One of the most recent work-based learning initiatives introduced by Eastwood Park is the development of a Certificate in the decontamination of reusable medical instruments.
The training establishment says the fact that the qualification ‘clearly focuses on proving the competences required for the process of cleaning and sterilising medical instruments’ makes it ‘attractive to employers and employees alike’.
Lisa Slevin, Eastwood Park’s new work-based learning manager, who has been responsible for launching the new qualification to sterile services departments (SSDs) around the country, says: “We are already receiving a real interest from SSD managers who want on-the-job support, particularly now that there is no longer an NVQ in place. We will be working more closely than before with the managers and their staff to support them throughout, enabling them to achieve the essential standards required.”
The certificate is suitable for SSD technicians and supervisors and, Eastwood Park says, enables them to obtain an appropriate accreditation proving competence in their roles, meaning they are working to the latest national standards while also developing additional skills, knowledge, and understanding, of all aspects of the decontamination cycle.
Learners will be able to demonstrate their competence in these six units:
• Unit 1: Collection of used equipment from a designated collection point.
• Unit 2: Sorting of used equipment and disposal of waste from returned items.
• Unit 3: Preparation, loading, and operation of decontamination equipment.
• Unit 4: Preparation of reusable medical devices for sterilisation.
• Unit 5: Carrying out of sterilisation and product release of reusable medical devices.
• Unit 6 Monitoring and random checks on equipment and functions, and recording of results.
The qualification is Edexcel accredited, with a BTEC certificate awarded to all successful learners and, on average, is normally achieved within seven months.
Eastwood Park says: “The certificate delivers real value for money, with close monitoring and mentoring of each learner’s progress during that time. The certificate is competitively priced, and reflects the individual needs of the manager and the requirements for their staff.”
T: 01454 262777 to discuss your specific requirements, or visit www.eastwoodparktraining.co.uk.
