Theatre Assistant

To provide skilled and knowledgeable support to registered staff in the perioperative care of all patients, supporting members of the multidisciplinary team including medical staff. Participate as a circulating practitioner anticipating the needs of the registered staff and gathering what is required including handling sterile packs and maintaining swab counts.

Working within a team to prepare theatres for surgical cases including testing all equipment, gathering instrumentation and consumables, reporting faults, highlighting shortages and cleaning and stocking up of the theatre daily.

The post holder will participate in all aspects of the perioperative care delivering direct patient care in a manner sensitive to the individual patient’s needs, this will involve participating in an out of hours and on call rota.

To work as a circulating person in theatre providing support and assistance to the multidisciplinary team and patients.

Have knowledge and the ability to support patient positioning for surgical procedures and understanding the specific requirement for operating table attachments.

To ensure that all theatre equipment has been checked to ensure it is safe prior to use including faults on equipment and the ability to assemble and dismantle equipment.

Participate in the aseptic technique for the correct handling, opening and presentation of sterile packs / instruments and consumables for use.

Attention to detail when completing theatre documentation.

Participate fully in the swab, needle and instrument checks ensuring all documentation is completed accordingly.

Participate in the appropriate cleaning of the theatre suite.

Take responsible during the night as a second person which includes holding the emergency phone and communicating with clinicians.

Be able to communicate with a variety of members within the MDT team and actively participate in the WHO checklist.

The theatre environment provides frequent exposure to unpleasant smells and bodily fluids.

The post holder will frequently be required to stand for long periods of time, pulling and pushing of equipment and participate in Manual handling procedures supporting the transfer and positioning of patients.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

To work as a circulating person in theatre providing support and assistance to the multidisciplinary team and patients.

Demonstrate understanding and practice of theatre infection control and prevention guidelines.

Have knowledge and the ability to support patient positioning for surgical procedures and understanding the specific requirement for operating table attachments.

To ensure that all theatre equipment has been checked to ensure it is safe prior to use including faults on equipment and the ability to assemble and dismantle equipment.

Participate in the aseptic technique for the correct handling, opening and presentation of sterile packs / instruments and consumables for use.

Attention to detail when completing theatre documentation.

Participate fully in the swab, needle and instrument checks ensuring all documentation is completed accordingly.

Assist in the receiving and handling of clinical specimens and be accountable for accurate documentation.

Participate in the appropriate cleaning of the theatre suite.

Take responsible during the night as a second person which includes holding the emergency phone and communicating with clinicians.

Be able to communicate with a variety of members within the MDT team and actively participate in the WHO checklist.

The theatre environment provides frequent exposure to unpleasant smells and bodily fluids.

The post holder will frequently be required to stand for long periods of time, pulling and pushing of equipment and participate in Manual handling procedures supporting the transfer and positioning of patients.