Advanced Surgical First Assistant

Clinical Practice. Deliver direct care to patients within their caseload in accordance with the trusts policies and NMC / HCPC guidelines. Practice within the parameters of the Surgical first Assistant, adhering to the NMC / HCPC codes of clinical conduct and in accordance with trust policies, guidelines and specific practice requirements identified within this job description. Maintain core and specific clinical competencies, recognising role / skill limitations identifying, additional training and education required to support continued safe practice and knowledge.

Participate in user groups, forums, and multidisciplinary team meetings weekly including specific clinical speciality meetings. Participate and engage in research-based practice. Provide a high standard of individualised care to patients and demonstrate knowledgeable clinical competence. Undertake pre-operative assessment of the patient in-order to assess and identify the patients physical, psychological, and spiritual peri-operative needs.

Report and proactively initiate the management of the patients pre-operative concerns/needs reassuring and employing anxiety management therapies to the patient if necessary. Possess advanced knowledge and understanding of stages of operative procedures, and of anatomy and physiology in-order to provide skilled anticipatory assistance to the surgeon. 2.a Core Clinical skills in practice gained from part 1 of SFA course. Mark patients for surgery in accordance with safe site surgery policy, during pre-operative visit.

Correctly and dexterously handle surgical instruments. Assist with heamostasis, cutting sutures and ties. Correctly prepare, handle, and operate endoscope camera and associated instruments. Perform urethral catheterisation of male and female patients.

Perform fixation of surgical wound drains. Correctly use and maintain specialist equipment and accurately monitor, record and interpret clinical observations. Participate in the delivery of key performance issues by reducing delayed, starts, increasing theatre utilisation and reducing unscheduled and cancelled operations. As part of the multi-disciplinary team, participate in the Who Five Steps to Safe Surgery Checklist for each patient.

2.b Speciality Clinical skills in practice. Orthopaedics. Report and proactively initiate the management of preoperative planning for the patient pathway through surgery, via bluespier, cito, liaising with CWLO and ward ACPs. Have extensive knowledge of Orthopaedic surgery including upper limb, lower limb, foot and ankle, paediatric cases, soft tissue knee surgery, arthroplasty procedures both complex, revision and associated complications of such procedures.

Perform closure of the fascia layer in Hip Arthroplasty. Perform closure of the capsule in Total Knee Replacement. Perform preparation of the Hamstring Tendon graft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Conformation of consent on the day of the procedure where previously taken in clinic by the operating surgeon.

Robotics and General surgery. Have extensive knowledge of robotic surgery and how to trouble shoot the robot and be able to maintain this specialist equipment. Intraoperative assistance with robot docking insufflation and robot monitoring / management. Insertion of laparoscopic instrument (secondary) ports.

This does not include the initial incision for the camera port. Application of laparoscopic haemo-clips (metal and polymer). Application and use of internal stapling devices. Application and activation / utilisation of thermal / energy devices to deeper tissues / structures.

Application of staples during anterior resections and right hemicolectomy. 3. Quality and Governance. lead and assist as required, with investigation of and response to complaints and datix incidents in a proactive manner meeting identified timelines as part of governance and delivery of a quality service.

Participate and lead as required, in audits, research and service / practice reviews to support and review quality service. Demonstrate and practice understanding of risk management in relation to all aspects of healthcare within scope of practice. The post holder is responsible for taking reasonable care with regard, to themselves as well as for any colleagues, patients or visitors who might be affected by any act or failure to act by the post holder in accordance with the Trusts policies on health and safety. 4.

Education and training. Participate in and achieve agreed nationally recognised and validated course(s), which will be underpinned by in-house training, validated by the local governance structure. Maintain an awareness of Surgical First Assistant national and regional initiatives via SFA refresher courses, forums and the AFPP, also NMC or HCPC dependant on registration. Maintain clinical competencies and professional educational, knowledge and skill requirements.

Participate in completion of annual appraisal and development plan with the theatre