Operating Theatres Healthcare Assistant

Role summary To be a member of the peri-operative theatre team providing basic nursing care by working within scope of own competencies and hospital policies maintaining confidentiality at all times. The candidate will be expected to work at both The Walton Centre and Halton sites. Working within one or more areas of reception, recovery, anaesthetic room or theatre the HCA is a member of the multidisciplinary team whose function is to assist the team in the delivery of a high standard of patient care. This will involve undertaking basic and extended skills with indirect supervision Key responsibilities Support the peri-operative team in sending for patients Support the team in collection of the patient from the ward / reception / x-ray areas as required and escorting patients from the theatre to the ward when a procedure has not been carried out Receiving patients into the reception/anaesthetic area carrying out the patient safety checks reporting any discrepancies to the theatre practitioner in charge. To maintain accurate records of the sending and receiving of patients If required, attend to the patients, or relatives physiological & psychological needs within the reception / theatre / anaesthetic room and report changes in condition to the doctor/ practitioner in charge Escort the patient to the anaesthetic room, assisting the anaesthetist and anaesthetic practitioner as necessary, ensuring the appropriate monitoring and equipment is applied as requested within the scope of competency training To assist with the moving and handling of patients from bed to theatre trolleys, ensuring correct position, following adequate training. Moving beds/ trolleys outside of theatre when necessary Aid patient positioning for specific anaesthetic/surgical procedures Act as the patients advocate, maintaining their dignity at all times within a departmental team to ensure total Pre, Peri and Post operative care Work flexibility within the department, according to competency and skills. Provide assistance to adjacent areas eg Day Unit as required Instigate stocking up of designated areas of the theatre department including linen supplies, dressings, stationery, sterile consumables etc as required Support the team with the cleanliness, maintenance and tidiness of the daily working area including clinical waste and instrumentation as per policy. Reporting maintenance issues when they arise Assist in the preparation of theatre prior to operations and to carry out cleaning of designated areas within the theatres as directed, including high level cleaning utilising appropriate equipment and following safe systems of work To support the theatre practitioner in the care of the peri-operative patient assisting with specific nursing procedures as required To perform clinical observations on patients under the supervision of senior staff within the scope of competency training, being able to recognise, record and report changes in patients condition and relevant observations to senior staff Care for the dying / organ donation patient with dignity, providing support to the visiting teams as required Maintaining accurate records of observation and care as requested Ensure theatre utilisation data is collected in a timely and accurate manner via the Theatre Information System (TIMS) Maintain theatre peri-operative records to include data sheets, operating registers, and traceability systems both paper and electronic Assist in the recording of all implanted items, including high value rechargeable items Minimise waste, promote cost effectiveness in the use of all instrument trays and consumable items to support financial probity within the department Taking telephone messages and answering bleeps, passing messages accurately Support the theatre team within the theatre suite with opening sterile equipment and accessories and maintaining the sterile fields within scope of competency training Support the theatre team within the theatre suite with the setting up of necessary machinery /equipment e.g. diathermy machines, suction, endoscopic stacks within scope of competency training Act as second check with counting of swabs, needles, instruments and sterile fluids with a registered member of staff Labelling and care of theatre specimens according to departmental policy following direction from a registered practitioner To arrange the collection of specimens in a timely manner liaising with the porters or labs as required. To collect and accept blood products from adjoining hospital in accordance with the trust policy ensuring they are delivered to the correct theatre To participate in the induction/ orientation of new members of the theatre team and orientate visitors requiring theatre experience Be party to the training of new staff within scope of own competencies Liaise with the theatre practitioner in charge of the area, reporting any untoward incidents or problem areas that may affect the safety or function of the theatre department area that occur Report adverse events to senior staff and then directly through DATIX according to trust policy Maintain a safe environment for patients and staff by completing checks as required and reporting immediately any hazards or areas of concern To maintain a high standard of hygiene at all times, be familiar with, and contribute to, the control of infection within areas of work Remain up to date in mandatory training to include health and safety, manual handling, Clinical Governance and fire. Participate in the Individual performance review process and have a current personal development plan Attend all relevant training sessions and ensure competency documents are reviewed and up to date Participates in the promotion of good relations within the department and other hospital units