Theatre Healthcare Assistant - UPMC Kildare Hospital

The role of the Theatre Healthcare Assistant is to support the nursing team and consultants within Theatre. The role involves preparing Theatres for surgery, assisting in the transfer of patients to and from Theatre and ensuring that the Theatre environment is always clean and sterile.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• On a daily basis, ensure correct equipment is in place for each procedure.
• Ensure that the correct cleaning solutions and cleaning equipment is in each sluice room.
• Ensure that all operating tables and trollies are cleaned.
• Ensure that 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 any 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 Nurse Manager is kept aware of any special consideration to the patients' needs that is advised upon collection of patients from theatre.
• Position the patient relevant to 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 etc.
• Responsible for the transfer of the patient, post procedure to their own bed.
• Responsible for transporting 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 placed in the correct clinical waste area and the floors are washed.
• Ensure that the theatre is prepared for the next case.
• When the last patient leaves theatre, each theatre will have each piece of equipment cleaned and placed in the exit for preparation for cleaners.
• When the theatre floor is dry, all equipment is placed back in theatre.
• Assist the clinical staff in ensuring the highest possible standard of care is provided to all patients.
• Liaise with the scheduler on a daily basis to obtain the list of patients scheduled for the following day and ensure transportation is available.
• Report to the Clinical Manager any unresolved queries or complaints.
• 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 on an annual basis.
• Respond to any patient query and ensure that the patient is at ease at all times.
• Transport stock to and from stores as requested.
• Bring specimens to the Lab/designated area and collect blood as needed.
• Receive, count and stack scrubs and sterile packs.
• Ensure that there is an adequate supply of cleaning products in stores and placed in the sluice room weekly.
• Ensure that there is an adequate supply of specimen pots in stores.
• Ensure that there is an adequate supply of linen as required.
• Collect pharmacy supplies as required.

Professional Accountability and Development

• Ensure you remain professionally updated and ensure care in all areas is delivered in line with the latest research to promote evidence‑based practice.
• Actively participate in research where appropriate for the benefit of patients.
• Provide a supportive and learning environment in the Hospital, which enables the educational and professional development needs of staff to be met.
• Ensure that statutory rules, guidelines and legislation are understood and complied with.
• Ensure that standards of care are safeguarded, and all staff are aware of the need for patients and clients.
• High quality care is recognised as of primary importance.
• Act as a positive role model with regards to the Hospital ethos.

Quality & Audit

• Participate as required in clinical audit and research activity within the field, promoting a positive attitude towards the implementation of evidence‑based practice.
• Undertake research/clinical audit as necessary, critically analyse and provide written reports of the same.
• Participate in local audits in preparation for annual accreditation.
• Work closely with the Quality and Patient Safety team, ensuring the department is meeting accreditation standards at all times.

Health and Safety

• Uphold UPMC Kildare Hospital's policy requirements in relation to Fire, Infection Control and Health and Safety at Work regulations and attend updates.
• Identify potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors and adhere to relevant incident reporting procedures.
• Observe a general duty of care for the health, safety and well‑being of self, work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management associated with this post.

This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility. As UPMC and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the business.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 1 year experience in a similar role.
• Must have strong organisation and problem‑solving skills.
• Must have strong communication skills.

Salary

€34,304.02 – €41,760.31 per annum based on a 39 hour work week.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

Benefits

• Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
• Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x3 times.
• Critical Illness cover for all employees up to age 66.
• Performance and Recognition Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
• Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days.
• Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
• Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.