Anaesthetic Clinical Lead Practitioner

Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, motivated and innovative individual, with substantial clinical experience in anaesthetics, to support and join our theatre team at The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals.This exciting new role of the Anaesthetic Clinical Lead Practitioner is fundamental in ensuring safe and effective patient centred care is delivered within the perioperative environment.This pivotal leadership role consists of mentoring and supporting the anaesthetic workforce working in the perioperative environment.Supporting the theatre managers across all 3 sites, the successful candidate will have the ability to ensure that anaesthetic theatre staff have the requisite skils to provide high quality sae care, adhering to the highest standards of governance and clinical effectiveness.You will be responsible for the training, development and safe co-ordination of the Operating Department Practitioners, Anaesthetic Nurses and students working in the perioperative environment.Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, you will create a positive culture and promote an environment of continuous learning and improvement.This new role will be an excellent opportunity for you to develop your management skills and experience within our Trust.This position is 50/50, performing the necessary management tasks in addition to working clinically.
Main duties of the job Leadership and Management: Oversee the anaesthetic service, working collaboratively with theatre managers and co-ordinators, ensuring effective coordination of resources and staff to meet the demands of theatre operating lists.Clinical Excellence: Provide optimum anaesthetic care, upholding high standards in patient safety, care pathways, and evidence-based clinical practice in line with national and local trust policies and procedures.Team Development: Mentor and support Operating Department Practitioners, Anaesthetic nurses and trainees in this discipline, fostering a culture of continuous professional development and learning.Service Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance and develop anaesthetic services, working closely with the surgical multidisciplinary teams and theatre managers to improve efficiency, safety, and patient outcomes.Governance and Compliance: Ensure adherence to clinical governance, NHS and local policies and regulatory standards.Collaboration: Act as a liaison between the multidisciplinary team to facilitate communication, problem-solving, and seamless patient care.
About us We are an acute trust caring for over half a million people in Wakefield and Kirklees.
Our 10,000 staff work in patients homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield).
We prioritise our people and values so we can deliver the best possible care to patients.
Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work.We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs.
Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.Application guidance: We understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications.
While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience.
Its important that you personalise your application.
Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success.
Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form.
Job description Job responsibilities Main Duties and Responsibilities:1.
Clinical Leadership and ManagementProvide day-to-day leadership and operational management of anaesthetic services across all theatres.
(Will include cross site working to meet the needs of the service).
Help to allocate and manage staffing and resources to ensure efficient theatre utilisation and effective service delivery.
Support and guide Operating Department Practitioners, Nurses and trainees, to meet the evolving needs of the department.
Collaborate with theatre management and consultant anaesthetists to optimise patient care and theatre efficiency.
Act as a role model, demonstrating evidence-based clinical knowledge and leadership in anaesthetic practice.
To undertake non-clinical duties 50% of the time within your working week.2.
Clinical Practice and ExcellenceDeliver high-quality anaesthetic care in line with NHS guidelines, ensuring all procedures follow safe practice standards.
Monitor and evaluate clinical performance within the team to ensure adherence to national and local trust-specific standards of care.
To undertake clinical duties 50% of the time within your working week.
Advocate patient safety and quality improvement initiatives, ensuring the highest standards in patient care pathways.3.
Professional Development and EducationMentor and provide support to anaesthetic practitioners, Operating Department Practitioners, anaesthetic nurses and trainees, creating a positive learning environment.
Support the theatre managers with undertaking staff appraisals, clinical supervision, and performance management to ensure continued professional development.
Identify and facilitate learning and training opportunities, promoting evidence-based practice across the department.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, reflective practice, and professional growth within the theatre team.
Help with the delivery of training needs of individuals in the department ensuring that their competencies are up to date with the use of equipment.
Lead to deliver and drive the apprentice ODP programme.
To write and implement Trust wide and departmental policies, SOPs and guidelines that fall under the anaesthetic remit.4.
Service Improvement and InnovationLead on quality improvement projects and service development initiatives related to anaesthetic services.
Participate in audit and research activities to promote innovation and enhance anaesthetic practices.
Engage with the multidisciplinary team and clinical governance committees to support theatre objectives to improve service delivery.
Utilise current data and feedback to implement positive changes that drive efficiency and improve patient outcomes.
Identify any cost improvement within the anaesthetic department and develop and implement action plans accordingly.
Lead and participate in being a cost effective workforce and develop a workforce that appreciates the correct utilisation of resources.5.
Governance, Safety, and ComplianceEnsure full compliance with clinical governance frameworks, NHS policies, and regulatory standards ( Care Quality Commission, Health and Safety, Infection Control).
Monitor and report on incidents and risks, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation in accordance with legal and professional standards.
Lead on safety checks, audits, and assessments related to anaesthetic equipment and processes.6.
Communication and CollaborationWork collaboratively with the theatre managers, acting as a point of contact within the peri-operative environment.
Work in partnership with senior staff to set and monitor standards of care.
Facilitate effective communication across the team, ensuring all relevant information is distributed promptly and appropriately.
Develop and sustain positive working relationships with external departments to ensure seamless patient transitions and care continuity.
Attend meetings and forums with various departments such as medical physics, IPC, estates and procurement.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential Professional Registration with the HCPC as an Operating Department Practitioner or registered with the NMC as a Nurse with specialist additional training in anaesthetics.
Degree level qualification or equivalent experience.
A recognised teaching or mentorship qualification.
Desirable Masters qualification or working towards one.
Experience Essential Significant post-registration experience as a band 6 in anaesthetic care, including difficult airway management within a theatre environment.
Proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role within an acute care or theatre environment.
Demonstrated competence in delivering anaesthetic services, including managing complex cases and emergencies.
Experience of teaching students to meet their learning needs.
Desirable Previous experience in quality improvement or service development.
Experience in conducting clinical audits and implementing changes based on findings.
Skills and Abilities Essential Ability to work autonomously, problem solve and work calm under pressure.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and positively influence staff.
Personal Attributes Essential Recognition of own limitations Ability to work both on own initiative and within a team Flexible and positive approach to work Adaptable and flexible according to the demands of the service.
Understanding of need to maintain confidentiality Knowledge and awareness Essential Strong knowledge and understanding of clinical governance, NHS frameworks, health and safety standards, and theatre protocols.
Ability to lead and inspire a team, work collaboratively, and manage own workload in a high-pressure environment.
Evidence of continuous professional development.