Team
Our theatre team is composed of practitioners experienced in a variety of surgical procedures, and are keen to pass on knowledge to junior staff and new members of the team. Continue your journey with us whilst we'll support you to be your best.
Roles
Anaesthetic Practitioners, this role consists of ODP'S and Anaesthetic nurses
OPERATING DEPARTMENT PRACTITIONERS (ODP'S)
After completing BSc in Operating Department Practice and Registered with Health Care Professions Council [HCPC], they are multi-skilled to work in all areas of perioperative practice such as anaesthetics, surgical (Scrub) and recovery. The role of an ODP allows them to provide individualised and skilled care for patients at all stages of their operation from when they arrive in the operating theatre department, to discharge from the recovery room.
ODPs are increasingly becoming recognised as practitioners just like nurses that can diversify into other roles, such as Resuscitation Officers, theatre Matrons, theatre Service Managers, sales reps for medical equipment, research roles and in even A&E practitioners and ITU/Outreach.
Anaesthetic phase:
They will work directly with the anaesthetist in the delivery of anaesthesia and as part of the wider MDT, coordinating the theatre list, ensuring a safe and efficient perioperative journey for our patients. In addition to being a patient advocate, they also undertake a role which will involve many clinical skills, such as the preparation of a wide range of specialist equipment and drugs. This includes; anaesthetic machines, intravenous equipment and devices to safely secure the patient's airway during anaesthesia.
They also work closely with our anaesthetists in departments other than theatres such as A&E, Cath Lab and MRI providing acute and elective care.
Last but not least, ODP's are also part of the resuscitation team and they attend adult and paediatric priority and trauma calls in all areas of the hospital, providing airway assistance and are involved in safe transfer of patients between departments and between hospitals.
Surgical Phase:
They work as scrub and circulating nurses. They are responsible for preparing all the necessary instruments and equipment for the operations. They work directly with the surgeons maintaining the sterile field and are responsible for providing the correct surgical instruments and materials to the surgeon during the operation. Their role is to anticipate the requirements of the surgical team and respond effectively.
Recovery phase:
They closely support the patient on their arrival into the recovery unit autonomously by monitoring a patient's physiological parameters and provide appropriate treatment until the patient has recovered from the effects of the anaesthesia and/or surgery. They monitor post-operation vital signs, assess levels of consciousness, pain, wound dressings and carefully observe patients for any side effects from anaesthesia evaluate the care given during each phase They ensure safe discharge of patients back to a ward.
ANAESTHETIC NURSES
These are qualified nurses Registered with Nursing and Midwifery Council [NMC] who have undertaken a formal Anaesthetic Nursing course at level 6 or 7 to enable them to work with anaesthetist in the delivery of anaesthesia. Their role is similar to that of an ODP in the anaesthetic phase as seen above.
THEATRE PRACTITIONERS
Scrub practitioner:
They work as scrub and circulating nurses. They are responsible for preparing all the necessary instruments and equipment for the operations. They work directly with the surgeons maintaining the sterile field and are responsible for providing the correct surgical instruments and materials to the surgeon during the operation. Their role is to anticipate the requirements of the surgical team and respond effectively.
Circulating practitioner:
Circulating nurses are responsible for patient care and work outside of the sterile field ensuring the operating room is safe for patient, ensures scrub team has everything they need by assisting with laying up, obtaining supplies and conducting safety counts. They coordinate care and ensure that the operating list runs smooth.
Assistant theatre Practitioners (ATP):
The role of the ATP is important to the smooth running of day to day function of the operating theatres. You will assist the surgical team in fulfilling their duties and help to ensure the smooth movement of patients through their perioperative journey. You will be assisting the surgical team with patient care and complete some circulating roles apart from coordinating and leading the list.
Nursing Associates:
This is a new role within the operating theatre setting. They contribute to most aspects of patient care, including scrubbing and circulating. The appropriate cases and duties for which the Nurse Associate may scrub /perform are highlighted in their contract.
Only Registered Nurses / ODPs will take the lead on managing and coordinating lists.
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Departments
DAY SURGERY UNIT
The Day Surgery Unit (DSU) is located at Ashford Hospital, It comprises a Reception Area, an Admissions Area (for patients to sit prior to their surgery), together with 5 Consultation Rooms and a separate seated Waiting Area for Pain Management Patients. The Ward has capacity for 21 trolley spaces which is divided into 2 bays to separate Male and Female patients, plus a single side room. The Day Surgery Unit is open form 07.30 to 21.00hrs Monday to Friday. Patients arrive from 07.30hrs for the Morning lists, and from 11.30hrs for the Afternoon lists.
Theatres:
Day Surgery Unit consists of 2 Operating theatres which are used for a range of surgical specialities, including General, Vascular, Urology, Orthopaedic/Trauma, Oral, ENT and Gynaecology. There are 2 treatment Rooms on the Unit for Minor procedures and Pain Management treatment.
Recovery:
The Unit has a Recovery Room comprising 6 trolley spaces.
ENHANCED CARE UNIT
Our ECU is a 4 bed purpose built unit located at Ashford hospital on Elliott Ward. It cares for level 1.5 patients of all specialties.
The unit is open Monday to Friday pm
ST. PETER'S THEATRES
ASHFORD MAIN THEATRES
For the current list of vacancies please click here.
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