Theatre Assistant

Have healthcare experience and the ability to learn and adapt skills to the theatre environment and the requirements for practice that are inferred within. Demonstrate understanding and practice of infection control and prevention procedures and guidelines. Under the direction of registered practitioners develop knowledge of the surgical speciality and surgical instrument requirements, to provide support to team members including registered staff providing care. Have the ability to support patient positioning for surgical procedures under the direction of registered practitioners, understanding the specific requirement for operating table attachments and patient care.

Have the ability to support the transfer of patients and equipment throughout the department and hospital by the manoeuvring of trolleys, wheelchairs and equipment. Have knowledge of and be able to utilise theatre documentation systems to ensure the correct input of information to support both theatre operational systems and resource management. Have knowledge and understanding of trust policies applicable to operating department practice. Demonstrate good documentation practice, both written and electronic to ensure the accurate documentation of patient care.

Utilise the trust incident reporting system accurately to ensure that all incidents are reported in a timely manner for investigation. Under the direction of registered practitioners support the introduction of junior staff or those new to the department. Demonstrate the ability to establish a rapport with patients in a stressful environment providing support and care in accordance with their needs and wishes. Have an understanding of the requirements of patients with differing faiths and beliefs to support high quality perioperative care maintaining patient privacy and dignity.

Demonstrate an understanding and practice of theatre standards related to patient safety, e.g. swab count, electrosurgery, infection prevention and control, theatre etiquette. Be able to recognise poor standards of practice in others and escalate concerns to registered practitioners to maintain high quality perioperative care. Have knowledge of hazards associated with the theatre environment and equipment, support registered staff in the safe use ensuring practice is within all current trust and theatre guidelines and polices.

For full details, please see the attached job description