Healthcare Assistant - Theatres

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK invites applications for the role of Theatre Healthcare Assistant at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Candidates should have essential qualifications including relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience. Responsibilities include supporting surgical staff, preparing operating theatres, and providing patient care. This position values applications from disabled and BAME candidates to ensure diversity.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in caring for others is essential.
• Willingness to complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of commencement.
• Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Support qualified staff in delivering efficient, cost-effective care.
• Prepare operating theatres with correct equipment and stock.
• Provide patient care within the peri-operative environment.

Skills

Computer skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment

Good verbal and written command of English

Ability to act on own initiative

Knowledge of the role of Healthcare Support Workers

Education

Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience

GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics

Job description

The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for the role of Theatre Healthcare Assistant at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Both substantive and bank posts are available.

Key Responsibilities

• Support qualified staff in delivering efficient, cost‑effective care while safeguarding patient privacy and dignity.
• Prepare operating theatres with correct equipment and stock for all specialties, including emergency surgery, and according to surgeons’ preferences.
• Clean theatres and all related equipment to high standards of cleanliness.
• Operate theatre equipment such as diathermy units, operating tables, tourniquets, cameras and microscopes.
• Undertake decontamination of equipment (e.g., endoscopy) as required.
• Assist with patient positioning for various surgical and anaesthetic procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation using the computerised theatre system.
• Act as circulating or count nurse for each specialty as required.
• Measure and record patient body fluid output.
• Test medical devices and document outcomes.
• Provide patient care within the peri‑operative environment and collaborate as a skilled member of the multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure all care is delivered in line with local and national policies, procedures and guidelines.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Computer skills.
• Ability to learn new skills.
• Previous experience in caring for others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reflective practitioner.
• Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.
• Knowledge of the role of Healthcare Support Workers (HCSW).
• Good verbal and written command of English.
• Ability to act on own initiative,plan work, show leadership and work calmly under pressure.
• Willingness to record patient observations.
• Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience.
• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement.
• GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.
• Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
• Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications

• Short courses relevant to patient and clinical care duties.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations and relevant legislation.
• Ability to offer pastoral care and give feedback to mentors and students.

We welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as these groups are currently under‑represented.

This is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates will receive fair consideration. The Trust complies with the Statutory Duty of Candour and encourages the voluntary reporting of any incidents.