Job responsibilities
As a key member of the theatre team, the post holder will provide high quality, patient focused, safe quality care for patients during the perioperative phase of care.
As a senior theatre practitioner, you will be responsible for the delivery care that helps improve the health of the individual, demonstrating compassion through effective relationships based on empathy, respect and dignity.
The post holder will ensure that professional and national standards are met, their practice is evidence-based and safe and will work to ensure with the quality, governance, and assurance of theatre service across HCA are delivered to a high standard.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical.
To work as an integral part of the clinical team to provide a high standard of patient centred care meeting the needs of patients, consultants and colleagues
Participate fully as a team member, including working in specific areas of the theatre suite, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues, to promote a cohesive team and the achievement of team objectives
Assessing, planning, delivering and evaluation of peri-operative patient care
Respecting all patients dignity, privacy, wishes and beliefs
Conduct mandatory patient safety checks including, but not limited to WHO checklist process, consent, patients identity and operative site against the supporting documentation, prior to the start of the procedure
Take appropriate actions to manage any arising complications of surgery through contingency planning.- senior skill
Apply and promote best evidence-based practice within own scope of practice
To ensure you are aware of your responsibilities, competence and skills and to work within these
Operational.
Take charge of the clinical area in the absence of an advanced practitioner ensuring patient, visitors and staff safety
Promote and ensure an environment conducive to the continuing prevention and control of infection for all staff, patients and visitors
Working with members of the Multi Disciplinary Team following company protocols and standards
Complete all documentation in a timely manner and to an acceptable level.
To participate in the on call/stand by rotas, ensuring safe and effective running of the theatre service in line with regulatory requirements and policies.
To undertake such duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the grade and the needs of the service
Communicate appropriately with others involved in the care of the patient.
Be aware of and comply with all infection prevention and control policies and ensure best practice is maintained to ensure low infection rates
Staffing and resource management.
Assemble, check and prepare the appropriate equipment, instruments, and consumables for a wide range of operative procedures.
Ensure resources are used and documented appropriately
Maintain the safe custody, handling of drugs in accordance with hospital policy
The post holder will be appraised on an annual basis and the process will include a review of the past years performance, setting of aims and objectives for the coming year and identification of education needs.
Assist with the compiling of rotas/off duties as/ when requires
Assist the theatre leaders in the Personal Development Plans of junior staff
Governance and risk.
- Ensuring appropriate measures are taken in respect of Health and Safety for patients, relatives, visitors, hospital staff and contractors
Participate in the reporting of incidents and comply with any ensuing investigations.
To assist with implementation of local and national initiatives to reduce risks within theatres.
Assist with the compiling and completion of audit data.
Education and Training.
Undertaking specific role related competencies and learning, ensuring 100% compliance of all relevant mandatory training
Undertake teaching duties and help with the development of junior members of the team.
Monitor performance of junior staff and feedback any issues to the lead practitioners.
To ensure that professional and national standards are met in accordance to the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), Health Professions Council (HPC) and HCAs Code of Conduct.
- Compliance with HCA Policies and Procedures relevant to this role, ensuring you are fully aware of your responsibilities within these policies
- Develop own competence to deliver effective care and treatments through improving clinical/technical knowledge / skill, and expertise
Additional Duties where applicable
Anaesthetics
- Assemble, check and prepare the appropriate anaesthetic equipment, emergency drugs and consumables for a wide range of operative procedures incorporating various types of anaesthesia.
- Conduct mandatory patient safety checks in conjunction with the team and according to policy, including pause prior to administration of regional anaesthesia.
- Assist the Anaesthetist throughout the perioperative phase of care.
- Assist the Anaesthetist in monitoring the patients condition throughout the procedure, taking appropriate action to manage any arising complications through contingency planning.
- Work as part of the operating team to provide safe quality care to the patient throughout the procedure.
Scrub
- Understand the professional boundaries when performing the scrubbed role and the differences between scrub and surgical first assistant.
- Complete mandatory surgical checks prior to the start of the surgical procedure, during and pre wound closure in line with policy. Ensuring that all swab, instrument and needle counts are conducted and documented.
- Act proficiently in the circulating role.
- Work as part of the operating team to provide safe quality care to the patient throughout the procedure.
Recovery
- Assemble, prepare and check the appropriate recovery equipment, consumables and drugs to ensure appropriate and safe care of the patient during immediate post-operative phase of care
- The ability to coordinate the use of supplies and additional equipment during the immediate post-operative phase of care ensuring the equipment is used appropriately and safely
- Assist the anaesthetist during the immediate post-operative phase of care as and when required
- Monitor the patients condition throughout the phase of care, taking appropriate action to manage any arising complications through contingency planning
- Proactively monitor the patients level of discomfort/pain and take appropriate action to ensure the patient is comfortable.
