Job summary
An exciting opportunity has become available at Gateshead Health Foundation Trust for a Band 6 Orthopaedic Surgical Scrub Practitioner.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital was one of the first Foundation Trusts in the country and since then we have consistently delivered the highest level of care for patients. Rated outstanding for care by the CQC this is a great place to work. We provide cutting edge care from some of the state of the art facilities including our new Emergency Care Centre, a Pathology department which is a centre of excellence and the beautifully designed Northeast Surgery Centre.
Within the theatre department here we are committed to providing excellent, high quality care to our patients throughout their perioperative journey. We have twelve theatres covering a range of specialities including orthopaedics, general surgery, and are the regional centre for gynae -oncology. Our facilities include 2 state of the art laparoscopic theatres and now provide a robotic service . Our practice development lead is central to our commitment to support staff development and deliver high quality, safe effective care.
Main duties of the job
The Surgical First Assistant is responsible for continuous, competent and dedicated surgical assistance to the Operating Surgeon throughout the surgery
The Surgical First Assistant will act as first assistant to the surgeon, with autonomy in suturing. They will participate and assist in operative procedures and with pre and post-operative care as required. The Surgical First Assistant is expected to demonstrate a competent level of knowledge within the specialist field and always work within predetermined areas of competence in accordance with the NMC or HPC code of conduct and Scope of Professional Practice. They will practice within the limits of Trust policies and guidelines. They are expected to maintain a high level of skill and professionalism and develop a portfolio of evidence to support application of Royal College of Surgeons Accreditation.
About us
Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.
Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.
We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.
Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronymICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.
We have a number of staff networks including the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our Armed Forces network is one of our emerging networks.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to attached detailed Job description
Intra and post-operative Care
Assist with surgical procedures in theatre as part of the multi-disciplinary team for the orthopaedic surgical speciality under the supervision or direction of the consultant surgeon, including suturing, supervised diathermy use and incision making and undertake specific surgical intervention.
Act as first or second assistant under the direction of the supervising Consultant
Assist with the preparation of patients for surgery including male and female catheterisation and patient positioning and preparation
Contribute to the clinical post-operative care, including wound assessment, initial treatment and detection of surgical problems
Provide information and advice to management and theatre personnel on specialised surgical procedures and equipment.
Act as a formal link between surgical and theatre personnel for co-ordination of theatre usage and effectiveness.
To be responsible for timely, accurate and complete records both manually and electronically ensuring safety and confidentiality of information and any hospital and statutory requirement are met.
The post holder is responsible for the provision of a high quality patient focused service, as a skilled member of the Operating Department team, based on the assessment of patient's needs. To supervise and support the teams and provide an effective and efficient service to Clinicians and other support staff. Deputise for the Team Manager/Team Leader as required.
Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Practice
- Work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team, work unsupervised as required. Maintain good communication and ensuring all team members are valued and enhance effective working relationships throughout the department
- Provide a competent service and expert assistance in all/some aspects of Operating Department activity.
- Ensure that records of patient care, drugs, specimens and implants are accurately and fully maintained and ensure effective transfer of information
- Ensure that agreed hospital and Department policies/protocols pertaining to the delivery of patient care in the Operating Department are adhered to, and assist with review and update
- Keep up to date with advances in theatre/recovery techniques and with associated equipment ensuring proficiency before use
- Maintain and utilise equipment in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and ensure any faults are dealt with immediately
- Adhere to the infection control policies by ensuring the cleanliness of the department and strictly adhering to local and manufacturers recommendations on the sterility of instrumentation and supplies. To ensure that an aseptic technique is used in all areas throughout the theatre department in accordance with theatre standards.
Management
- Assist and communicate with other members of the teams in a manner that promotes the philosophy of staff integration within the department
- Regularly assume the delegated responsibility of running operating lists and participate in the daily administration role for the management of the department and participate in the 24-hour cover for the department and service.
- Inform the senior member of staff on duty of any incidents/accidents involving patients or staff and record all details on the relevant incident form.
- To promote flexible practice in the operating department
- Ensure the appropriate and efficient use of supplies including stock rotation and that strict economy is exercised in the use of consumables.
- Take an active part in theatre meetings and encourage positive participation and feedback from all staff.
Education:
- Participate in the clinical teaching of all staff within the department, in accordance with departmental and service training philosophy
Assist with the induction of new staff and be responsible for the development of individual learners when they are undertaking their clinical practice
Through the appraisal process evaluate personal performance and development and agree training requirements in order to maintain and update skills and knowledge for your own personal development and for the development of the other team members.
Participate in all mandatory training and ensure familiarity with fire and safety regulations
Undertake appropriate research projects in the interest of the department and under the supervision of the Theatre Manager, keeping staff informed of any relevant outcomes.
Participate in relevant audits in conjunction with colleagues within the orthopaedic speciality.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to attached detailed Job description
Intra and post-operative Care
Assist with surgical procedures in theatre as part of the multi-disciplinary team for the orthopaedic surgical speciality under the supervision or direction of the consultant surgeon, including suturing, supervised diathermy use and incision making and undertake specific surgical intervention.
Act as first or second assistant under the direction of the supervising Consultant
Assist with the preparation of patients for surgery including male and female catheterisation and patient positioning and preparation
Contribute to the clinical post-operative care, including wound assessment, initial treatment and detection of surgical problems
Provide information and advice to management and theatre personnel on specialised surgical procedures and equipment.
Act as a formal link between surgical and theatre personnel for co-ordination of theatre usage and effectiveness.
To be responsible for timely, accurate and complete records both manually and electronically ensuring safety and confidentiality of information and any hospital and statutory requirement are met.
The post holder is responsible for the provision of a high quality patient focused service, as a skilled member of the Operating Department team, based on the assessment of patient's needs. To supervise and support the teams and provide an effective and efficient service to Clinicians and other support staff. Deputise for the Team Manager/Team Leader as required.
Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Practice
- Work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team, work unsupervised as required. Maintain good communication and ensuring all team members are valued and enhance effective working relationships throughout the department
- Provide a competent service and expert assistance in all/some aspects of Operating Department activity.
- Ensure that records of patient care, drugs, specimens and implants are accurately and fully maintained and ensure effective transfer of information
- Ensure that agreed hospital and Department policies/protocols pertaining to the delivery of patient care in the Operating Department are adhered to, and assist with review and update
- Keep up to date with advances in theatre/recovery techniques and with associated equipment ensuring proficiency before use
- Maintain and utilise equipment in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and ensure any faults are dealt with immediately
- Adhere to the infection control policies by ensuring the cleanliness of the department and strictly adhering to local and manufacturers recommendations on the sterility of instrumentation and supplies. To ensure that an aseptic technique is used in all areas throughout the theatre department in accordance with theatre standards.
Management
- Assist and communicate with other members of the teams in a manner that promotes the philosophy of staff integration within the department
- Regularly assume the delegated responsibility of running operating lists and participate in the daily administration role for the management of the department and participate in the 24-hour cover for the department and service.
- Inform the senior member of staff on duty of any incidents/accidents involving patients or staff and record all details on the relevant incident form.
- To promote flexible practice in the operating department
- Ensure the appropriate and efficient use of supplies including stock rotation and that strict economy is exercised in the use of consumables.
- Take an active part in theatre meetings and encourage positive participation and feedback from all staff.
Education:
- Participate in the clinical teaching of all staff within the department, in accordance with departmental and service training philosophy
Assist with the induction of new staff and be responsible for the development of individual learners when they are undertaking their clinical practice
Through the appraisal process evaluate personal performance and development and agree training requirements in order to maintain and update skills and knowledge for your own personal development and for the development of the other team members.
Participate in all mandatory training and ensure familiarity with fire and safety regulations
Undertake appropriate research projects in the interest of the department and under the supervision of the Theatre Manager, keeping staff informed of any relevant outcomes.
Participate in relevant audits in conjunction with colleagues within the orthopaedic speciality.
Person Specification
Registration
Essential
- HCPC/ NMC registered
- Completion of a validated Surgical First Assistant programme
values based
Essential
- HCPC/ NMC registered
- Completion of a validated Surgical First Assistant programme
Person Specification
Registration
Essential
- HCPC/ NMC registered
- Completion of a validated Surgical First Assistant programme
values based
Essential
- HCPC/ NMC registered
- Completion of a validated Surgical First Assistant programme
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
