Job Description

Operating Department Assistant - Theatre

Function

Other

Facility

Position

Operating Department Assistant - Theatre

Introduction

A vacancy exists for an Operating Department Assistant at Life Wilgers Hospital situated in Pretoria.

The position will report to the Theatre Manager. The successful candidates will contribute to the effective functioning of this theatre and ensure quality care to all patients.

Critical Outputs

• Operate as part of the sterile and or/non sterile team to create the optimum environment by preparing the technical aspects of the theatre environment for anaesthetic, diagnostic and surgical interventions
• Effective preparation of the pre-operative theatre environment according to organisational standards.
• Effective management of the non-sterile operating theatre environment for optimum patient care.
• Effective management of the non-sterile operating theatre environment for optimum patient care.
• Ensure that the technical and environmental conditions are consistent with organizational standards in the anaesthetic environment.
• Ensure that the technical and environmental conditions are consistent with organizational standards in the recovery room.

Effective preparation of the pre-operative theatre environment according to organisational standards:

• the theatre list
• the protocol
• the type of surgical/diagnostic procedure
• the doctor preference

Manage the theatre environment by ensuring the optimal:

o temperature

o cleanliness

o available equipment and anaesthetic gasses

o sterilization

o prepare and clean of anaesthetic machine

Ensure that the correct sterile packs (instruments & linen) are available in accordance with the surgical speciality.

o Pre-operative screening of the patient:

• confirm patient identity
• receive patient peri-operative form
• confirm allergies
• verify medical history
• Effective management of the non-sterile operating theatre environment for optimum patient care.
• Organisational standards are complied with
• Ensure the safe transfer of the patient from pre-operative theatre to the theatre
• Confirm patient identity
• Ensure correct patient positioning in accordance with the surgical/diagnostic procedure.
• Place the diathermy pad and tourniquet onto the patient as required by the registered professional.
• Position the trolleys in accordance to the requirements of the surgical/diagnostic procedure.

Handle specimens appropriately by ensuring:

o correct fixture

o correct marking

o dispatch to the pathology lab

o correct diagnosis specified

• Monitor blood loss in terms of input and output.
• Connect equipment (diathermic and suction) outside the sterile field.
• Count and record swabs, sharps and instruments to ensure that everything is accounted for and to mitigate risk.
• Ensure that the principles of the aseptic technique is applied throughout the surgical or diagnostic procedure.
• Allocate and dispose of waste correctly in accordance with safety standards.
• Remove diathermic pad and tourniquet band as instructed by the registered professional.
• Prepare for the transfer of the patient into the recovery room.

Accurately record in accordance with protocol, the following:

o documentation of activities

o consumables used for billing purposes

o complications resulting from procedure

o breakages and malfunctions of equipment or instrumentation

• Support the registered professional in the sterile field during the operative phase using the aseptic technique.
• Organisational standards are complied with.
• Apply the principles of the aseptic technique within the sterile field.
• Scrub, gown and glove.
• Decontaminate and prepare sterile packs according to protocol.
• Counts swabs, sharps and instruments according to protocol.
• Prepare skin preparation and draping.
• Select, prepare and handle sterile equipment, instruments and supplies for surgical or diagnostic procedures.
• Ensure that the technical and environmental conditions are consistent with organizational standards in the aesthetic environment.
• Organisational standards are complied with.
• Collect anaesthetic medication from refrigeration according to stock level requirements and place them in the theatre.
• Prepare the anaesthetic equipment and ensure that it is ready for use (clean/plugged in/stocked).
• Prepare the anaesthetic trolley according to stock-level requirements
• Prepare the anaesthetic tubes, IV lines and collect the sterile packs from the Central Surgical Sterile Department.
• Assist the Anaesthetist with the positioning of the patient before and during the application of anaesthetics.
• Place the ECG stickers, BP Cuff, oxygen mask, saturation monitor and temperature monitor in accordance with instructions from the registered professional.
• Appropriate recording of the input and output of the drip.
• Ensure that the technical and environmental conditions are consistent with organizational standards in the recovery room.
• Organisational standards are complied with.

Prepare recovery room by ensuring and by preparing:

o equipment for usage according to protocol.

o storage and availability of anaesthetic drugs

• Transfer patient to recovery room in accordance with protocol.
• Record equipment and gasses according to protocol.
• Ensure that the theatre environment is decontaminated between procedures according to protocol.

Requirements

• Grade 12
• A diploma in Operating Department Practice is essential a minimum requirement
• Experience is essential

Competencies

• Problem-solving, analysis and judgment
• Resilience
• Engaging diversity
• Verbal & written communication and presentation
• Influencing
• Drive & EnergyBuilding relationships
• Customer responsiveness
• Organisational awareness
• Leading by example
• Motivating and developing people
• Ethical behavior
• Excellence orientation

Email

Closing date

Friday, September 15, 2023

Internal applicants - Before making an application, you are requested to discuss your application with your line manager. External candidates will also be considered.

Life Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Only vaccinated external candidates will also be considered.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date of this advert, should consider their application as unsuccessful.

Life Healthcare