Theatre Support Worker- Grade 2-3

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust; Harlow; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Theatre Support Worker at Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust delivers direct patient care and supports registered practitioners to provide high quality, compassionate perioperative services within the Theatres and PACU. You will operate under supervision and follow care plans.

Starting at AFC Band 2 with a clear path to Band 3 after completing the Care Certification within six months, with mandatory training and induction.

Qualifications

• Care Certificate required or in progress during probation.

Responsibilities

• Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
• Duties are delegated to you in line with care plans.
• Transfer, movement and positioning of patients and equipment in the peri-operative period.
• Meet patient hygiene needs where appropriate/as required.
• Maintain patient privacy and dignity at all times in the delivery of compassionate and personalised care.
• Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies.
• Escort and support patients during the peri-operative period.
• Support patients undergoing General and Local anaesthetic procedures.
• Assist in maintaining a clean and tidy environment in all areas of the Theatre Department.

Education

Care Certificate

Job description

Job overview

The Theatre Support Worker is a core member of the team delivering direct care to patients and supporting registered practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate health care to people in accordance with assessed needs and a care plan.

You will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare, or therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of the registered healthcare practitioner, in accordance with the Trust values.

There will be opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills, specific to your needs. Training will be provided to ensure you have the required core skills and skills set specific to your area of work. You will also be supported to obtain your care certificate if you do not have this qualification

This post will be based mainly within Theatres however the post holder may be required to work in PACU/ADSU and other units elsewhere in the Trust.

Starting grade and condition of appointment

As a condition of appointment, you will remain on NHS Agenda for Change (AFC) Band 2 until successful completion of the Care Certification. The Care Certification includes a series of mandatory training modules covering essential skills and knowledge required for providing high quality care. These modules typically encompass areas such as patient safety, infection control, communication skills, and basic clinical procedures.

It is expected that the Care Certification will be completed during the probationary period of 6 months from your contracted start date. Failure to complete the Care Certification within this timeframe may result in termination of employment. If you already possess a Care Certification, it will be reviewed during the recruitment process to determine its validity and relevance. Upon successful completion (or accepted evidence) of the Care Certification, you will be promoted to NHS AFC Band 3.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Practice

• Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
• Duties are delegated to you in line with care plans
• Not all duties are routine and you will need to use your knowledge, experience and understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility
• Participate in the transfer and movement and positioning of patients and equipment in the peri-operative period in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Meet patient’s hygiene needs where appropriate/as required.
• Maintain patient privacy and dignity at all times in the delivery of compassionate and personalised care
• Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies
• Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies
• Escort and support patients during the peri-operative period.
• Support patients undergoing General and Local anaesthetic procedures.
• To actively support the process of patient safety and quality – ensuring incidents are reported appropriately and helping identify ways of preventing errors and accidents to both patients and staff.
• Assist in the maintenance of a clean and tidy environment in all areas of the Theatre Department, including the cleaning of assorted equipment.
• Assist in cleaning of the Operating Theatre both before during and after the operating lists. This will include using machinery to clean floors.
• Preparation of all aspects of the environment to include equipment and sets etc. ensuring that safety checks are carried out as required under the direction of the registered practitioner.

Training

• Undertake the Trust’s corporate and local induction and maintain your learning and compliance with training requirements
• Complete mandatory training. This will vary depending on area of work.
• Undertake Theatre competencies and any additional training deemed necessary.
• Attend In-service Training
• Successful completion of the Care Certificate

Professional

• Demonstrate ability to access Trust policies and procedures and comply with those relevant to role.
• Act, at all times, in a manner which demonstrates respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
• Embrace the Trust values and work in an inclusive way.
• Act within limits of competence, ensuring actions support care, protection, and wellbeing.
• Responsible for maintaining own skills, knowledge, and competence for the role.
• Ensure all mandatory training is undertaken in line with Trust policy.
• Participate in team discussions / meetings as an integral member of the team.
• You are accountable for your work and for reviewing the effectiveness of care provided. Adapting, or escalating as required.

To support or guide new team members as support colleagues

Administration

• Competent in the use of IT systems within the workplace environment.
• Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff, learners and other visitors to the department.
• Comply with Trust policy regarding information governance and the care of patient property.

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All Duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

We’re a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.