Theatre Support Worker

The post holder will work as a member of the theatre team, providing valuable assistance to the surgical team, directly contributing to the safe and efficient care of patients within the operating theatres.

They will participate in delivering a high standard of care, ensuring patient privacy and dignity and an excellent patient experience.

This post is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route (formerly Tier 2) or Health and Care Worker visa. Therefore, only candidates who can demonstrate their right to work in the UK without sponsorship will be considered

To provide a high standard of care as set out in Theatre Standards and Trust guidelines.

To participate in the safe movement and handling of patients within the operating department, and between other departments within the Trust.

Undertake the duties of "runner" in theatre.

Maintain patient privacy and dignity at all times.

Assist in governance procedures to ensure patient safety. This will include:

Checking patients in to the department

Swab, sharps and instrument checks

Checking of consent for surgery

Participating in a range of safety checks

Participating in all departmental audits

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values

Compassion

Accountability

Respect

Integrity

Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.

We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.

The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.

We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Participate in the preparation of the operating theatre, including organisation of sets, consumables and equipment.

Ensure adequate supplies of consumables are available for each list.

Provide support and reassurance to all patients undergoing regional or local anaesthesia.

Safe and sensitive escorting of patients, relatives and carers.

Help maintain high standards of cleanliness expected within a surgical environment.

Participate in stock control/rotation and order. Restocking of theatres and other adjoining areas as required.

Assist with the maintenance of equipment and report any faults to senior members of staff.

Carry out errands when requested.

Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

At no time will a clinical procedure be carried out until clinical instruction has been received and competence has been demonstrated by collection of supporting evidence and underpinning knowledge, adhering to the HCA code of conduct.

This job description is not a rigid/inflexible document but acts to provide the post holder with guidance as to the expectations of the role. Whilst in post, these expectations may change in order to meet service needs.

Communication

Recognise and maintain confidentiality of information relating to patients/clients and their records.

Maintain accurate documentation of any clinical notes or IT systems used in theatre.

Ensure clarity in communicating with patients, relatives and carers as well as other team members. Answer questions within the sphere of one's own knowledge.

Answer the telephone on a clear, friendly, helpful and professional manner. Take any messages accurately and refer to a registered nurse/midwife as necessary.

Demonstrate a caring approach to patients/clients, their families and visitors and to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

To attend and participate in departmental meetings, helping to implement change as required.

Leadership

Lead by example with drive and enthusiasm, responding appropriately to the needs of patients, families and carers.

People/Management Excellence

Have the ability and knowledge to competently deal with an emergency situation.

Manage his/her time effectively and perform allocated tasks within a reasonable time frame, knowing when to seek support, assistance and advice from other team members.

Assist in the maintenance of ward/department equipment and stock levels, e.g. equipment, linen, catering supplies, sterile services, consumables etc.