Job overview
We are recruiting Healthcare Assistants and Support Workers to join our supportive and dedicated Operating Theatre Teams.
Our Theatre Support Workers are core members of the Peri-operative Team across all areas of operating theatres and recovery.
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) is one of the leading specialist orthopaedic hospitals in the country, with some of the highest levels of staff and patient satisfaction, as well as a strong reputation for innovation. We work together as a team of over 1,600 expert members of staff to make a difference for our patients and their families.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker Sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Job seekers should be aware that not all roles will be eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Main duties of the job
Whether you are already an experienced healthcare assistant in a hospital setting, working in a caring role in a nursing home or domiciliary care or new to a caring role, we believe we have a fulfilling role here with RJAH, where you will be supported to develop you skills and be integral to providing excellent patient care
For those new to care or new to NHS care, we have a comprehensive induction programme that will fully prepare you for the role and the opportunity for development. We will offer you genuine commitment to your work/life balance and have the flexibility to find you a role with the number of hours that work for you. There will be support to complete Level 2 diploma in clinical health care support and If you are looking to develop your career, we have several routes available such as Nurse Associate training.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Pre–operative Phase
The Theatre Support Worker will assist the Registered Theatre Practitioners in the maintenance of the clinical environment and in the support of theatre efficiency by:
- Assist the clinical teams with preparation of the clinical environment.
- Responsible for the safe collection and escort of preoperative patient from the ward/same day admission unit following completion of appropriate competencies, ensuring patient details are correct, relevant checks undertaken and all relevant documentation is correct and present.
- Act as an escort in anaesthetic room, ensuring accuracy of handover to theatre team.
- Carry out, as delegated, the decontamination of the environment and equipment in accordance with Trust protocols and National policies.
- Ensure that patient trolleys are appropriately equipped and safe for patient transportation, reporting any defective trolleys to appropriate Theatre Practitioners.
- Assist in the safe transferring and movement of patients throughout the unit, and between departments, ensuring that the necessary documents and notes accompany the patient.
- Act as a patient escort between perioperative areas and clinical departments.
- Re stock clinical areas as required, ensuring that items are stored correctly. Remove any damaged items and report to the Registered Theatre Practitioners.
Intra–operative Phase
The Theatre Support Worker will assist the clinical team in the maintenance of patient safety within the clinical environment and in the support of theatre efficiency by:
- Participating as an integral member of the team and carrying out delegated duties under the guidance and supervision of the Registered Theatre Practitioners.
- Working as part of the wider multidisciplinary team for the benefit of the patient, recognising and respecting each member of the teams’ role and contribution.
- Support the clinical team to turnaround the Theatre between patients/cases so ensuring patient flow is maintained and efficiency increased.
- Report appropriately any deficits, breakages, and faulty equipment or sterility problems to a registered practitioner.
- Assist in the positioning of patients and transfer of patients pre and post surgery using safe manual handling techniques.
- Assist with any other delegated task within limitations of training and assessed competence.
General Duties
- Undertake tasks and roles associated with the transportation of SSD, consumables, and equipment within Theatre environment and throughout Trust as required.
- Act as a messenger and assist with the transportation of equipment and materials to the appropriate department in a safe and efficient manner, ensuring that all necessary documentation is completed in accordance with Trust requirements.
- Support turnaround of recovery between patients to increase patient flow and maximise efficiency within this environment.
- Re stock department as required, ensuring that items are stored correctly. Remove any damaged items and report to the Registered Theatre Practitioners.
- Carry out, as delegated, the decontamination of the environment and equipment in accordance with Trust protocols and National policies.
- Provide daily maintenance and cleaning checks on patient trolleys.
- Transportation of medical gases as required and in line with Trust guidance.
- Change O2/CO2 cylinders, check levels and replace as required.
- Correct handling and disposal of sharps containers.
- Movement of clinical waste within department and to designated areas outside theatres.
- Transport of specimens ensuring appropriate documentation completed.
- Collection of loaned equipment from wards on daily basis.