Job summary
The opportunity to join this dynamic team has arisen at Maidstone Hospital Theatres for enthusiastic Senior Practitioners. The successful candidates will be responsible for working across our Theatre Departments.
Possession of excellent communication skills and being able to adapt to any situation is essential. You must be prepared to teach others your invaluable skills and you will have the ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team whilst being a role model to others. Mentorship is desirable. Aiding the running of the theatres on a day to day basis, ensuring optimum utilisation within the theatre and ensuring a high standard of care is given is an essential part of the role. Deputising in the absence of Lead Practitioners will also be a part of the role.
The post will also requires working late shifts (until 20:00), and perform weekday/weekend on calls from home.
Main duties of the job
We have four theatres in our Main Theatre department, two theatres in Short Stay, two Ophthalmology theatres, one Orthopaedic and one Oncology theatre. We also visit outside areas like Cardio Cath Lab, Pain Clinic and the CT scanner to assist our colleagues in other departments.
The role of Senior Theatre Practitioner (mainly Ophthalmic and Day case surgery) will involve1. Developing and changing operating practices in line with current protocols.
2. Responsibility for the maintenance of equipment and ordering of specialised stock within the budget
3. Liaising with the Lead Practitioner and the multi-disciplinary team members in monitoring and maintaining policies, and standards of care, completing risk assessments and staff development as part of the theatre Responsibility for the assessment of care needs. Develop, implement and evaluate change as In providing specialist care and/or support and deputise for the Lead Practitioner/ Clinical Coordinator in the management of the clinical area. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action in emergency and unforeseen situations.
6. Knowledge and skills in Ophthalmic surgeries and day-case surgeries
About us
MTW is a large acute hospital trust in the south-east of England.
We provide a full range of general hospital services and some aspects of specialist and complex care to around 600,000 people living in west Kent and East Sussex. We have a team of over 8,000 full and part-time staff. We also provide specialist cancer services to around 2 million people across Kent and East Sussex via the Kent Oncology Centre.
In the 2024 NHS staff survey, our employees ranked MTW among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and the second-best Trust to work for in the South East.
Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Once your pre-employment checks have been completed you will be contacted by Recruitment to arrange your start date which will be in line with one of our Corporate Inductions.
Following your Corporate Induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work.
We support our staff with disabilities to ensure they have the adjustments they need to be the best they can be in the workplace. Collaborating with Access to Work means that our staff are assessed by experts in the workplace and we ensure that their recommendations are implemented as quickly as possible. You can find out more here: Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - (
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. RN Part 1 or 2, ODP NVQ level 3 Diploma/Degree Or ODP Level III, evidence of CPD
Desirable
2. First assistance course
3. Leadership Course
4. Degree/Masters
Experience
Essential
5. Post registration experience
6. Change Management
7. Managing clinical area as delegated
8. Demonstrate evidence based practice
9. Facilitation of learning environment
10. Risk Management
11. Audit
12. Clinical Governance
Desirable
13. Evidence of involvement in change resulting from research
14. Budgetary Control
Skills
Essential
15. Specialist clinical Knowledge & skills
16. Ability to work within the multidisciplinary team
17. Effective & concise communication skills demonstrated
18. Team leadership skills
19. Basic computer skills
20. Ability to prioritise
21. Organisational & resource management skills