Healthcare Support Worker

Working in the operating theatres is a challenging and rewarding role where the Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) is an essential part of the multidisciplinary team. HCSWs in the operating theatres support other members of the team, such as scrub practitioners, operating department practitioners (ODP), surgeons and anaesthetists. You will be working in state-of-the-art operating theatres and will participate in providing a range of pioneering surgery. Although you will be working in a technical environment, good patient care is of utmost importance and you will be directly involved in the care of the patient whilst they are undergoing their operation.
- Some education pathways will require a training wage whilst you study, however upon completion of your qualification, the fully qualified salary will be paid. If you already hold the relevant qualification/ experience for this post, you will move straight to a fully qualified post salary.

**Your tasks will include**:

- Communicating with the whole theatre team including participating in team safety briefs
- Ensuring good infection control procedures are being followed
- Preparing the theatre before procedures, cleaning the theatres between procedures and at the end of the day
- Understanding the equipment that is being used and being able to position and check it correctly
- Collecting and instruments checking disposable items with a registered practitioner that will be used during surgery
- Assisting the scrub practitioner to prepare the instruments ready for surgery including taking part in essential safety checks
- Helping with the safe collection of clinical specimens
- Assisting with patient documentation
- Participating in all aspects of the patient’s care such as correctly positioning them for surgery, maintaining their privacy and dignity, keeping them warm and safe during surgery
- Sitting and talking with patients who are undergoing procedures under local anaesthetic as a way of supporting and reassuring them
- Helping ensure that patient safety is at the heart of all we do in theatres

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class experience for everyone who uses our services.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
- Deliver clinical and therapeutic care to patients as required within set protocols/policies and within the scope of the Health Care Support Worker remit.
- Participate in patient assessment (with direct supervision and after appropriate delegation from the Registered Practitioner/Assistant Practitioner), to deliver high standards of care.
- Perform area specific clinical competencies to enhance the delivery of patient care/therapy.
- Under supervision follow individual care treatment plans, and report any changes immediately

to the Registered Practitioner/Assistant Practitioner.
- Work effectively as part of a team.
- Maintain effective communication with patients, relatives and members of the Multidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a variety of communication skills in accordance with the patient group.
- Contribute to clear concise patient records and documentation adhering to national standards and trust policies and procedures.
- Obtain consent prior to giving care/therapy in accordance with Trust Consent Policy.
- Provide information to other members of the Multi-disciplinary team on the care/therapy provided.
- Undertake transfer/escort of patients from one area to another after appropriate delegation from the Registered Practitioner within their scope of practice.
- Provide clinical care/therapy in accordance with infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
- Promote Health Education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.
- Initiate and participate with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation procedures.

Environment Support
- Ensure clinical area is prepared and maintained as appropriate to individual patient needs.
- Maintain the work environment in line with Trust Infection prevention and Health and Safety policies.
- Identify requirements for and availability of equipment stores, CSSD as appropriate for patients clinical care/ therapy.
- Identify and take