Healthcare Assistant

Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, Fellowship; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking healthcare provider dedicated to excellence in eye care. As a Theatre Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting surgical teams and ensuring patient safety. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a diverse and dynamic environment, where innovation meets compassionate care. With a commitment to professional development and a range of attractive benefits, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector. If you are passionate about patient care and eager to work in a collaborative team, we invite you to apply and be part of our mission to deliver world-class eye health services.

Benefits

NHS Pension Scheme

Free 24/7 Counselling Service

Learning and Development Opportunities

Free Pilates Classes

Flexible Working Options

Access to NHS Discount Schemes

High-Cost Area Supplement

Qualifications

• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Able to communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrates awareness of evidence-based practice.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of the operating theatre.
• Support the surgical team during procedures as a theatre circulator.
• Participate in ensuring safety checks and maintaining patient dignity.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Patient Care

Time Management

Basic IT Skills

Education

O Level/GCSE English and Maths

Care Certificate

NVQ or equivalent in technical/science

Tools

GENESIS System

GALAXY Theatre System

Open Eyes

PECOS

Job description

Moorfields - A global leader in Ophthalmology

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!

Job Overview

The post holder, after the necessary training and induction, will take responsibility for the clinical and operational support and delivery theatre service in the theatre department at Moorfields Eye South Unit at St George’s after training and achievement of the available competencies.

In addition, the post holder is responsible for assisting in the care of the surgical patient during the peri-operative period by supporting the multi-disciplinary team. The post holder is also responsible for the maintenance and procurement of the necessary stock for St. Georges and Queen Mary’s theatres.

Lastly, the post holder will be auditing instruments, anaesthetic and surgical consumables, implants and be a part of theatre team as circulating person.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Duties Include

• Assisting in the preparation of the operating theatre.
• Assisting the surgical team during surgical procedures as a theatre circulator.
• Assisting in the general upkeep and maintenance of stock levels in theatres.
• Providing a safe environment that minimises the risk of infection, promoting health and safety.
• Be part of the team in ensuring the team brief, surgical safety checklist and de-brief is done effectively.
• Assist qualified staff in the transport of patients to and from Duke Elder Ward, theatres and recovery.
• 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.
  
  

Operational Support Include

• Handling procurement and maintenance of stock levels.
• GENESIS system scanning and inventory management
• GALAXY Theatre System Management Support
• Ordering and upkeep of consumables, supplies, implants and instruments.
  
  

Working for our organisation

At Moorfields, we provide more than just an excellent career and great colleagues to work with. We also offer:

• Salary including High-Cost Area Supplement
• 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.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Clinical and Patient Care

• Contribute towards patient care and clinical activity in the department which includes assisting with the care of the surgical patient, supporting qualified staff in the overall care of 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 always maintains the patient’s confidentiality and dignity.
• Capture and maintain accurate patient data/documentation.
• Participating in meetings of Theatre 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.
• 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.
• Supplying the sterile team with items as instructed by the qualified practitioner by checking and selecting and opening of sterile and non-sterile equipment including instrument packs.
• Preparing sterile and non-sterile equipment.
• Assisting in gowning and gloving.
• Actively participating in 8 sequential steps to Safer Surgery (formely known as WHO Checklist).
• 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 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 competencies such as patient observations (BP electronic and manual measurement, ECG when required.
• To act as a chaperone when required.
  
  

Financial and Performance Management

• Act responsibly when utilising the Department’s resources to ensure sound financial stewardship.
• Support the directorate in the delivery of the Cost Improvement Programme
• Make sure all safety checks are carried out and signed for as appropriate. Any faults with equipment are acted on and reported appropriately and these are carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  
  

Personal Development

• To keep up to date with current requirements
• Take responsibility for maintaining own professional growth, identifying training needs and maintaining a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development.
• Maintain up to date knowledge utilising literature, journals and technical guides.
• Complete mandatory training as required by the Trust and adhere to all local and trust policies
• Exercise accountability at all times and to be aware of own development needs/ limitations and actively seek to address these and raise awareness in others
  
  

Person specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential criteria

• O” level/GCSE English and Maths (A*- C) or equivalent.
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Care Certificate
• NVQ or other suitable qualification within a technical or science based background or Btech
  
  

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Able to work with various clinical user interfaces.
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a theatre environment.
• Minimum of two years working in a NHS environment
• Working in an Ophthalmic Health Care setting supporting patients and the multi-disciplinary team.
  
  

Aptitudes and Skills

Essential criteria

• Able to prioritise own workload and that of others as appropriate.
• Able to work under own initiative within boundaries of role.
• Demonstrates an awareness of evidence based practice
• Ability to take responsibility and accountability under the overall supervision of the Nurse in Charge
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to maintain patient privacy and dignity
• Basic IT skills
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Demonstrates awareness of audit and quality issues.
• Participation in audits and clinical governance
• Experience working with Galaxy, Open Eyes, PECOS, Genesis
  
  

Communication

Essential criteria

• Able to communicate fluently both verbally and in written English
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Dealing with the patients and general public
• Ability to deal with conflict
  
  

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 [e-mail].

https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/work-for-us

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

• Job Description and Person Specification (PDF, 372.3KB)
• Staff Benefits (PDF, 254.1KB)
• MEH Privacy Notice (PDF, 138.0KB)
  
  

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name Richard Co Job title Theatre Manager Email address [e-mail]

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Health Care Provider

• Industries

  Higher Education

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