Surgical Care Practitioner

Applications are invited for the role of a Thoracic Surgical Care Practitioner at the Royal Brompton Hospital. We carry out some of the most sophisticated treatments that are available anywhere in the world. We are looking for a motivated SCP to join an established team in the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK for 1 year fixed-term contract (Maternity Cover). An inhouse training will be delivered to enable the development of skills and competencies required in Thoracic Surgery.

**The post will provide the opportunity to**:
undertake an inhouse training program in Thoracic Surgery. The internal training program will enable the development of the skills & competencies required while performing operative procedures under the direction of Consultant Surgeons. The training program will also develop the skills required to assist in all aspects of pre, peri and post-operative care of the patient. We will support you to achieve your potential by offering you a programme of development from experienced and dedicated SCP Educators.

**Job Purpose**: under the direction and supervision of the Lead SCP and Consultant surgeon, the post holder will be able:
To undertake defined invasive procedures within thoracic theatres, utilising specialist skills and knowledge including bronchoscopy, VATS techniques, opening and closing routine thoracotomies and other routine chest incisions

To act as first or second assistant to thoracic surgeons within thoracic theatres

To participate in pre
- and post-operative care of thoracic patients, with particular attention to appropriate work up of patients, wound care, wound healing and the prevention of infection in surgical wounds

To practice advanced surgical practitioner skills for thoracic surgery patients, including direct patient care

To contribute to the training of junior medical staff and future trainee SCPs, demonstrating and supervising specialist skills and their acquisition.

Guy’s & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK’s best known hospitals - Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield - as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK’s busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.

Department Information
There are five dedicated cardiothoracic operating theatres at Royal Brompton Hospital and one unique hybrid theatre. The hybrid theatre is the largest of its kind in Europe and incorporates the most modern theatre equipment found anywhere in the UK. The advanced imaging technology, operating table and integrated computer software work together, which means operations can be planned in advance in unprecedented detail.

The new operating theatre enables doctors to carry out different procedures for a patient in the same session, rather than interventions being staged over a period of time and several hospital visits.

Specialities covered in the department include thoracic and cardiac for paediatric and adult patients.

**Responsibilities**:
Clinical responsibilities and Care Management

Pre-operative

To carry out a variety of clinics and outpatient’s activities unsupervised, in the context of the pre-operative assessment and investigations relevant to the surgical patient

To assist in the pre-operative education of patients undergoing thoracic surgery where appropriate

To assist in the preparation of patient for surgery including venepuncture, cannulation taking particular care to avoid nerve injury and maintain tissue viability

Surgical site marking and ensuring consenting of patients for routine procedures in situations where patients have already been consented by the consultant

To display and interpret X-rays, CT scans, PET scans

Peri-operative

To undertake the surgical procedures of VATS, PV blocks and catheter insertion etc

Male and female urinary catheterisation and correct positioning of the patient appropriate to the surgery to be undertake

To undertake the following specific duties unsupervised by consultant surgeon or lead SCP:
Skin preparation and draping

Skin incision and dissection of chest wall tissues using surgical instruments and a high degree of manual dexterity

Suturing of all surgical wounds

Rigid and flexible bronchoscope

Supervised by consultant surgeon

Use of harmonic scalpels, diathermy for dissection and haemostasis

Specific thoracic procedures both open and via VATS

Surgical haemostasis and insertion of drains

Appropriate use of local anaesthetic and PV block

To assist with the closure of soft tissue sternal and chest wounds with emphasis on elimination the risks of infection

Post-op