Job responsibilities
ROLE SUMMARY
To provide support throughout the full theatre pathway, assisting patients and the theatre team to
ensure a safe and successful patient journey. The role holder will undertake training on diagnostic
tests and will be enrolled into Newmedicas robust Theatre Assistant Programme. This programme
includes training on the theatre environment, medication management, patient admission and
discharge, and, communication and reporting. Once training is completed, this will feed directly into
the Scrub Program which offers a great pathway of progression for those wanting to develop their
clinical knowledge and skills, with the opportunity to become an Operating Theatre Assistant once
completed.
The Healthcare Assistant will work across all Newmedica Bristol locations, and will be a 40-hour
week, including weekend work on a rota basis.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Theatre role involves direct patient care as well as working will the full multidisciplinary
Ophthalmology theatre team. There will be a key focus on training, and developing the role holder
to enable them to provide a safe and standardised service. Main duties encompass:
Training
As part of the Theatre Support Team, you play a vital role in our services, providing top quality care
and support to our patients. Members of this valuable team are often amongst the first contact the
patient has within our services and our training is designed to give you the knowledge and
confidence to perform at your absolute best, every time. The Clinical Learning and Development team have a continuous program of design and review for
the Ophthalmology training modules we offer which includes an Operating Theatre Assistant (OTA)
training programme and in addition, alongside our training programs, we also have a range of short
training modules to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Additional training will be provided in administration of the electronic patient record (EPR/CPM) and
patient documents including pathways and associated theatre documentation. Training will also be
provided in diagnostic testing for cataracts to give the role holder a robust view of the services, and
enable to fully support our theatre team.
Once training has been successfully completed, there will be an opportunity for you to undertake
the scrub programme. This offers a great pathway of progression for those wanting to develop their
clinical knowledge and skills, leading to the role of Operating Theatre Assistant once completed.
Theatre training Supporting the scrub nurse in all necessary duties
Working with patients to ensure that all information is correct and up to date pre-theatre,
including noting any relevant past medical history.
Checking patients suitability and fitness for surgery using appropriate questionnaires.
Reviewing as required with the surgical team.
Administration of eye drops.
Preparing patents for theatre in a personal way, supporting individual needs including
anxiety, mobility and communication.
Assisting with the preparation of consumables and equipment for the surgical list.
Preparing the theatre and medical devices, e.g. microscope
Opening theatre packs and lens implants as required
Assisting with gowning and gloving.
Helping to position the patient ready for surgery to ensure comfort.
Support of the surgical checklist, and assisting the surgeon to check biometry.
Assisting with patient monitoring as required.
Ensuring that a sterile surgical field is maintained throughout.
Ensuring that the correct process is followed with the handling of any pathology.
Assisting patients to the discharge lounge.
Cleaning down and disinfecting theatre.
Assisting the scrub nurse with prepping for the next patient.
Discharge and Post-Surgery training
Providing patients with post-operative refreshments.
Providing post-operative advice on topics including medication, infection control and any
restrictions that patients need to be aware of.
Assess the patients suitability for discharge and ensure that all discharge documentation is
complete.
Carry out post operative calls to reassure and assess patients following their procedure as
required.
General Duties
Ensure a high level of confidentiality at all times.
Clear, accurate record keeping, including the utilisation of relevant systems.
Treatment of all patients with dignity and respect.
Maintenance of infection prevention control.
Escalation of any issues or concerns to the registered nurse, in a timely and accurate way.
Other general duties as may be required from time to time.
THE INDIVIDUAL
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATION
Minimum of GCSE, or equivalent, in Maths and English
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
A passion for healthcare and supporting patients.
An excellent grasp of the English language, both verbally and in written format.
Proven administrative skills and the enjoyment of the routine and rhythm of a process
driven and regulated environment.
A competent user of computer systems and programs.
Committed to deliver consistently high standards of care to patients.
A good team player happy to jump in and support others when required.
The desire for, and commitment to, continuous professional development.
Previous experience in a healthcare or surgical environment is an advantage.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION COMMON TO ALL ROLES
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Actively promote and market Newmedica and present a positive image of the Company and
its activities both within and outside the Healthcare environment.
Ensure the quality standards and performance measures applying to the work of the section
are met and facilitate continuous improvements in all aspects of the post
.
Undergo any self-development and training as necessary for success in the role and provide
support and development for others where appropriate.
Carry out any duties at all times in accordance with the Companys policies including Equality
and Diversity and Health and Safety.
Promote by positive example both internally and externally, the purpose and vision of
Newmedica.
Undertake all responsibilities in adherence with Newmedica Policies and Protocols for
Infection, Prevention and Control.
Undertake any other responsibilities commensurate with the grade of the post, which the
principal or their senior management representative may from time to time require.
STATUS OF THIS DOCUMENT
This job description is a guide to the work that you will initially be required to undertake.
It may be changed from time to time, in consultation with you, to meet changing
circumstances.
It does not form part of your contract of employment.
CRIMINAL RECORDS DECLARATION
Newmedica is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and we will ask applicants
to disclose details of convictions, irrespective of whether they are spent or not.
SAFEGUARDING
It is the responsibility of all Newmedica employees and contractors to fully comply with
Newmedica safeguarding policies and procedures.
Individuals must ensure that they understand their role in protecting adults and children
that may be at risk of abuse.
