Clinical Support Assistant Post Anaesthetic Care Unit

Job overview

This advert is for a clinical support assistant in the post anaesthetic care unit/recovery and theatre patient reception at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan.

Previous applicants need not apply.

To be eligible for this post you must meet the job specification, having an NVQ level 3 in healthcare. You must be already working towards a level 3 diploma in perioperative  care or willing to work towards it, and you will ideally have  theatre experience.  You will be enthusiastic, dynamic, motivated and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  The post will involve a working pattern of Monday to Friday with shifts ranging start and finish times of 08:00 - 20:45.

We are the acute site providing a 24-hour emergency service for both adult and paediatric patients. We have seven main theatres covering specialities such as laparoscopic surgery, ENT, urology, gynaecology, orthopaedic trauma, emergencies, general surgery and obstetrics.

This post involves face to face contact with patients. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the post holder may come in to contact with people who have COVID-19.

Main duties of the job

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are an innovative and forward thinking organisation. We are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care.

You will be working as part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, being part of a multi-disciplinary team. You will take direction from registered practitioners in supporting face to face patient care both before surgery and after surgery.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Have proficient attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS and Trust values.
• Work as part of a designated clinical team providing care that focuses on the needs of the individual.
• Support moving and handling, correct patient positioning, and assess pressure areas and skin integrity.
• At the direction of the Registered PACU Practitioner / medical staff, participate fully in the delivery of planned nursing care, applying and evaluating agreed clinical skills to ensure a seamless patient journey through the operating department.
• Participate in the assessment of health care needs through the completion and interpretation of assessment tools and PARS documentation.
• Work collaboratively with others in the clinical area/PACU to ensure that patients’ needs are met and contribute to effective lines of communication between medical, nursing, and administrative staff.
• Independently undertake 12 lead ECGs.
• Perform bladder scans and escalate appropriately.
• Independently record and interpret vital signs and other clinical observations and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
• Undertake transfer and escort of patients with a registered practitioner.
• Assist in receiving and providing handover, demonstrating clear effective communication.
• Contribute to the development of services and ensure the effective and efficient use of resources.