Job responsibilities
The colorectal team cover 6 theatres undertaking open, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures. AMS is the largest CSU at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, and we aim to deliver the highest quality service for our patients. Leeds has a reputation for clinical excellence as the largest teaching hospital in Europe. We are committed to working in line with the values described in The Leeds Way to make work rewarding as well as challenging.
Candidates wishing to apply should possess a relevant surgical first assistant qualification, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. A commitment to providing high-quality patient care and continuous professional development is essential to maintain our department's high standards.
If you require more information about the role, then please get in touch with Arron Gill, Surgical Care Practitioner via email on arron.gill@nhs.net
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults at all times. Is familiar with and adheres to, the LTHT safeguarding policies.
Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrong doing by following the LTHT Whistleblowing policy and supporting processes.
Clinical:
Maintain a high standard of patient focused care in accordance with Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust guidelines and policies
Act as a role model for the development of clinical skills and knowledge within the peri-operative team
Maintain and promote a clean, secure and safe working environment
Support the Team Leader in setting and monitoring standards and seek to continuously improve standards and the quality of patient care,
Provide assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of peri-operative care for patients, ensuring written records are kept
Acts in accordance with their professional code of conduct
Maintain professional registration through subscription and revalidation
In conjunction with the Team Leader ensure management of clinical services and efficient deployment of staff according to service needs.
Participate in the theatre on call rota, as required.
To provide skilled assistance to the surgeon throughout surgery in relation to surgical preparation, draping, tissue handling, retraction, haemostasis and wound closure.
To ensure adherence to aseptic technique throughout surgical procedure
Participate in clinical decisions throughout the surgical procedure
Participate in surgical audit as required to evaluate patient outcomes
Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults at all times. Is familiar with and adheres to, the LTHT safeguarding policies
Undertake duties on other wards or departments as and when required by service demands or patient need.
Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrong doing by following the LTHT Whistleblowing policy and supporting processes
Education and Training:
Contribute to the promotion of a positive learning environment within the clinical area
In conjunction with the Team Leader ensure all staff have an individual performance development plan
Participate and contribute to annual appraisals of self and team
Ensure both self and team members achieve mandatory training requirements at appropriate timescales
Participate in Preceptorship and mentorship programmes
Undertake continuous professional and clinical development, seeking opportunities to enhance skills
Participate in training and development of junior medical staff
Managerial:
Working with Team Leader to support leadership within the clinical team.
Support Team Leader in ensuring adequate skill mix
Support Team Leader in Investigating and responding to accidents, complaints, untoward incidents and other significant events with regard to theatre practice
Work with Matron, Team Leader to promote the further development of peri-operative practitioner roles as considered appropriate
Liaise with Speciality surgeon to ensure appropriate skill mix of surgical support
HEALTH AND SAFETY/RISK MANAGEMENT
All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.
INFECTION CONTROL
The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.
PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback.
TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The jobholder must take responsibility, in agreement with his/her line manager, for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous
Professional Development remains a priority. The job holder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.
RESPECT FOR PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
The job holder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.
COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Theatre Manager/Matron
Theatre Co-ordinator
Team Leader
All grades peri-operative practitioner staff
Ward and department staff
Allied Health Professionals
Sterile Services Department
Theatre list schedulers
Medical staff
Facilities staff
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical effort:
Daily frequent manoeuvring of patients to and from wheelchairs, beds, trolleys, operating tables etc
Frequent manoeuvring of equipment, linen and rubbish
Frequent standing for long periods in difficult positions e.g., holding equipment cameras, retractors, airways.
Wearing lead aprons between 2.5 kilos to 3.5 kilos
Frequent requirement for accurate dexterity when handling items of equipment, use of psychomotor skills.
Mental effort:
Frequent and prolonged periods of concentration which can be a mixture of high volume cases requiring intense concentration plus lengthy complicated procedures between 3 to 8 hours
Frequent requirement to change from one activity to another at the request of a third party which involves adapting to the needs of multiple users/client groups.
Emotional effort:
Regular direct exposure to distressed patients.
Dealing with the unexpected sudden deterioration in patients condition, e.g., cardiac arrest, failed intubation and sudden bleed, sudden death.
Dealing with relatives with bad news e.g. organ consent, post mortem
Occasional direct exposure to severely injured / deceased patients.
Working conditions:
Frequent exposure to unpleasant smells e.g. anaesthetic gases, urine, faeces, diathermy, cement.
Occasional exposure to aggressive patients.
