Theatre Assistant at Cedarcrest Hospitals

The Role

• Reporting to the Matron, the Theatre Assistant is responsible for maintaining a sterile environment for the patient and surgical team before, during and after surgery.
• The incumbent is expected to prepare the operating room by washing and sterilizing all surgical instruments and equipment using the approved disinfectants by Cedarcrest Hospitals.
• The incumbent is also responsible for preparing patients for surgery as well as transporting patients between the ward and operating theatre.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the positive identification of any patient by verbal confirmation asking the patient their full name and date of birth on collecting the patient from the reception area.
• Set up the operating tables and theatres prior to procedures.
• Assist the theatre teams in the operating theatres as required and directed to do so.
• Moving patients from the ward and transporting them to the operating theatre.
• Ensuring that surgical instruments and equipment are properly prepared prior to the operation.
• Counting and documenting surgical instruments used in theatre during an operation.
• Cleaning the operating theatre before, between and after operations, adhering to hygiene and infection control protocols.
• Maintain a sterile environment for the patient and surgical team before, during and after surgery.
• Washing and sterilizing all surgical instruments and equipment before surgery.
• Prepares the patient for surgery by washing, shaving and disinfecting incision sites.
• Provides assistance to the surgeon during surgery.
• Moves the patient to the recovery room after surgery.
• Assists the surgical team to put on scrubs, gloves, masks, and gowns.
• Ensure that all theatre trolleys used for moving patients are kept clean, fully equipped with O2 bottles and canvasses as required.
• Work with the Theatre team during emergency situations providing additional support.
• Clean and tidy theatre areas after surgery.
• Responsible for clinical waste disposal.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Orthopaedic Technology or any relevant field.
• 2+ years of proven experience as a theatre assistant or in a similar field.
• Patience and empathy.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Excellent housekeeping skills and adherence to hygiene and infection control protocols.
• Good level of physical fitness.
• The ability to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• The ability to reassure patients and help answer any questions they may have.