SFA

at  The Deepings Practice

Role Definition Surgical first assistants are registered healthcare professionals who provide continuous competent and dedicated assistance under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon throughout the procedure, while not performing any form of surgical intervention. Area of Practice Primarily intraoperative work, although pre and post-operative care may also be part of the role. This job plan is not exhaustive and there may be some instances when general nursing assistance and support is required for the duty of care for patients. Overview of tasks and activities Improving communication between theatre and patient Completing the theatre checklist in line with our contract obligations and internal protocols.
Assistance with patient positioning, including tissue viability assessment. Skin preparation prior to surgery and draping. Use and maintenance of specialised surgical equipment relevant to the area of their work. Handling of tissues and manipulation or organs for exposure or access under direct observation of the operating surgeon.
Superficial and deep tissue retraction (NB: Retractors should not be placed by the SFA but by the operating surgeon.) Assistance with haemostasis to secure and maintain a clear operating field, including indirect application of surgical diathermy as directed by the operating surgeon (NB: activities such as application of direct electro surgical diathermy to body tissue, applying haemostats or ligaclips to vessels and cast bandaging are the remit of the surgeon, supervised surgical trainee or surgical care practitioners and not the SFA). Use of suctions guided by the operating surgeon. Instrument manipulation under the direction of the surgeon during minimal access surgery Cutting of deep sutures and ligatures. Simple wound closure and skin suturing (see below).
Application of dressings. Assistance with the transfer of patients to the post-operative anaesthetic care unit. Supervision and Management Clinical responsibility to the consultant surgeon once trained. Lead the daily team briefing.
Day to day work under the direction of the operating surgeon and the theatre management team. Line Management as part of the theatre team. Induction and training of new HCSW for theatre. Act as Matron when on site in theatre Strategy and Compliance Ensuring that all IPC is up to date and written into policies and procedures, liaising with the practice IPS Lead.
Looking at patient pathways and ensuring right procedure right place. Completing all policies that are needed for the community Surgical Scheme and updating them accordingly. Health and Safety reviews ensuring we are always using the right equipment and changes that we may need to make. Looking at business cases and support in completing paperwork for new ventures.
Ensuring we are always compliant for CQC with ongoing reviews. Autonomy The surgical first assistant works under the direct supervision of the surgeon who must remain in the theatre until surgery is completed. () SFAs are not allowed to undertake tasks considered to be surgical interventions. However, they are allowed to undertake skin suturing to close simple wounds provided they have received appropriate training and assessment or through demonstrating competence at the same level.
Training Successful completion of a nationally recognised programme of study: A university accredited programme, such as the College of Operating Department Practitioners BSc in operating department practice. Universities that offer accredited modules for the SFAs must ensure that the programme offered follows the recommendations of the Perioperative Care Collaborative. An alternative approved training package supported by the AfPP SFA Competency Toolkit. Personal/Professional Development: In addition to maintaining continued education through attendance at any courses and/or study days necessary to ensure that professional development requirements for revalidation are met, the post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the Practice as part of this employment, such training to include: Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development.
Attendance at team meetings as and when required, this is in addition to the allocated personal study leave. Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work. Ensure appropriate revalidation is obtained as required On some days other clinicians may be covering the practice list for a period of the day. This time could be used for educational activity.
Professional Accountability Nursing and Midwifery Council, or Health and Care Professionals Council, for their original, non-extended roles. It is recommended that SFAs follow the AfPP voluntary code of conduct for registered practitioners working in advanced roles, as well as the codes of conduct and performance of their regulatory bodies. Confidentiality: To adhere to the specifications in the contract of employment Health & Safety: The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include: Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks. Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills.
Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards. Reporting potential risks identified. Equality and Diversity: The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include: Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation. Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues.
Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights. Quality: The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the Practice, and will: Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk. Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision. Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance.
Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs. Effectively manage own time, workload and resources. Communication: The post-holder should recognize the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to: Communicate effectively with other team members. Communicate effectively with patients and carers.
Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly. Contribution to the Implementation of Services: The post-holder will: Apply Practice policies, standards and guidance. Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work. Participate in audit where appropriate

Please refer the Job description for details