Healthcare Assistant Theatre - UPMC Kildare Hospital

UPMC Ireland; Kildare; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Newbridge, Kildare is seeking a Healthcare Assistant for their theatre. The successful candidate will support the nursing team by preparing theatres for surgery, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting in patient transfers. A relevant FETAC Level 5 Qualification and communication skills are required. Competitive pay and a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and flexible working opportunities, are available.

Benefits

Fully paid maternity and paternity leave

Competitive pension plan

Company-funded death in service benefit

Critical illness cover up to age 66

Enhanced annual leave up to 27 days

Flexible working opportunities

Development and career opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 1 year experience in a similar role.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support nursing team and consultants within the theatre.
• Prepare theatres for surgery and assist in patient transfers.
• Maintain a clean and sterile environment.

Skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Relevant FETAC Level 5 Qualification

Job description

Healthcare Assistant Theatre – UPMC Kildare Hospital

Posted 6 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants.

Job Type: Permanent | Location: UPMC Kildare Hospital

Overview

The role of the Theatre Healthcare Assistant is to support the nursing team and consultants within the theatre. Duties include preparing theatres for surgery, assisting in patient transfers to and from theatre, and maintaining a clean and sterile environment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure correct equipment is in place for each procedure on a daily basis.
• Ensure the correct cleaning solutions and cleaning equipment are available in each sluice room.
• Ensure all operating tables and trollies are cleaned.
• Ensure all trollies are dressed and ready in reception for the arrival of patients and, after each procedure, that they are removed from theatre, cleaned and dressed accordingly.
• Liaise with the Anaesthetic nurse in theatre regarding specific requirements for the theatre lists.
• Be responsible for the transportation of patients into the anaesthetic rooms and from day surgery and the in‑patient wards.
• Ensure the Nurse Manager is kept aware of any special considerations for the patient’s needs at the time of collection from theatre.
• Position the patient appropriately for the procedure being carried out.
• Assist the surgeon and scrub nurses in preparing the patient for surgery (e.g., holding the limb for painting, shaving operation site).
• Be responsible for the transfer patient post‑procedure to their own bed.
• Transport patients to recovery.
• Communicate patient queries to the relevant clinical manager.
• Ensure that all theatres are cleaned, tables are washed down, all trollies are cleaned, all positioning equipment is cleaned, laundry and clinical waste are placed in the correct clinical waste area, and floors are washed.
• Prepare the theatre for the next case.
• When the last patient leaves theatre, ensure all equipment is cleaned and placed in the exit for preparation for cleaners; when the floor is dry, re‑store all equipment in theatre.
• Assist the clinical staff in ensuring the highest possible standard of care for all patients.
• Liaise with the scheduler daily to obtain the list of patients scheduled for the following day and ensure transportation is available.
• Report any unresolved queries or complaints to the Clinical Manager.
• Act as a role model and promote behaviours in keeping with UPMC Kildare Hospital’s mission and values.
• Fully participate in the appraisal system review and personal development planning process annually.
• Respond to any patient query and ensure the patient is at ease at all times.
• Transport stock to and from stores as requested.
• Bring specimens to the lab or designated area and collect blood as needed.
• Receive, count and stack scrubs and sterile packs.
• Ensure an adequate supply of cleaning products is maintained in stores and placed in the sluice room weekly.
• Ensure an adequate supply of specimen pots is maintained in stores.
• Ensure an adequate supply of linen as required.
• Collect pharmacy supplies as required.

Professional Accountability and Development

• Remain professionally updated, ensuring care aligns with the latest research and promotes evidence‑based practice.
• Provide a supportive learning environment for staff education and professional development.
• Understand and comply with statutory rules, guidelines, and legislation.
• Safeguard standards of care and ensure all staff recognise the importance of patient and client needs; high‑quality care is paramount.
• Act as a positive role model for the hospital ethos.

Quality & Audit

• Participate in clinical audit and research activities, promoting evidence‑based implementation.
• Undertake research or clinical audit as necessary, critically analyse, and provide written reports.
• Participate in local audits for annual accreditation preparation.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality and Patient Safety team to maintain accreditation standards.

Health and Safety

• Uphold UPMC Kildare Hospital’s policy requirements for Fire, Infection Control, and Work Regulations, and attend updates.
• Identify potential risks for staff, patients, and visitors and adhere to incident reporting procedures.
• Observe a general duty of care for health, safety, and well‑being of self, work colleagues, visitors, and patients, and any specific risk management for this post.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant FETAC Level 5 Qualification.
• At least 1 year experience in a similar role.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Compensation – Competitive pay, base pay, performance‑related pay, and premium pay where applicable.

Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents; competitive pension plan; company‑funded death in service benefit x 3; critical illness cover up to age 66.

Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that support UPMC’s goals through the annual ACES programme.

Work‑Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to 27 days; flexible working opportunities.

Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach career goals through continued learning and advancement.