JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Health Care Assistant - Theatre
Department: Theatre
Reports to: Theatre Manager
Date: 2025

QUALIFICATIONS

• FETAC in Health Care Assistant/Support - QQI Award Level 5 (all 8 Modules) or equivalent Nursing qualification is required.

EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience of patient care in a theatre environment is desirable.
• Training will be provided.

COMPETENCIES AND KNOWLEDGE

• Ability to work efficiently under direction from nursing and on own initiative when required.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment where pushing, positioning and lifting heavy loads can be a feature of the role.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-moving clinical environment.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB

We will provide exceptional patient care in an environment where quality, respect, caring and compassion are at the centre of all we do.
The Health Care Assistant - Theatre assists the nursing staff in the delivery of individualized patient care under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse. They assist in the smooth running of the department and the provision of quality patient care.
Nursing staff will assign and oversee the work which will be undertaken by the Health Care Assistant.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

• Complete selected stock sheet daily or bi-weekly and inform Theatre Stock Controller of the stocks as required.
• Carry out other such administration duties as requested by the Manager.
• Be aware of all policies in relation to health and safety.
• The Health Care Assistant will perform other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the Theatre Manager and /or Director of Nursing. You may be transferred to other floors of the hospital as the need arises.

PATIENT DUTIES:

• When requested assist Anaesthetist and Anaesthetic Nurse to transport patient into the theatre, lock table and position patient as directed by Anaesthetist and surgeon.
• Place transporter in utility/sluice room.
• Where required assist with the holding of limbs during cleaning and draping.
• At the end of the operation, assist in returning patient to normal supine position.
• Assist with transfer of patient to bed/trolley and transfer of patient to the Recovery Room.

DUTIES OF OUTSIDE HCA:

• Prepare theatre tables/ trolleys for expected patients - Sheets/ pillow/ blanket/ step.
• Collect patient’s beds from wards as directed by registered nurse in holding bay.
• Return patients to ward from recovery as directed (Co-ordinate activities where possible so that beds can be collected when returning a patient, vice versa).
• At 11.00 hr and 16.00 hr and 19.00 transport any specimens to the laboratory.
• Wipe down and decontaminate all used trolleys/ table tops and prepare for the next patient.
• Keep holding bay clean and tidy at all times. Wipe down chairs.
• Transport dirty1inen safely in correct and appropriate bags.
• Stock- clean delivery room and put stock away.

LIMB HOLDING DUTIES:

• All HCA’s working in Theatre are to be trained to fulfill the duties of ‘Limb holder’.
• Check and prepare theatres and scrub room as for all other theatres.
• Assist with positioning of the patient and application of tourniquet where necessary.
• Hold /elevate limbs to facilitate cleaning with draping.
• Gown and Glove as per sterile technique, and under direction of the consultant assist with the holding and positioning of limbs during surgery.
• A retractor, which has been placed by the Consultant may be held by the HCA, but care to be taken that you never place any instruments or your hands inside a wound at any time, under any circumstances.
• Diathermy may be activated by an HCA in order to apply cautery, and you may assist in using suction to clear blood from the operative field.
• When the wound has been dosed and the dressing applied or when deemed suitable by consultant un-scrub to resume routine HCA duties.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE HOLDER

• Work will generally take place in or around Operating Theatres and ability to perform the role in this environment is essential.
• May be required to be on standby and work extended shifts from time to time as service needs demand.
• Shift work and on call duties may be required, depending on the needs of the department.
• Lifting and positioning of heavy objects will be required.
• Vision, hearing, talking, and sense of touch abilities must be adequate enough to enable one to quickly and accurately perform tasks such as: reading small print, reading from monitoring equipment, defining details, sending and receiving clear and accurate verbal communication.
• Frequent periods of concentrated or focused attention will be needed to interpret visual, auditory, and sensory inputs. Alertness and careful attention to detail will be required.
• May be exposed to occupational hazards such as communicable diseases, radiation, chemotherapeutic agents, and disoriented or combative patients.
• Mobile phones are prohibited for use within the operating theatre.