Theatre Assistant Medical jobs

The Private Clinic was established in 1983 in Harley Street and it has evolved into one of the UK's largest provider of plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments with a network of 12 clinics nationwide (from Scotland to the South West) and over 50 surgeons and doctors working with us.

At The Private Clinic we believe that it is our duty to safeguard our patients and ensure that their experience is a positive one. Our mission is therefore, to ensure we design and deliver care and treatments with client safety at the heart of our decision-making. We aim to achieve an exceptional level of client satisfaction by managing client expectations and ensuring their outcomes are as described. This is achieved through only offering high quality treatments and cosmetic procedures, delivered through skilled, knowledgeable and competent staff whom we believe are amongst the most expert in their field.

We take this very same approach time and time again, for every treatment we offer and every medical professional we work with.

ROLE

As a Surgical First Assistant you will be a registered practitioner who provides continuous, competent and dedicated surgical assistance to the operating surgeon throughout the surgery. You will practice as part of the surgical team, under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon.

You will be working closely with the surgeons in the operating theatre during a surgical procedure, anticipating the needs of the surgical team. During the operation you will be assisting the surgeon with tasks such as selecting equipment, retracting incisions, assisting with haemostasis, assisting with closing the incision, along with other technical tasks.

The Private Clinic Group will support all Surgical First Assistants with access to appropriate training and development to maintain clinical exposure, and support practitioners in maintaining competence, developing their practice as part of their continued professional development and in accordance with the requirements of the statutory regulator.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting with patient positioning, including tissue viability assessment
• Skin preparation and draping prior to surgery
• Superficial skin and tissue retraction with cutting of superficial sutures
• Handling of tissue and manipulation of organs for exposure or access
• Nerve and deep tissue retraction
• Movement and placement of retractors under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon
• Cutting of deep sutures and ligatures under direct supervision of the operating surgeon
• Assisting with haemostasis in order to secure and maintain a clear operating field including indirect application of surgical diathermy by the surgeon
• Camera manipulation for minimal invasive access surgery
• Use of suction as guided by the operating surgeon
• Assisting with wound closure
• Application of dressings as required
• Responsible for the use and maintenance of specialized surgical equipment

The list above is certainly not comprehensive as the role of a surgical first assistant will vary greatly depending on the surgical procedure, specialty area, and type of facility.

SKILL REQUIRED

The role of the Surgical First Assistant will only be undertaken by someone who has successfully completed a validated university programme of study that meets the nationally recognised standards (CODP 2023 and AfPP 2022, ), underpinning the knowledge and skills required for the role.

ATTRIBUTES

Surgical First Assistants work in a high-stress environment where they must think quickly and stay calm under pressure. Because they work so closely with the surgeon and fellow perioperative nurses, they must also have excellent communication skills and be able not only to follow the surgeon’s instructions but also communicate clearly to other members of the surgical team. In addition, they must follow strict safety protocols to protect themselves and patients.

CLINICAL

• Promote partnership with patients and promote their right to informed choice and support their ability to self-care
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the operating theatre environment and pre/post-operative care
• Demonstrate technical skills ensuring adherence to local policies
• Support department to ensure equipment and other supplies are in stock
• Assist Theatre Lead in monthly clinical audits
• Ensure Adverse Incidents are reported and incident form completed in accordance with company policy

PATIENT CARE

• To support the provision of care in accordance with Company policies
• Identify clinical risks and ensure that appropriate action is implemented in accordance with the Risk Management policy
• Ensure that documentation is maintained to the company standard (including electronic records).
• In conjunction with the staff team, to assist in developing and maintaining the Company philosophy and model of care
• To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Company policies, procedures, guidelines and standards-This will include identification of risk (clinical, health, safety and security)
• Report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with Company policies and assist in any investigations as required
• Ensure through good practice that customer care initiatives are improved and sustained. Act as a resource for advice to patients, relatives/carers and staff

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Extensive theatre experience within cosmetic surgery
• Customer service
• Stock control
• Experience within the private sector preferable but not essential

ATTRIBUTES

• Enthusiasm
• Motivational
• Flexible

PART TIME - 20 hours per week

Pay: £24,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount

Work Location: In person