Theatre Practitioner (ODP/Nurse) AGH

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Patients, anaesthetists, Surgeons and surgical teams, theatre personnel

External: Visitors to theatres, relatives, ward personnel, housekeeping, portering, and estates teams

Liaises with: Multidisciplinary team (MDT)

Risk Assessment:

This post involves manual handling activities and a risk of exposure to bodily fluids and chemicals. It also includes responsibilities related to anaesthetic equipment and drugs, as well as recovery monitoring. The role requires some computer screen work and may involve working under pressure in emergency situations.

Job Purpose:

Ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care through the effective management of staff, resources, and theatre operations.

Act as the patients advocate, prioritising their needs and well-being throughout the peri-operative journey.

Facilitate effective communication with the multi-disciplinary team to deliver high quality patient care across the theatre pathway.

Accept responsibility for infection prevention and control practices within the team and the theatre environment.

To provide supervision and support to staff and students.

Deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care that is tailored to each patients individual needs.

The role may require working across all Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sites.

Key Duties:

Anaesthetics and Recovery Specific Duties

To assist with the anaesthetic and recovery patient journey ensuring safe, efficient, and compassionate care.

Ensure patient care is delivered safely and in line with best practice.

To support anaesthetists and the multi-disciplinary team to maintain high standards of patient care and escalate any concerns.

Oversee the preparation, use, and maintenance of anaesthetic equipment and consumables to ensure safety and compliance.

Manage post-operative complications, including airway management, pain control, and vital sign monitoring.

Ensure the recovery area is prepared and fully equipped to handle emergency situations, including resuscitation and post-operative emergencies.

Monitor and review recovery plans and discharge criteria, ensuring safe, effective patient handover to the ward teams post-recovery.

Maintain accurate anaesthetic and recovery records in line with legal and Trust policies.

Management

To deputise in the absence of team leaders in managing staff within the team, ensuring high standards of performance and teamwork.

Ensure that all safety measures are in place, reporting accidents, incidents, and near misses to the theatre coordinator and/or senior team leader and reported on the electronic reporting system.

Contribute to risk management by identifying and mitigating risks within the department.

To ensure resources are used efficiently and participate in stock rotation.

Stay informed on Trust policies and procedures, and participate in their development when necessary.

Foster a supportive, team-focused culture that encourages learning, development, and a no-blame approach.

Ensure equipment is used safely and is maintained to a high standard.

Ensure the health and safety of all staff, patients and visitors.

Manage controlled drugs in line with legal procedures, including ordering, checking, and administering according to policy.

Education and Training:

Work closely with the recruitment and development team to ensure your professional development is maintained.

Act as a student assessor, supporting students throughout their clinical placements and evaluating their progress.

Supervise, mentor, and support new staff, ensuring they are introduced to relevant clinical practices and procedures.

Ensure you are up-to-date with the latest practices, guidelines, and equipment.

Participate in the delivery of in house training including medical device management and link roles.

Provide feedback from training courses to share emerging practices and knowledge with colleagues.

Encourage a culture of continuous professional development by supporting staff participation in competency assessments and reflective practice.

To be responsible for attending training sessions for the safe use of medical devices and to ensure that all equipment is safely maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

Professional:

Keep up to date with current clinical practices, Trust policies and developments in equipment and technology.

Maintain a high standard of professionalism at all times, serving as a role model to staff and adhering to best practice.

Take responsibility for own professional development.

Promote clear and effective communication within the multidisciplinary team, ensuring seamless collaboration and patient care.

Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control practices at all times.

General Duties:

Participate in the on-call rota or out-of-hours duties as required for emergency surgery and respond effectively to critical incidents.

Collaborate with other departments, including ward teams and clinical staff, to ensure effective communication and patient care transitions.

Adhere to the Trusts IT policies regarding email and internet usage, maintaining confidentiality and data protection standards.

Ensure all Trust standards are maintained, with active participation in audits and quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.

Every employee has a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others and to cooperate with the Trust to ensure statutory and Trust regulations are complied with.

Vision and Values

As a representative of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, you are expected to uphold our core values:

Being open and honest

Ensuring people feel cared for

Showing respect to everyone

These values guide daily conduct and ensure inclusive, compassionate service delivery, fostering a culture of transparency, empathy, and respect for all

Person Specification

Skills/ Knowledge

Essential

• Awareness of current peri-operative practice
• Reporting incidents using datix or similar reporting system
• Knowledge of anatomy/physiology knowledge relevant to role
• Good verbal, literacy and communication skills
• Ability to maintain accurate and legible patient records
• Computer literate (use of IT software packages e.g. Word, Email)
• Understanding of manual handling practices and policies
• Awareness of Health and Safety

Desirable

• Clinical Governance
• Budget awareness

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse Level 1 (currently registered with NMC or Registered ODP (currently registered with HCPC)
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Assessor Qualification
• Perioperative Diploma or Degree
• Relevant post-basic qualification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Experience working in the perioperative environment.

Desirable

• Experience of clinical supervision
• Competent to assist the anaesthetist and recover a range of patients.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

The Alexandra Hospital

Woodrow Drive

Redditch

Worcestershire

B987UB

Employer's website

https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)