Job summary
We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and dynamic team member to join our theatre teams within Gloucestershire Hospitals
This is an exciting opportunity to prove yourself by becoming an integral part of Gloucestershire Hospitals Theatre team
We provide a 24 hour service, covering all surgical specialties. Previous experience desirable however a full, robust package of training will be provided as well as an allocated team of mentors, to ensure competence in the new role is obtained. Designated practice development to support induction and ongoing training. We offer supported development pathways as well as link roles within our department. This is an exciting opportunity to develop new skills within our surgical division.
Main duties of the job
o Performing in a circulating role within the theatre environment
o Ability to work where the work pattern may be unpredictable e.g. prioritising patient demands and unexpected changes to theatre operating lists and location
o Ability to work a flexible shift pattern covering a 24 hour service, including night shifts, weekends and bank holidays
o Maintaining a sterile environment
o Ensuring appropriate documentation is complete
o Checking of equipment prior to surgery following appropriate training
o Safe transfer of patients, in line with training and manual handling
o Restocking of theatre supplies relevant to speciality
o Use of specialist equipment relevant to emergency surgery and all related areas.
o Handling and Delivery of specimens.
o Maintenance and ordering of stock where appropriate
o Contribution to appropriate infection & prevention control
o Handling of Speciality related refuse
o Use of all related IT systems
About us
We are one of the largest Trusts in the country, with a turnover of £420 million. We employ more than 8,000 staff, and provide specialist, personalised care.We have 30 operating theatres across 3 sites. In addition to Trauma and Orthopaedics we cover a range of other operating specialities, including Upper and Lower GI, Breast, Gynaecology, Urology, Vascular, Emergency Surgery, ENT, Oral and Maxillofacial, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics and Paediatrics.
Both the emergency and obstetric theatres provide 24/7 service, 365 days a year, and our other specialities work a variety of shifts to cover a 7 day service.
We are proud of our dynamic and versatile theatre team that strives to provide the best care for everyone.
With support from line management, our Practice Development team and your team colleagues, the future is looking very positive and being part of this team at this exciting and energetic time will be an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking to kick start their career in this new year
We offer a generous annual leave allowance, excellent bank rates, access to the NHS Pension Scheme, access to our health and well-being hub, two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition schemes, exercise and activity classes and membership to our popular hospital choir.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties & Responsibilities of the Post
The post holder, under supervision, will assist the multidisciplinary team in delivering individualised planned patient care in a safe and healthy environment which promotes equality for all individuals
Active participation in the preparation of theatres and assisting the scrub practitioner in the preparation of sterile surgical equipment
Ability to interact with people at all levels and work effectively as a team member.
- To communicate effectively, especially where patient ability to do so is compromised and there are barriers to understanding e.g. hearing difficulties, using tact and re-assurance
To contribute to safe and timely patient transfer process
Under guidance, deliver safe patient care within a challenging and changing clinical environment, using equipment and resources safely and as appropriate
Take an active role in theatre decontamination in line with infection control policies
Discretion and understanding of confidentiality and data protection
Understand and adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures
Provide advice and guidance within own sphere of knowledge to students and other team members
To contribute to safe and timely patient transfer process within and out of theatres
To contribute to theatre efficiency through active engagement in the movement and delivery of equipment and stock as required
Active participation in any theatre cleaning between cases and at the end of the day as required
Ability to get on well with people at all levels and work effectively as a team member. Organise own day to day work tasks and activities
After suitable training be able to respond to change in the patients signs and condition, especially when on patient transfer duties
Ability to respond and adapt to changes within an emergency situation
Working within the multidisciplinary team supporting the delivery of assessed and evaluated programmes of care
To undertake additional, delegated clinical responsibilities as required
Occasionally the job holder may be exposed to distressing or emotional circumstances
Willingness to take on specialist link roles relevant to theatres
Willingness to be involved in the development and training of new starters once competent and confident in the role of a HCSW within a theatre team.
Most Challenging Part of the Job
Ability to adapt to a challenging specialist environment
Ability to work effectively, working under pressure
Occasionally dealing with difficult people and situations
Physical Effort and Working Conditions
Will be required to work within the recognised Manual Handling Guidelines
May be expected to frequently manoeuvre patients/objects over 15kg for short periods of time
Will have possible exposure to unpleasant working conditions and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to bodily fluids, Infection Control and COSHH regulations
Ability to work where the work pattern may be unpredictable e.g. prioritising patient demands and unexpected changes to theatre operating lists
Will be required to work flexibly including weekends and evenings on a rostered basis
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Maths and English grade c or above (grades 4-9)
Experience
Desirable
- Previous HCA /Portering experience
- Previous healthcare experience
Knowledge / Skills
Essential
- Insight into the roles and responsibilities of the position
- Excellent communication skills including verbal, non- verbal and written.
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Team working
- Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, Weekends and Bank holidays
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Cheltenham General Hospital
Cheltenham
GL53 7AN