Theatre Assistant - Bedford Hospital

at  Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Moorfields is recognised as one of the best ophthalmic eye hospitals in the world and we pride ourselves on the professionalism of our nurses and the quality of the nursing care we provide.
Moorfields at Bedford offers a comprehensive ophthalmic service to our patients in Bedfordshire and surrounding areas. We are looking for theatre staff to provide a comprehensive Moorfields theatre team for our patients. We are looking to recruit a theatre health care assistant to support our ophthalmic theatre staff in providing a holistic approach to ophthalmic care.
You will need to have a wide interest in caring for ophthalmic patients in the theatre pathway. This is an opportunity to join our dynamic team of ophthalmic nursing staff and theatre practitioners and develop your skills further both in theatre and in the clinical setting.
The candidate must have an NVQ level 3 qualification or relevant clinical theatre experience. The successful candidates will be required to be flexible, enthusiastic and committed to bringing the highest level of theatre care to patients in line with the Quality Agenda of the NHS.
Assist in the care of the surgical patient during the peri-operative period by supporting the multi-disciplinary team.
Supporting the theatre personnel in providing a safe, high quality environment for the carrying out of surgical procedures by:
Assisting in the preparation of the operating theatre.
Assisting in the preparation of the surgical team.
Assisting the surgical team during surgical procedures.
Assisting in the general upkeep and maintenance of stock levels in theatres.
Providing a safe environment that minimises the risk of infection.
Be part of the team in ensuring the team brief, surgical safety checklist and de-brief is done effectively.
Assist qualified staff in collecting patients from admission area to theatre and safely guide them back to the recovery area.
Moving and transferring patients between beds and operating tables in a safe manner, with the minimum discomfort to patients.
Work alongside the qualified staff to perform stock checks and procurement of consumables.
Being responsible in ensuring that all training of junior HCA is completed and that all competencies are maintained and updated.
Supporting the eye theatre reception nurse in the admission and discharge of patients.
Provide support in eye theatre reception during admission and discharge of patients.
Provide support in the eye clinic department following competency and training.
Participate in clinic rotation to support gaps in service.
This post is based at our Bedford satellite site.
At Moorfields, we provide more than just an excellent career and great colleagues to work with. We also offer:
Opportunity to join the NHS Pension Scheme
Free 24/7 independent counselling service
Learning and development opportunities
Easy and quick transport links
A range of attractive benefits and discounts
Access to Blue Light Card and other NHS Discount Schemes
Free Pilates classes
Full support and training to develop your skills
Flexible working friendly organisation
And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please see our Moorfields benefits document.
To support qualified staff in the assessment of health needs, planning, delivery and evaluation of care for a number of individuals or groups of patients, including clinical and laser risk assessment
Contribute towards patient care and clinical activity in the Department to include assisting with the care of the surgical patient, supporting and observing the patient during the peri and post-operative period, maintaining a high standard of patient care within agreed departmental standards, policies and procedures.
Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team for the benefit of the patient, appreciating each member of the team’s needs and role.
Establishing effective communications between Departments. Relaying messages to and from the surgical team and liaising with personnel outside the Operating Theatre.
To communicate effectively, respectfully and in a timely manner within the team.
Understand the principle of confidentiality. Communicating and acting in a manner that maintains the patient’s confidentiality and dignity at all times.
Capture and maintain patient data/documentation.
Participating in meetings of Operating Department staff.
Participating in the safe collection, transfer and return of peri-operative patients:
Assisting in the safe movement of patients throughout the unit.
Assisting in positioning the patient for surgical procedures.
Preparing tables/trolleys and beds as appropriate.
Ensuring the patient tracking system is updated.
Preparing the ophthalmic operating theatre and assisting the ophthalmic surgical team:
Checking the environment and equipment for cleanliness and carrying out cleaning procedures e.g. operating tables, lights etc.
Checking and selecting sterile and non-sterile equipment including instrument packs.
Preparing sterile and non-sterile equipment.
Assisting in gowning and gloving.
Supplying the sterile team with items as instructed by the qualified practitioner.
Participating in swab, instrument and needle count.
Check theatre instruments and other extras with the scrub nurse.
To exercise a reasonable and agreed degree of professional autonomy and make judgements and decisions in order to satisfy the expectations and demands of the job after a period of training and completion of appropriate competencies.
To work alongside all staff in all areas of the ophthalmic patient pathway–outpatient clinics and day care including admissions and discharge areas.
To undertake clinical work and related tasks as delegated by qualified nursing staff, following appropriate training and assessment of competency.
To liaise effectively with all stakeholders in the care process, including carers and relatives, aspiring to provide an effective, seamless and integrated service to patients.
To attain the competencies such as patient observations (BP electronic and manual measurement, TPR, RBS), ECG.
To act as a chaperone when required.
To give clear and concise explanation and test instructions to ensure maximum patient understanding and co-operation takes place, taking into account patients who have visual impairment hearing loss, physical or mental disabilities, learning difficulties different age groups cultural differences and non-English speaking patient

Please refer the Job description for details