Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Support the registered nurse/ODP in implementation of an agreed plan of care with the patient and in accordance with instructions and training received in Main and Day Theatres, Interventional areas, Endoscopy, Day Treatment Centre and Recovery
2.    Provide and maintain a high standard of total patient care at all times, ensuring the   dignity and self-esteem of the patient is preserved
3. To effectively communicate with the nursing team and members of the multi-disciplinary team. The post holder will embrace the philosophy of the multi-disciplinary team and take steps to ensure such working relationships are fostered at every opportunity.
4. Assisting the Nurse/ODP to summon help and collect equipment in an emergency situation and be able to carry out basic life support.
5. Assisting with the pre/peri/post anaesthetic/operative care of patients undergoing interventional, endoscopic and surgical procedures.
6. Assist the Registered Nurse/Theatre Team in the moving, handling and positioning of patients to meet clinical need, adhering to the Trust Moving and Handling policy at all times
7. Ensure that all equipment is maintained in safe working order, demonstrate a thorough understanding of how to use the equipment safely and effectively and reporting any maintenance required to the appropriate department for repair.
8. To carry out all care with the consent and co-operation of the patient and their relatives/carers and to be aware of the needs of patients/ relatives and other visitors.
9. Co-operating with appropriate departmental staff to ensure prompt collection and dispatch of specimens and ensuring the correct labelling of specimens.
10. Co-operating with appropriate departmental and ward staff in sending for patients to the operating department and endoscopy rooms and returning patients to the recovery/ward area.
11. To follow infection control procedures and take steps to prevent cross infection.
12. The post holder will undertake the hospital’s in-house training for Theatre Porters and will maintain an agreed level of competence.
13. Assist or participate in departmental and trust initiatives or audits related to quality improvement/ patient safety.
14. Interact with patients, visitors to the department, other members of the nursing team and managers in positive, supportive and co-operative ways.
15. Assist with the maintenance of stock levels in the department, to include unloading pharmaceutical deliveries, checking expiry dates and rotating stock levels to reduce wastage.
16. Assist with the maintenance of stock levels of medical gases, to include the return of empty cylinders, stock rotation and checking of expiry dates.
17. To participate in our In house Sterile Services (IHSS) out of hours, on weekends and bank holidays and in the absence of an IHSS technician:

This role will include:

• Scan sterile instruments into the trust upon delivery
• Deliver sterile instruments to departments
• Collect contaminated instruments from departments and scan, load to the sterile services trolleys
• Report quality issues upon delivery
• Ensure date rotation of instrument sets is carried out on a monthly basis
• Adhere to the process for dealing with damaged or dirty reusable items
• Notify appropriate personnel of any faults or non-compliance in any of the processing systems 
• Prioritise own workflow in accordance with Theatre and IHSS schedules.
• Supervise learners or new staff within a specific area of responsibility
• Able to work in an area with moderate physical activity including moving patients, pushing beds and moving heavy equipment, surgical trays and loaded instrument trolleys
• Assist in the maintenance of ward/departmental cleanliness/tidiness.