Theatre Healthcare Support Worker, Band 3

Job overview

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and dynamic team member to join our theatre teams within Gloucestershire Hospitals

This is an exciting opportunity to prove yourself by becoming an integral part of Gloucestershire Hospitals Theatre team

We provide a 24 hour service, covering all surgical specialties. Previous experience desirable however a full, robust package of training will be provided as well as an allocated team of mentors, to ensure competence in the new role is obtained.  Designated practice development to support induction and ongoing training.  We offer supported development pathways as well as link roles within our department.  This is an exciting opportunity to develop new skills within our surgical division.

Main duties of the job

- Performing in a circulating role within the theatre environment

- Ability to work where the work pattern may be unpredictable e.g. prioritising patient demands and unexpected changes to theatre operating lists and location

- Ability to work a flexible shift pattern covering a 24 hour service, including night shifts, weekends and bank holidays

- Maintaining a sterile environment

- Ensuring appropriate documentation is complete

- Checking of equipment prior to surgery following appropriate training

- Safe transfer of patients, in line with training and manual handling

- Restocking of theatre supplies relevant to speciality

- Use of specialist equipment relevant to emergency surgery and all related areas.

- Handling and Delivery of specimens.

- Maintenance and ordering of stock where appropriate

- Contribution to appropriate infection & prevention control

- Handling of Speciality related refuse

- Use of all related IT systems

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties & Responsibilities of the Post

- The post holder, under supervision, will assist the multidisciplinary team in delivering individualised planned patient care in a safe and healthy environment which promotes equality for all individuals

- Active participation in the preparation of theatres and assisting the scrub practitioner in the preparation of sterile surgical equipment

- Ability to interact with people at all levels and work effectively as a team member.

- To communicate effectively, especially where patient ability to do so is compromised and there are barriers to understanding e.g. hearing difficulties, using tact and re-assurance

- To contribute to safe and timely patient transfer process

- Under guidance, deliver safe patient care within a challenging and changing clinical environment, using equipment and resources safely and as appropriate

- Take an active role in theatre decontamination in line with infection control policies

- Discretion and understanding of confidentiality and data protection

- Understand and adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures

- Provide advice and guidance within own sphere of knowledge to students and other team members

- To contribute to safe and timely patient transfer process within and out of theatres

- To contribute to theatre efficiency through active engagement in the movement and delivery of equipment and stock as required

- Active participation in any theatre cleaning between cases and at the end of the day as required

- Ability to get on well with people at all levels and work effectively as a team member.  Organise own day to day work tasks and activities

- After suitable training be able to respond to change in the patient’s signs and condition, especially when on patient transfer duties

- Ability to respond and adapt to changes within an emergency situation

- Working within the multidisciplinary team supporting the delivery of assessed and evaluated programmes of care

- To undertake additional, delegated clinical responsibilities as required

- Occasionally the job holder may be exposed to distressing or emotional circumstances

- Willingness to take on specialist link roles relevant to theatres

- Willingness to be involved in the development and training of new starters once competent and confident in the role of a HCSW within a theatre team.

Most Challenging Part of the Job

- Ability to adapt to a challenging specialist environment

- Ability to work effectively, working under pressure

- Occasionally dealing with difficult people and situations

Physical Effort and Working Conditions

- Will be required to work within the recognised Manual Handling Guidelines

- May be expected to frequently manoeuvre patients/objects over 15kg for short periods of time

- Will have possible exposure to unpleasant working conditions and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to bodily fluids, Infection Control and COSHH regulations

- Ability to work where the work pattern may be unpredictable e.g. prioritising patient demands and unexpected changes to theatre operating lists

- Will be required to work flexibly including weekends and evenings on a rostered basis