Theatre Curator

Job description

Job responsibilities

Instrumentation Management: Manage the complete life cycle of surgical instruments, including procurement, inventory management, and maintenance. Ensure an adequate supply of instruments for the operating theatre, considering surgical schedules, instrument availability, and demand.

Instrumentation Planning and Procurement: Collaborate with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to understand their instrument requirements and preferences. Conduct research, evaluate suppliers, and make informed decisions regarding instrument purchases. Negotiate contracts, review pricing, and ensure cost-effective procurement practices.

Inventory Control: Establish and implement efficient inventory control systems for surgical instruments. Monitor stock levels, track instrument usage, and forecast future needs. Regularly conduct audits to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies. Implement measures to reduce instrument loss or damage.

Instrumentation Maintenance and Sterilization: Develop and oversee maintenance and sterilization protocols for surgical instruments. Ensure compliance with infection control standards and regulatory guidelines. Collaborate with sterile processing departments to optimize instrument turnaround times and maintain instrument functionality.

Quality Assurance: Implement quality control measures to ensure the accuracy, functionality, and safety of surgical instruments. Conduct routine inspections of instruments, identify any issues, and coordinate repairs or replacements. Maintain detailed records of instrument maintenance, repairs, and recalls.

Staff Training and Development: Provide training and education to operating theatre staff on proper instrument handling, care, and usage. Stay updated on advancements in surgical instrumentation and share knowledge with the team. Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

Collaboration and Communication: Foster strong relationships with surgeons, nurses, and other stakeholders to understand their needs and address any concerns related to surgical instrumentation. Act as a liaison between the operating theatre and instrument suppliers. Collaborate with other departments, such as purchasing and finance, to ensure seamless operations and effective communication.

Budget Management: Develop and manage the budget for surgical instrument procurement, maintenance, and repairs. Monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and make recommendations for budget optimization. Ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining high-quality instrument availability.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Stay updated on relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines (e.g., FDA, ISO) related to surgical instruments. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and promote a culture of safety and compliance within the operating theatre.

Performance Evaluation and Reporting: Establish performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of instrument management processes. Prepare regular reports on instrument utilization, maintenance activities, and budget performance. Present findings to senior management and recommend improvements.

Communicate highly effectively in a variety of manners (face to face, written, verbal and electronic communications) with a range of senior leaders in both health and social care, clinicians and other healthcare professionals, service managers, and chief executive.

Present information on behalf of ASCR, regional and national meetings and events. Promote effective user and carer involvement in all elements of work ensuring that the views are listened to and reflected in service delivery.

To ensure that information on performance and quality outcomes is made available for reports to the Management team, SSD and member organisation governing bodies as required.

To ensure effective communication of Theatre transformation plan objectives throughout the health community. The post holder will engage with a wide variety of staff and respond to queries from senior officers, non-executive directors, cabinet members and report to health scrutiny committee and other external bodies as required.

An excellent standard of written, verbal and electronic communication is required.

Skills employed will include persuasion, ability to motivate and encourage change, facilitation of groups of people and the ability to create consensus, ability to grasp different view points and to summarise and reflect.

Person Specification

Education/Training/Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., healthcare administration, biomedical engineering) is preferred.
• Relevant certifications or qualifications in sterile processing or surgical technology.
• Extensive experience working in an operating theatre or sterile processing department, preferably in a managerial or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of surgical instruments & Implants, their uses, maintenance requirements, and sterilization techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines governing surgical instruments (e.g., FDA, ISO).

Work Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a Theatre environment
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary or multi agency teams
• Understanding of clinical governance responsibilities
• Understanding of professional development
• Understanding of managerial issues

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Proven leadership abilities, with experience in leading and developing a team.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions and take initiative.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, functionality, and safety of surgical instruments & Implants.
• Ability to implement and monitor quality control measures and performance metrics.
• Proficiency in using computer systems and software for inventory management, documentation, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with budget management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of sterilization equipment and processes.

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and collaborate effectively with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to act as a liaison between the operating theatre and instrument suppliers, negotiating contracts and maintaining strong relationships.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely to senior management and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to staying updated on advancements in surgical instrumentation and related technologies.
• Willingness to share knowledge and provide training to operating theatre staff.
• Proactive attitude towards personal and professional development.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

North Bristol NHS Trust

Address

Southmead Hospital

Southmead Road

Bristol

BS10 5NB

Employer's website

https://www.nbt.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)