Job summary
We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Band 3 Healthcare Assistant to join our Ophthalmology Outpatient theatres team. Based primarily at Stratford, with the opportunity to support St. Ann's theatres as service needs arise, this role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, multicultural, innovative and dynamic theatre environment focused on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
The post holder will assist in the smooth running of theatre sessions, supporting clinicians and nursing staff in preparing patients, clinical areas, and maintaining safety and infection control standards. You will play a key role in ensuring efficient patient flow, participating surgical procedures, and providing reassurance and compassionate support to patients throughout their care journey.
Strong teamwork, excellent communication skills, and the ability to adapt in a busy setting are essential. Experience in an acute or surgical outpatient environment is desirable, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development is encouraged and supported.
Main duties of the job
Main Objective of the Post:
Assist in the care of the surgical patient during the peri-operative period by supporting the multi-disciplinary team.
Supporting the theatre personnel in providing a safe, high quality environment for the carrying out of surgical procedures by:
o Assisting in the preparation of the operating theatre.
o Assisting in the preparation of the surgical team.
o Assisting the surgical team during surgical procedures.
o Assisting in the general upkeep and maintenance of stock levels in theatres.
o Providing a safe environment that minimises the risk of infection.
o Be part of the team in ensuring the team brief, surgical safety checklist and de-brief is done effectively.
o Assist qualified staff in collecting patients from admission area to theatre and safely guide them back to the recovery area.
Moving and transferring patients between beds and operating tables in a safe manner, with the minimum discomfort to patients.
Work alongside the qualified staff to perform stock checks and procurement of consumables.
Being responsible in ensuring that all training of junior HCA is completed and that all competencies are maintained and updated.
Supporting the eye theatre daycare nurse in the admission and discharge of patients.
Provide support in eye theatre during admission and discharge of patients.
Provide support in the eye clinic department following competency and training.
About us
What's in it for You?
At Moorfields, we invest in you--your growth, your wellbeing, your future.You'll join a flexible, supportive organisation offering:
o Competitive salary (including high-cost area supplement)o Membership of the NHS Pension Schemeo 24/7 independent counselling supporto Career-long learning and development opportunitieso Excellent transport connectionso Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemeso Free Pilates classeso Full support and training to develop your skills
And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please view our Moorfields benefits leaflet.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical and Patient Care
To support qualified staff in the assessment of health needs, planning, delivery and evaluation of care for a number of individuals or groups of patients, including clinical and laser risk assessmentContribute towards patient care and clinical activity in the Department to include assisting with the care of the surgical patient, supporting and observing the patient during the peri and post-operative period, maintaining a high standard of patient care within agreed departmental standards, policies and procedures.Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team for the benefit of the patient, appreciating each member of the team's needs and role.Establishing effective communications between Departments. Relaying messages to and from the surgical team and liaising with personnel outside the Operating Theatre.To communicate effectively, respectfully and in a timely manner within the team.Understand the principle of confidentiality. Communicating and acting in a manner that maintains the patients confidentiality and dignity at all times.Capture and maintain patient data/documentation.Participating in meetings of Operating Department staff.Participating in the safe collection, transfer and return of peri-operative patients:
- Assisting in the safe movement of patients throughout the unit.
- Assisting in positioning the patient for surgical procedures.
- Preparing tables/trolleys and beds as appropriate.
Ensuring the patient tracking system is updated.
Preparing the ophthalmic operating theatre and assisting the ophthalmic surgical team:
- Checking the environment and equipment for cleanliness and carrying out cleaning procedures e.g. operating tables, lights etc.
- Checking and selecting sterile and non-sterile equipment including instrument packs.
- Preparing sterile and non-sterile equipment.
- Assisting in gowning and gloving.
- Supplying the sterile team with items as instructed by the qualified practitioner.
- Participating in swab, instrument and needle count.
Check theatre instruments and other extras with the scrub nurse.To exercise a reasonable and agreed degree of professional autonomy and make judgements and decisions in order to satisfy the expectations and demands of the job after a period of training and completion of appropriate competencies.To exercise a reasonable and agreed degree of professional autonomy and make judgements and decisions in order to satisfy the expectations and demands of the job after a period of training and completion of appropriate competencies.To work alongside all staff in all areas of the ophthalmic patient pathwayoutpatient clinics and day care including admissions and discharge areas.To undertake clinical work and related tasks as delegated by qualified nursing staff, following appropriate training and assessment of competency.To liaise effectively with all stakeholders in the care process, including carers and relatives, aspiring to provide an effective, seamless and integrated service to patients.To attain the competencies such as patient observations (BP electronic and manual measurement, TPR, RBS), ECG.To act as a chaperone when required.To give clear and concise explanation and test instructions to ensure maximum patient understanding and co-operation takes place, taking into account patients who have visual impairment hearing loss, physical or mental disabilities, learning difficulties different age groups cultural differences and non-English speaking patient.To participate in training to achieve the competencies required to undertake the role under the supervision of a trained nurse.
Professional Development and Education Responsibility
To maintain and update relevant knowledge and skills, participating in departmental training and development. Maintaining a professional portfolio and participate in further training as appropriate, in order to enhance quality of care for patients and carers.Ensuring familiarity with emergency procedures i.e. fire and arrest and attending annual updates.Participating in training and teaching programmes for all Operating Department support staff.Maintaining a commitment to personal development.To be professional in manner and appearance.To be punctual and report any absence in accordance with local policy.To recognise own legal accountability for standards of care by ensuring adherence to local policy document(s).
To develop within the framework of a personal development plan as agreed with your manager.
Audit, Quality and Risk Management Responsibility
Assisting in the collation of any information required for auditing/quality issues.Being receptive to and participating in relevant research within the Department where appropriate.Maintain clear and legible patient records in accordance with both Trust and professional standards for record keeping.In conjunction with the senior members of the multi-disciplinary team and the directorate support a positive culture and environment for both staff and patients.Encourage service users in providing feedback on the quality of service provided in the clinical areas both on a local and Trust level such as friends and family card/question. Participate and provide leadership in implementing user focused quality improvement initiatives.Maintaining own awareness of, and complying with policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety (whether Statutory or Trust) and to assist in ensuring the compliance of other staff.To assist in ensuring a safe working environment by the reporting of accidents and incidents to the senior person on duty.Promoting the safety and well-being of patients, staff and any other personnel.
Resource Management and Responsibility
To develop and maintain an awareness of budgeting, exercising care and adhering to current policy in the recruitment and staff use, procurement of equipment and materials. Ensure stock levels are maintained.Assisting with stocks and supplies arrangements for theatres (to include):
- Storing and replenishing supplies and maintain stock levels.
- Ordering and monitoring SSD supplies and updating instrument tracking systems.
- Checking and receiving sterile and non-sterile stock and supplies.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical and Patient Care
To support qualified staff in the assessment of health needs, planning, delivery and evaluation of care for a number of individuals or groups of patients, including clinical and laser risk assessmentContribute towards patient care and clinical activity in the Department to include assisting with the care of the surgical patient, supporting and observing the patient during the peri and post-operative period, maintaining a high standard of patient care within agreed departmental standards, policies and procedures.Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team for the benefit of the patient, appreciating each member of the team's needs and role.Establishing effective communications between Departments. Relaying messages to and from the surgical team and liaising with personnel outside the Operating Theatre.To communicate effectively, respectfully and in a timely manner within the team.Understand the principle of confidentiality. Communicating and acting in a manner that maintains the patients confidentiality and dignity at all times.Capture and maintain patient data/documentation.Participating in meetings of Operating Department staff.Participating in the safe collection, transfer and return of peri-operative patients:
- Assisting in the safe movement of patients throughout the unit.
- Assisting in positioning the patient for surgical procedures.
- Preparing tables/trolleys and beds as appropriate.
Ensuring the patient tracking system is updated.
Preparing the ophthalmic operating theatre and assisting the ophthalmic surgical team:
- Checking the environment and equipment for cleanliness and carrying out cleaning procedures e.g. operating tables, lights etc.
- Checking and selecting sterile and non-sterile equipment including instrument packs.
- Preparing sterile and non-sterile equipment.
- Assisting in gowning and gloving.
- Supplying the sterile team with items as instructed by the qualified practitioner.
- Participating in swab, instrument and needle count.
Check theatre instruments and other extras with the scrub nurse.To exercise a reasonable and agreed degree of professional autonomy and make judgements and decisions in order to satisfy the expectations and demands of the job after a period of training and completion of appropriate competencies.To exercise a reasonable and agreed degree of professional autonomy and make judgements and decisions in order to satisfy the expectations and demands of the job after a period of training and completion of appropriate competencies.To work alongside all staff in all areas of the ophthalmic patient pathwayoutpatient clinics and day care including admissions and discharge areas.To undertake clinical work and related tasks as delegated by qualified nursing staff, following appropriate training and assessment of competency.To liaise effectively with all stakeholders in the care process, including carers and relatives, aspiring to provide an effective, seamless and integrated service to patients.To attain the competencies such as patient observations (BP electronic and manual measurement, TPR, RBS), ECG.To act as a chaperone when required.To give clear and concise explanation and test instructions to ensure maximum patient understanding and co-operation takes place, taking into account patients who have visual impairment hearing loss, physical or mental disabilities, learning difficulties different age groups cultural differences and non-English speaking patient.To participate in training to achieve the competencies required to undertake the role under the supervision of a trained nurse.
Professional Development and Education Responsibility
To maintain and update relevant knowledge and skills, participating in departmental training and development. Maintaining a professional portfolio and participate in further training as appropriate, in order to enhance quality of care for patients and carers.Ensuring familiarity with emergency procedures i.e. fire and arrest and attending annual updates.Participating in training and teaching programmes for all Operating Department support staff.Maintaining a commitment to personal development.To be professional in manner and appearance.To be punctual and report any absence in accordance with local policy.To recognise own legal accountability for standards of care by ensuring adherence to local policy document(s).
To develop within the framework of a personal development plan as agreed with your manager.
Audit, Quality and Risk Management Responsibility
Assisting in the collation of any information required for auditing/quality issues.Being receptive to and participating in relevant research within the Department where appropriate.Maintain clear and legible patient records in accordance with both Trust and professional standards for record keeping.In conjunction with the senior members of the multi-disciplinary team and the directorate support a positive culture and environment for both staff and patients.Encourage service users in providing feedback on the quality of service provided in the clinical areas both on a local and Trust level such as friends and family card/question. Participate and provide leadership in implementing user focused quality improvement initiatives.Maintaining own awareness of, and complying with policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety (whether Statutory or Trust) and to assist in ensuring the compliance of other staff.To assist in ensuring a safe working environment by the reporting of accidents and incidents to the senior person on duty.Promoting the safety and well-being of patients, staff and any other personnel.
Resource Management and Responsibility
To develop and maintain an awareness of budgeting, exercising care and adhering to current policy in the recruitment and staff use, procurement of equipment and materials. Ensure stock levels are maintained.Assisting with stocks and supplies arrangements for theatres (to include):
- Storing and replenishing supplies and maintain stock levels.
- Ordering and monitoring SSD supplies and updating instrument tracking systems.
- Checking and receiving sterile and non-sterile stock and supplies.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant clinical experience
- Care certificate
Desirable
- NVQ level 3 or planning/working towards getting one or
Experience
Essential
- Perioperative experience Ophthalmology
Desirable
- Preparing or managing post op patients
Knowledge
Essential
- Experience in a health care setting
- Clinical or theatre skills
Desirable
- An awareness of health and safety principles related to the area of speciality
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Dealing with the public in person and on the phone
- Experience of giving care in a multi-cultural environment
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant clinical experience
- Care certificate
Desirable
- NVQ level 3 or planning/working towards getting one or
Experience
Essential
- Perioperative experience Ophthalmology
Desirable
- Preparing or managing post op patients
Knowledge
Essential
- Experience in a health care setting
- Clinical or theatre skills
Desirable
- An awareness of health and safety principles related to the area of speciality
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Dealing with the public in person and on the phone
- Experience of giving care in a multi-cultural environment
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
