Anaesthetic Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

To provide assistance to the anaesthetist during the induction of anaesthesia within the Operating Theatre: To provide a high standard of client care in accordance to the Saint James Hospital Standards of Care, Clinical Guidance, policies and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         To provide assistance during the induction of anaesthesia within the Operating Theatre

·         To carry out duties as required under the direct supervision of the Anaesthetist including the drawing up and labelling of anaesthetic drugs.

·         To carry out safety and function checks on anaesthetic and monitoring equipment daily and prior to the commencement of every operating list.  To report any malfunctions or problems to the responsible Nurse and Anaesthetist.  To record daily checks in the appropriate book/register.

·         To ensure sufficient supplies of oxygen and anaesthetic gases are available within the Operating Theatre.

·         To utilise correct aseptic techniques and ensure that single use items are replaced for each client.  To clean, in accordance with Infection Control Procedures, any other equipment used in the treatment of clients.

·         To maintain high standards of cleanliness with regards to anaesthetic equipment and consumables at all times.

·         To implement emergency procedures including resuscitation as necessary and in accordance with Nursing Procedures.

To provide a professional and high standard of client care within the Operating Theatres

·         To give attention to client needs, requests and respecting the client’s dignity at all times

·         To implement client checking procedures in the patient transfer area/anaesthetic room providing support, reassurance and information to the client as appropriate.

·         To accurately and promptly complete client documentation

·         To assist in the positioning of clients within the Operating Theatre

·         To relay to the Recovery Room staff accurate details of the client’s condition and any post-operative instructions.

To undertake support duties with the Operating Theatres

·         To carry out counts on swabs, instruments and needles in conjunction with another trained member of staff.

·         To undertake routine duties to prepare and clean the Theatre Suite, before, after and during operating sessions.

·         To undertake circulating duties in any other areas in theatres (e.g. Recovery area) as necessary and carry out checking procedures as required in accordance with Nursing Procedure. (In the recovery phase the O.D.P. will be with the patient as they awake from the anaesthetic, and ensure to make sure they can be safely returned to the ward)

·         To dispose of clinical waste in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.

To participate as a full and active member of the Theatre Team

·         To assist in the induction and training of new staff and in the instruction in the use and care of new equipment.

·         To maintain good communications within Operating Theatres and within all Clinical areas to provide a unified approach to client care.

·         To maintain an up to date knowledge of appropriate clinical practice.

To implement Health & Safety Regulations and Policies and Procedures

·         To understand and implement Health & Safety procedures within the Theatre Area

·         To report any incident, complaint or hazard to the Nurse Manager – Theatre

·         To ensure all hazardous substances are handled in accordance to Hospital’s Health & Safety policies and procedures.

·         To implement correct manual handling techniques when carrying out duties.

General

·         To maintain the professional image at all times in all clinical/non clinical areas within the hospital.

·         To be compliant with all hospital policies and procedures

·         To adhere with the Hospital’s Infection Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of Infection Control at all times (recognising that infection control is everyone’s responsibility whether clinical or non-clinical).

·         To demonstrate personal commitment and contribution to effective teamwork.

·         To actively and continuously review all work related activities and suggest areas for improvement