Ophthalmic Associate

at  Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

The post holder will be responsible for providing a range of specialist services to patients attending the Eye clinic. The post holder is expected to carry out all relevant forms of care without direct supervision and will be required to demonstrate procedures and supervise unqualified junior members of the team.
The post holder will develop the skills required to be able to become clinically competent Ophthalmic Associates. The post holder will be an
effective communicator, liaising closely with all service users in order to deliver high standards of care.
Assist the trained staff in the smooth running of the clinic.
Assist the clinician with any process and procedures necessary for the examination, investigation and treatment for patients.
Give appropriate information, advise when necessary, including health education and health promotion information to patients both verbally and written.
Carry Out appropriate Diagnostics using IT related equipment
Prepare and ensure all the clinics are ready with relevant ophthalmic devices
Utilising IT skills ensure patient electronic records are available for consultation and contain relevant information prior to the commencement of the clinic.
Under the direction of the nurse in charge of the clinic, assist the clinician in any patient procedures and chaperone patients when required ensuring patient privacy and dignity is maintained.
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9000 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
We strongly believe that the communities we serve should all have access to Five Star Patient Care.

KEY DUTIES

Assist the trained staff in the smooth running of the clinic.
Assist the clinician with any process and procedures necessary for the examination, investigation and treatment for patients.
Give appropriate information, advise when necessary, including health education and health promotion information to patients both verbally and written.
Carry Out appropriate Diagnostics using IT related equipment
Prepare and ensure all the clinics are ready with relevant ophthalmic devices
Utilising IT skills ensure patient electronic records are available for consultation and contain relevant information prior to the commencement of the clinic.
Under the direction of the nurse in charge of the clinic, assist the clinician in any patient procedures and chaperone patients when required ensuring patient privacy and dignity is maintained.
Carry out appropriate patient care after appropriate training under the supervision of the nurse in charge.
Carry out preoperative assessment for patients who are listed for surgery with relevant ophthalmic investigations.
To complete any necessary documentation in accordance with the Trust Policy.
To act at all times in the best intreat of patients are their carers ensuring high quality service is provided.
Put away stores when delivered according to hospital policy being aware of COSHH.
Identify that stock levels are correct and inform senior staff if anything needs to be ordered

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure that nursing care is appropriate, provided and is consistent with clinical guidelines.
To always ensure confidentiality of patient information.
To support trained nursing staff within the department in the delivery of patient care.
To ensure the privacy and dignity of patients is paramount and not compromised.
To communicate effectively with staff and patients to ensure that the highest possible standard of care is provided to patients.
To be caring and competent and to ensure patient safety and well-being is always paramount.
In accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the post holder will actively participate in the prevention and control of infection within the capacity of their role. The Act requires the post holder to attend infection prevention and control training on induction and at regular updates and to take responsibility for the practical application of the training in the course of their work. Infection prevention and control must be included in any personal development plan and/or appraisal.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure patient records are kept up to date and accurate and recording is done in line with Trust policies and procedures.

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

Take part in a 2-year training to be competent to carry out the role of Ophthalmic associates . She/he will also be responsible to carry out teaching and mentoring ophthalmic technicians and health care workers.