Theatre Assistant - Bedford Hospital

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., 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., 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.
Due to the nature of this position, employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK, completion of a satisfactory DBS disclosure and two references. We do not offer visa sponsorship for roles unless clearly stated in our adverts, so please consider this before applying.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our organisational culture. As part of our pledge to take positive action in recruitment we encourage applications from under-represented candidates including BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) and Disabled candidates as we work towards a representative workforce that is able to provide the quality, the dignity and respect and to deliver above and beyond.
Moorfields is a flexible working friendly organisation, and we are committed to helping our employees achieve a work-life balance that is beneficial for health and wellbeing, motivation levels and job satisfaction. Every employee of the Trust has the right to request to work flexibly. Please speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
If we receive sufficient applications, we will close this ad prior to the closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.
If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying or would like an accessible version of any recruitment documents, please contact the recruitment team at [email protected].

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.

We are Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Founded in 1804, Moorfields Eye Hospital is a world-class centre of excellence for eye health services, ophthalmic research, and education.
With more than 2,300 staff we are proud to be supported by one of the most diverse workforces in the NHS. Every year we treat more than 700,000 patients at City Road in central London and at our 22 satellites sites, and, in partnership with the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre we lead one of the most impactful ophthalmic research programmes in the world.
We train many of the leading eye care clinicians in the UK and internationally and have a global reputation for quality and professionalism in ophthalmic care. In addition, we also operate commercial divisions that provide care to private patients in both London and the Middle East.
This is an exciting time to join Moorfields. The pandemic fast-tracked a huge amount of innovation which is changing the way we work and deliver care. Construction is under way on Oriel, our new eye care, research, and education centre being built in Camden. The new centre will be flexible and modern, enabling us to bring together healthcare, eye research and education under one roof for the first time.
If you want to be part delivering world class eye health services and you share our values: excellence, equity, and kindness, then we would love to hear from you!, 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.

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.
We are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.