Job summary
This innovative role is designed to enable
multidisciplinary staff to contribute to the care of the orthopaedic / trauma
surgical patient. Following an initial training period, to complete a SFA
course, the post holder will join a team of surgical first assistants working
across the trust. The post holder will provide competent and dedicated surgical
assistance to the operating surgeon, undertaking practical procedures, within
scope of practice, as part of the surgical team under the direction and
supervision of the operating surgeon. As part of the wider surgical team, the
post holder will also liaise and work with the MDT to ensure smooth running of
the patient pathway.
Main duties of the job
Provide skilled dedicated surgical
assistance to the operating surgeon.
Perform practical procedures within scope of practice.
Be responsible for clinical risk and ensure staff are
proactive in managing risk.
Support learning opportunities for trainee surgeons.
Create and deliver teaching and
training to support staff, student development and CPD.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
We are unable to offer sponsorship for roles that do not require a professional registration, to apply you must have Right to Work in the United Kingdom. If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Job description
Job responsibilities
Maintaining a safe perioperative
environment.
Reconfirmation of consent for surgery.
Work within the HCPC, NMC code of conduct and follow
trust policies and procedures.
Develop the role of surgical first assistant to maximize
delivery of holistic patient centered care.
Practice effectively and competently (within scope of
practice) in the role of SFA whilst performing: -
Patient positioning including tissue viability
assessment.
Skin preparation and draping prior to surgery.
Handling of tissue and manipulation of organs for
exposure or access.
Nerve and deep tissue retraction.
Cutting of deep sutures and ligatures.
Assisting with haemostasis in order to secure and
maintain a clear operating field, including the use of diathermy.
Wound washing out and suction.
Camera manipulation for minimal access and arthroscopic
surgery.
Administration of local anaesthetic.
Closure of surgical wounds using sutures, clips and
glue.
Application of dressing, splints, slings and POP.
Perform practical procedures as delegated and suitably
supervised by the operating surgeon.
(This list is not intended
to be an exhaustive portfolio of practice)
Maintain and update personal clinical skills and
knowledge in areas of research, education, practice and current professional
development.
Proactively contribute to clinical governance, research
and audit activities.
Participate in the planning, implementation and review
of structured education programs for medical and non-medical staff and
students.
Teach and provide information to patients, staff,
students and relatives as appropriate.
Provide clinical expertise and advice to other staff
both within and out of the operating theatre department.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Maintaining a safe perioperative
environment.
Reconfirmation of consent for surgery.
Work within the HCPC, NMC code of conduct and follow
trust policies and procedures.
Develop the role of surgical first assistant to maximize
delivery of holistic patient centered care.
Practice effectively and competently (within scope of
practice) in the role of SFA whilst performing: -
Patient positioning including tissue viability
assessment.
Skin preparation and draping prior to surgery.
Handling of tissue and manipulation of organs for
exposure or access.
Nerve and deep tissue retraction.
Cutting of deep sutures and ligatures.
Assisting with haemostasis in order to secure and
maintain a clear operating field, including the use of diathermy.
Wound washing out and suction.
Camera manipulation for minimal access and arthroscopic
surgery.
Administration of local anaesthetic.
Closure of surgical wounds using sutures, clips and
glue.
Application of dressing, splints, slings and POP.
Perform practical procedures as delegated and suitably
supervised by the operating surgeon.
(This list is not intended
to be an exhaustive portfolio of practice)
Maintain and update personal clinical skills and
knowledge in areas of research, education, practice and current professional
development.
Proactively contribute to clinical governance, research
and audit activities.
Participate in the planning, implementation and review
of structured education programs for medical and non-medical staff and
students.
Teach and provide information to patients, staff,
students and relatives as appropriate.
Provide clinical expertise and advice to other staff
both within and out of the operating theatre department.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience.
- Experience of working within orthopaedics and trauma.
- A clear track record of changing practice to improve patient care.
- Evidence of continued CPD.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered ODP/ Nurse
- Evidence of recent post registration study
Desirable
- Level 6 Surgical First Assistant / Advanced Scrub practitioner Qualification.
- Key instruction in surgical skills (KISS) course.
Statutory Registration
Essential
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proven skills in teaching.
- Experience of multi-disciplinary working.
- Evidence of recent research / audit.
- Aptitude for clinical and operative practice
Desirable
Special Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel across trust sites
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience.
- Experience of working within orthopaedics and trauma.
- A clear track record of changing practice to improve patient care.
- Evidence of continued CPD.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered ODP/ Nurse
- Evidence of recent post registration study
Desirable
- Level 6 Surgical First Assistant / Advanced Scrub practitioner Qualification.
- Key instruction in surgical skills (KISS) course.
Statutory Registration
Essential
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proven skills in teaching.
- Experience of multi-disciplinary working.
- Evidence of recent research / audit.
- Aptitude for clinical and operative practice
Desirable
Special Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel across trust sites
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).
