Theatre Support Worker

We are looking for cheerful and friendly individuals to join our Team of Theatre Support Workers within the operating theatres at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The post holder will be accountable and responsible for providing a high standard of patient focused individualised care, with an evidenced based practice focus.

They will be expected to carry out aspects of patient care with supervision.

They will be able to communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team and contribute to the effective running of the theatre / department. Utilising the principles of the national framework and local strategy of Clinical Governance and other national initiatives, they will participate in action on improvements in patient care.

Under the supervision of a Theatre Nurse, the Theatre Support Worker will provide perioperative care and support to all patients in the theatre department or associated areas with the appropriate training and mínimal supervision of the qualified nursing staff.

The Theatre Support Worker will ensure that the clinical environment and associated areas are kept clean, tidy, stocked and safe, in accordance with health and safety policies.

The Theatre Support Worker will contribute to the smooth running of the department.

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:
Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development

Widening access (anchor institution) and employability

Improving the experience of staff with disability

Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development

Making equalities mainstream

To answer the telephone, deal politely and appropriately with all callers and transmit messages accurately to colleagues.

Safe transfer of patients between theatres and wards / departments.

Safe transfer of patients using theatre transfer systems and manual handling aides, with appropriate help from other clinical staff.

Assist theatre nurses and surgeons to position patients appropriately according to the needs of the patients’ condition and the surgical anaesthetic procedures.

To maintain a safe environment by ensuring own knowledge of equipment and adhering to manufacturer’s guidelines.

To maintain a safe environment by adhering to standard precautions to ensure infection control and donning of PPE.

Responsible for collecting, testing and preparing appropriate theatre equipment, ensuring that they are in good working order prior to procedure. e.g. electro-surgical Unit, suction machines and camera systems.

Responsible for maintaining theatre equipment in good working order and to prepare faulty equipment as per Local and Trust Policy when sending out equipment for repair.

Responsible for preparing and safely assembling theatre tables for specific procedures, following manufacturers’ instructions.

Assist nurses/practitioners to open sterile packs and supply instruments to scrub nurse, safe connection of medical equipment and power supply.

Assist nurses/practitioners to collect and to label specimens following local and Trust policy.

To disconnect, and to carry out cleaning and disinfection of contaminated theatre tables/trolleys and all medical equipment after surgery and to safely transfer the equipment's to the storage area.

Safe and effective cleaning of surfaces and floors as per guidelines.

To report all complaints, incidents or accidents to the qualified nurse/practitioner, sister/charge nurse, Theatre Service Manager as appropriate.

Assist the nurses/practitioners to give appropriate and sensitive care for patients and their relatives at all times.

To assist medical and nursing staff during emergency patient care.