NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The role:
Working within NHSGGC’s Central Decontamination Unit (CDU), you will play a vital behind‑the‑scenes role in supporting safe, high‑quality patient care. Working as part of a dedicated team, you’ll help ensure surgical instruments and medical devices are prepared to the highest standards for use across our hospitals. Cowlairs Central Decontamination Unit provides a full decontamination/sterilisation service to Theatres, Clinics and Community services within the Glasgow area of the Health Board. The unit reprocesses, on average, 12 million reusable instruments per year.
No Band 2 roles are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa or Health and Care Worker visa. routes. For Band 3 roles, only posts of 32 hours per week or more may meet eligibility. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) cannot provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for roles that do not meet these criteria, and applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered.
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
- Cowlairs Central Decontamination Unit
- Monday to Friday, 12:00 to 20:00
Key responsibilities:
Work across all areas of the Central Decontamination Unit, including Decontamination, Assembly/Check/Packaging and Sterilisation, following structured training
Develop the skills needed to become fully multi‑skilled, allowing you to work flexibly across CDU zones in line with service needs
Once trained, rotate regularly between CDU zones, maintaining competence and contributing to a consistent, high‑quality service
Carry out the decontamination, assembly, packaging and sterilisation of reusable medical devices, directly supporting patient safety
Operate specialised equipment and complete accurate records to ensure full traceability of instruments
Work collaboratively with colleagues, following infection control, health and safety and quality standards, and taking pride in delivering a reliable and professional service
Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:
A basic understanding of the decontamination of medical devices and surgical instruments is essential to support safe and effective patient care
A good general education, including literacy and numeracy skills, with manual dexterity desirable, to enable accurate handling, checking and processing of instruments
Willingness and ability to complete structured training across the Central Decontamination Unit, including Decontamination, Assembly, Checking, Packaging and Sterilisation
Previous knowledge or experience of decontamination processes is advantageous, although full training will be provided for the right candidate
Ability to learn and work to strict quality, infection control and health & safety procedures, maintaining high standards at all times
Good communication skills and a positive team‑working approach, with the flexibility to adapt to changing service demands
What we offer:
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
- A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
- Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
- Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
- Enhanced pay for working public holidays
- NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
- Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion, please contact:
Assistant Production Managers, Julie Henderson/ Francis Haughey, 0141 232 2814, Julie.Henderson2@nhs.scot and Francis.Haughey@nhs.scot
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates
This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.
