Job Title: Theatre Practitioner/Surgical First Assistant
Department: Theatre
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Includes evening and weekend working)
Salary: £49,223 per annum
Responsible to: Theatre Manager
Job Summary
The post holder will assess, plan, implement and evaluate perioperative care and ensure high levels of quality, patient dignity and the safe progression of surgical lists. The successful postholder will be prepared to work as both as Theatre Practitioner and Surgical First Assistant as required.
As a member of the Theatre team the post holder will ensure that all tasks, checks and procedures are carried out in line with national and professional standards, as well as organisational policies.
When required to perform duties as an SFA, the postholder will provide continuous competent and dedicated assistance under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon throughout the procedure, while not performing any form of surgical intervention.
Key Responsibilities
• In partnership with other professionals provide excellent patient care. This process should include relevant assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care in accordance with the Hospital & Departmental policies.
• Ensure high standards of infection control, aseptic technique and overall cleanliness within practices and the department.
• Ensure that theatre documentation is highly accurate and maintained to high standard (including electronic records).
• Participate in the collection of audit data as required and use findings to contribute to the improvement of patient care.
• Set goals and benchmark standards of care within their area, collaborating with other members of the theatre team to ensure the patient’s needs are met to a consistently high standard.
• Identify and report clinical risks and report to the departmental manager so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the Hospital risk management policy.
• To take part in the out of hours theatre on call rota.
Responsibilities specific to the SFA role:
• Improving communication between theatre, patient and ward.
• Involvement in the team completion of the WHO surgical safety checklist for all surgical interventions.
• Male and female urethral catheterisation.
• Assistance with patient positioning, including tissue viability assessment.
• Skin preparation prior to surgery and draping.
• Handling of tissues and manipulation of organs for exposure or access under direct observation of the operating surgeon.
Person Specification
The following specification represents the range of skills, abilities, and experiences etc. relevant to the position. Applicants are expected to meet the attributes that have been identified as essential.
Essential
Degree/ Diploma in Nursing or Operating Department Practice
Registration with the NMC or HCPC
Successful completion of a nationally recognised programme of study i.e. a University accredited training programme or in-house training package supported by the AfPP SFA Competency Toolkit.
2 years post-registration experience as a scrub practitioner, across a range of surgical specialities.
Aptitude for clinical and operative practice.
Communication and relationship skills.
Has the ability to evaluate own strengths and development needs and seek advice where appropriate.
The closing date for receipt of applications is the 25th February 2025.
We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to the advertised closing date, if a large number of suitable applications are received. We encourage early applications to ensure consideration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.