursuit of excellence that sets Spire Healthcare apart. 

Closing date: In order to streamline our recruitment process, we reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications.