Lead Theatre Practitioner (ophthalmology)

Lead Theatre Practitioner (Ophthalmology)

Welwyn Garden City - £50,000 - £55,000

The Business

They are one of the leading providers of NHS-funded ophthalmology services in England.

• Their Purpose is to make a positive difference to people’s lives
• Their Vision is to change lives through better sight and eye health

They provide services for NHS CCGs, NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts, and other providers of NHS funded services. They deliver thousands of patient interactions annually, including outpatient appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery. Their services are delivered through a variety of models including Managed Services and Ophthalmology Joint Venture (OJV) Partnerships.

ROLE SUMMARY

The role holder will be involved in the initial theatre set up and will coordinate the operational management of theatres on a day-to-day basis. The Lead Theatre Practitioner will be able to demonstrate successful leadership and managerial skills and will have a clinical background in Ophthalmology, with extensive ophthalmic scrub experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational ManagementTo be responsible for the coordination of the initial set up of the theatre department prior to opening, by liaising with consultant partners to ensure efficient and effective processes are in line with national guidance surrounding patient safety.
• To be proactive in ensuring theatre readiness by liaising with relevant support office teams, such as procurement, clinical assurance & learning & development.
• To ensure a consistent approach to infection prevention, resuscitation and medication management is implemented and maintained.
• To provide professional and clinical leadership and management for a mixed skillset theatre team, made up of substantive and flexible bank staff.
• To be responsible for coordinating the operational management of the theatre on a day-to-day basis, as well as working as part of the team as a Scrub Practitioner.
• To ensure that all equipment, instrumentation, and consumables required are present, and safe staffing levels are maintained for every theatre list.
• To communicate effectively with clinical and Senior management teams to foster a patient centered and safe environment.
• To support the Operations Director by providing ongoing clinical oversight in line with up-to-date regulatory guidance and legislation.
• To ensure that correct processes are undertaken in adherence with clinical governance, including clinical auditing, and encompassing the patient safety incident response framework (PSIRF).
• To maintain your own continuous professional development, as well as sourcing development opportunities for clinical team members.
• To participate in local, operational meetings and host team meetings, ensuring relevant and important information is cascaded to all team members.
• Adhere and enforce correct IPC measures within the clinical environment, including decontamination and sterilisation procedures and asepsis.
• Ensure required stock management procedures for equipment, instrumentation, consumables and medications are undertaken.
• Identify clinical risks and ensure that appropriate action is taken, in accordance with Newmedica’s Risk Management policy, providing expert advice and focusing on principles of a learning organisation.
• Maintain the safe custody, handling of medications in accordance with Newmedica Medication Management policies.
• Contribute or lead to the investigation of complaints, accident reports and untoward incidents in line with Newmedica’s policies and procedures and implement recommendations for action.
• Collect, collate, evaluate, and report information, maintaining accurate patient records in line with NMC & HCPC standards, clinical governance and risk-management.
• Disseminate and ensure implementation of all medical alerts throughout the theatre and management teams.
• To compile practical protocols and guidelines for theatre practitioners working in Newmedica services, ensuring compliance with up-to-date professional guidance and local resources.
• Have a good understanding of CQC statutory requirements.

• Staff Leadership and RecruitmentTo support the recruitment, induction and training of new theatre practitioners’ staff, participating in recruitment and selection
• Document competencies and develop ‘best’ practice guidelines for the service.
• To aid management in effective deployment of staff to different types of surgical procedures (day case & treatment room)
• To provide advice on staff support and staff reviews or appraisals for the theatre practitioners with respect to their Newmedica work, delivering reviews where possible.

• Education & TrainingTo ensure clinical staff receive an effective orientation and induction and receive supervision as required.
• To provide support, mentorship and supervision for new starters and learners within the service. Understanding the importance of successful competency assessments in relation to patient safety.
• To provide advice on all types of queries from all staff
• To support registered nurses with revalidation requirements as required

• Personal DevelopmentReceive clinical supervision as part of own professional development.
• Maintain up to date skills and knowledge and maintain awareness of professional issues.
• Maintain a professional portfolio.
• Take responsibility for personal revalidation processes in line with NMC requirements.

• Research, Audit & GovernanceTo lead and participate in departmental audits.
• To participate in and advise on governance processes within the service.
• Evaluate service delivery; identify areas for improvement and initiate change.
• Participate in a regular service review with the Service Manager and Operations Director and produce an annual report for the service circulating it widely and appropriately.

• GeneralTo attend all required training sessions throughout activation and ongoing.
• To schedule all necessary staff to support theatre sessions.

THE INDIVIDUAL

• EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONHold a current Nursing or Operating Department Practice degree or diploma, and work to the requirements of the Codes of Practice and Professional Standards as befits their professional registration.
• Hold current NMC or HCPC registration.

• EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGEPrevious & recent extensive ophthalmic scrub experience.
• Previous experience as an ophthalmic theatre manager or lead.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office products and using computerised systems for data input/output and review.

• SKILLS & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTESRemains calm in pressurised environments.
• Ability to work with a range of individuals across a variety of functions.
• Organised with a high attention to detail.
• Team player who is willing and happy to support the effective running of their service.