Surgical Care Practitioner

Job overview

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.

The SCP role at the Royal Brompton Hospital is driven to maximising the potential of SCPs. If you are seeking a rewarding, interesting and challenging role, within a friendly working environment; and for further information or to arrange an informal visit,  please contact Lead Surgical Care Practitioner Gianluca Adinolfi via email or via RBH switch board Bleep 1372

Main duties of the job

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.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Duties and 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 drapingSkin incision and dissection of chest wall tissues using surgical instruments and a high degree of manual dexterity Suturing of all surgical wounds Applying dressings to wounds Rigid and flexible bronchoscope Supervised by consultant surgeon Use of harmonic scalpels, diathermy for dissection and haemostasisSpecific thoracic procedures both open and via VATSSurgical haemostasis and insertion of drainsAppropriate use of local anaesthetic and PV block To act as first or second assistant under the direction of the consultant surgeon for thoracic procedures, including: tissue retraction, applying suction, diathermy, maintaining clear field of surgical vision and assisting surgeons and monitoring patient’s vital signs To assist with the closure of soft tissue sternal and chest wounds with emphasis on elimination the risks of infection

Post-operative

To participate in the postoperative assessments of the patients with particular attention to wound assessment and the prevention of infection in surgical wounds identification of surgical routine problems/complications and treat accordingly identification of acute deterioration of patients and reporting to senior colleagues Chest drain removal Identification and assessment of patients with complex discharge planning needs Assessment of post-operative pain and appropriate referral To assist in the postoperative education of patients undergoing thoracic surgery where appropriate To ensure that all staff identify and act upon psychosocial, psychological and physiological problems of patients, utilising specialist services as appropriate and according to agreed guidelines To work closely with all multi-disciplinary teams to maintain an efficient and safe service that meets the individual needs of all patients To carry out follow up clinics unsupervised and report any abnormal finding back to a senior colleague

Professional Development

To take responsibility for own personal and professional development To act as role model and as a resource for colleagues, to enable them to develop their own knowledge and practice To develop own knowledge and practice in accordance with KSF and PDP To participate in developing training programmes for new procedures/extended roles and changes within the SCP’s practice To assist junior doctors and future trainee SCPs in developing their professional knowledge and skills and to transfer these into clinical practice To acquire new skills and techniques as cardiothoracic surgery evolves.

Management duties

To maintain effective communication systems, including dissemination of information and access to all Trust and local policies and procedures To act as a specialist practitioner and assist in the assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of standards of care To act as a resource to other members of the multi-disciplinary team providing accurate information and advice To initiate, develop and use flexible and innovative approaches where appropriate to meet the needs of the patients, including the review of relevant protocols and guidelines to ensure clinically effective and evidence-based care To assist in ensuring all patients and carers have information and health education appropriate to their needs To assist in ensuring a positive learning environment is maintained and utilise educational strategies in motivating and retaining staff

Financial and Information Management

To be aware of financial issues, ensuring that thought is given to the use of consumables and that they are used appropriately To be proactive in identifying and promoting cost savings and improving efficiency in the use of all resources To collect and store information according to clinical governance which is relevant to theatre workload.

Quality Management

To be actively involved in audit/data collection and analysis and to initiate and pursue audit projects To utilise results of audit and research to improve the quality of the service To assist in ensuring health and safety procedures relevant to the clinical areas are enforced and ensure that appropriate risk assessments are undertaken To review and maintain standards of record keeping and documentation To ensure that the principles of clinical governance and clinical risk management are integrated into patient care To ensure appropriate incident reporting, investigate incidents and take corrective actions To assist in developing a positive working environment to retain staff To assist in ensuring that all patient data is recorded accurately.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

All employees of the Trust have a Statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Employees are required to co-operate with management to enable the Trust to meet its own legal duties and to report any hazardous situations or defective equipment.

Person specification

Education & Qualification

Essential criteria

MSc Surgical Care Practice

Desirable criteria

MSc Cardiothoracic Surgical Care Practice

Knowledge

Essential criteria

Relevant Surgical Experience Continuous Professional Education

Desirable criteria

Experience in CT surgery

Skills and Ability

Essential criteria

Teaching Skills Camera Handling Surgical Skills

Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity , gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.

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