Healthcare Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core

• Promotes a professional, welcoming, caring environment.
• Uses initiative in planning daily and weekly routines.
• Works under the supervision of the Registered Theatre Practitioners.
• Ensures that informed consent is obtained before the commencement of any treatment.
• Is responsible for maintaining accurate, timely and complete records whilst ensuring the safety and confidentiality of the information.
• Escorts and supports patients during the perioperative period.
• Supports patients undergoing local anaesthetic procedures.
• Meets the patients hygiene needs where appropriate/ as required.
• Ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the theatre and department is maintained, adhering to infection prevention and control policies and procedures.

Care of theEnvironment

• Assist in the maintenance of a clean and tidy environment within the operating department, including the cleaning of assorted equipment, before during and after the operating lists.
• Preparation of all aspects of the environment to include equipment and sets etc; ensuring that safety checks are carried out as required under the direction of the registered practitioner.
• To contribute to and work within a safe working environment in accordance with Trust Governance and Health and Safety Policies.
• Report accidents/ incident/ near misses as per Trust Policy to the Theatre Coordinator/ Team Leader.

Clinical

• To perform as a safe, competent clinical member of the theatre team and provide care for the perioperative patient under direction and supervision of a registered practitioner.
• To prepare the operating theatre prior to and following operative procedures ensuring correct equipment available and in working order, notifying the registered practitioner if any problems are identified.
• To assist the scrub practitioner in the preparation and replenishment of sterile trollies using aseptic technique.
• To participate in the WHO 5 Steps to Safer Surgery in accordance with the departmental Policy and procedure.
• To participate in the swab, needle and instrument counts under direction of the scrub practitioner and in accordance to departmental procedure.
• To participate in the safe moving and handling of patients, and equipment in accordance with Health and Safety Regulations and Trust and departmental policy and procedure.
• To transport patients and goods between wards and departments.
• To assist the registered practitioner in providing direct and indirect patient care i.e. application and removal of the diathermy plate and anti-embolism garments.
• Position the operating light to the surgeons requirement.
• To safely process any specimens from procedures requiring investigation under the supervision of a registered practitioner and in accordance with Trust policy and departmental procedure.
• To maintain clear and accurate documentation under the supervision of the registered practitioner.
• To comply with existing IT systems (Theatreman) for accurate collation under the supervision of the registered practitioner.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately with all members of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Always maintain respect, and patient confidentiality and dignity.
• To participate in the operating department out of hours and on call rota as required.
• At all times appropriately use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available for personal use.
• Be aware of the procedure to be followed in the event of Fire, Cardiac Arrest or other emergency including the Major Incident Policy.
• To perform other duties as reasonably required to assist in the smooth running of the operating department.
• Dispose of clinical waste into correct receptacles.
• To be responsible for your self development of skills and competencies through participation in training, eLearning and development activities.
• To develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues.
• To develop and maintain a broad understanding of the operating department and Trust as a whole, and actively contribute your ideas for the improvement of the service provision.

The list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive, but indicates the main areas of work and may be subject to change after consultation with the postholder to meet the changing needs of the service.

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Kindness and compassion.
• Good standard of verbal communication and listening skills with a patient focus.
• Tactful and diplomatic approach.
• Willingness to work under the guidance of registered practitioners.

Other Factors

Essential

• Good attendance record.
• Commitment and flexibility to the post.
• Motivated.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the post.

Organisational Skills

Essential

• Ability to meet contractual obligations e.g. shift patterns.
• Good standard of written communication skills.
• Fitness to fulfil role.
• Flexible.
• Ability to work within a team.
• Mature attitude.

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ or City & Guilds Level 2 in Health and Social Care/ Health Care Assistant or other health related subject.

Desirable

• Experience of working in an operating theatre.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a Health Care Assistant role in a healthcare setting.
• Excellent verbal / non-verbal communication skills, organisational skills.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibilities.

Desirable

• Understanding of confidentiality.
• Understanding of privacy and dignity.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Closing Date: 21 May 2023