Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies
Please see below Job Description/Specification and General Conditions of Service
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae,
Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to recruitment.tayside@nhs.net (quoting the
vacancy reference number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General
Conditions of Service.
All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After the closing
date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been made, all
shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is important that you
check your emails regularly.
This process takes approximately 6 weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted regarding
interview within 6 weeks of the closing date, your application has been unsuccessful and you will
receive no further correspondence from Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
NHS TAYSIDE-AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title
Theatre Support Worker (TSW) Band 3
Theatres / Anaesthesia Service
Department(s) /
Location
Operating Departments within NHS Tayside
Number of Job
Holders
2. JOB PURPOSE
As part of a multidisciplinary team the post holder will carry out routine individual care
duties for patients, clients, carers and relatives in support of and supervised by a
registered practitioner.
Carry out assigned duties to maintain hygiene, order and safety within the
environment specified in Section 4 below.
3 ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Clinical Service Manager
Operational Theatre
Manager
Head of Nursing
Senior Charge Nurse / ODP
Charge Nurse / ODOP
Registered Nurse / ODP
Assistant Theatre Practitioner (ATP)
Theatre Support Worker (TSW)
Operating Department Orderly (ODO)
Directly accountable to:
Clinical
Educator
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
Your performance must comply with the CEL23 (2010) Healthcare Support Workers
Mandatory Induction Standards and Code of Conduct for Health Care Support Workers.
To provide a high quality, safe and supportive environment in order to care for patients within
the perioperative environment to meet identified care needs.
Environments of Care
 Operating Department
o Theatre Reception Areas
o Anaesthetic Room
o Operating Room
o Recovery Rooms
 Day Surgery Unit
 HDU / ICU
 Other non theatre based clinical areas (wards, dental out-patients, x-ray, ECT
Suite, MRI / CT, etc.)
To Include:

Staff Management / Supervisory Responsibilities - Support Registered Nurses
(RNs) & Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) in the orientation of new staff
to the area

Budgetary responsibilities - including effective participation in dealing with supplies
/ pharmacy ordering in line with department guidelines, patients valuables and use
of equipment

The perioperative environment has a requirement for 24/7 cover.
In all
circumstances the post holder will report to the senior RN or ODP for allocation of
duties and workload. There is a requirement for the post holder to participate in
on-cal and shift rotation as required by the service.
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Induction Standards & Code of Conduct
Your performance must comply with the national “Mandatory Induction Standards for
Healthcare Support
Workers in Scotland” (2010) and with the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support
Workers.”
Care Delivery
1. Support RNs & ODPs to carry out assigned tasks in delivering and supporting
patient care to ensure delivery of a high quality of patient care.
2. Provide support and advice to patients in relation to their care on discharge
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
following a programme of care i.e. wound care, suture removal and follow up
appointments.
Follows criteria for patient discharge, modifying if necessary e.g. district nurse
home visits.
Follows criteria for monitoring patient condition, modifying changes if concerned
about patient condition i.e. blood pressure recording or oxygen therapy, seeking
help from RNs & ODPs if required.
Co-operate with and maintain good relationships with other disciplines that are
attending and treating patients to maximise care
Maintain
good
relationships
and
an
empathetic
approach
to
patients/clients/carers and relatives and refer them to a registered nurse or ODP
for any questions they may have on the patients condition or for any suggestions
or complaints that they wish to raise
Report observed changes in patients physical / psychological needs and
participate in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records to ensure effective
communication
Adopts a proactive approach to infection control, actively contributing to infection
control policy and practice.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives within the clinical area
Co-ordination of patient journey (including appropriate documentation/equipment,
e.g. Patient Controlled Analgesia equipment (PCA))
Verbal communication/IT re changes to list order/content.
Participate in admission process and receive / discharge patients as appropriate
to the clinical area, following defined guidelines / protocols.
Where appropriate, in absence of medical records staff carry out clerical duties.
General Duties
Patient Movement
14. Undertake the transportation of patients (occasionally visitors) to and from wards
/ departments by bed / trolley / wheelchair or on foot according to the demands of
the service.
Specimens
15. Undertake the collection, transportation and safe delivery of specimens to the
appropriate designated area or laboratory e.g. blood, biopsies, body parts, etc. in
line with departmental procedures.
Blood Products
16. Collect blood products such as whole blood, platelets, plasma, etc. from the
Blood Transfusion Service and deliver to designated areas.
Linen / Laundry
17. Deliver clean / uplift dirty or contaminated linen to/from wards and departments
throughout the hospital and transport to the appropriate areas for laundering as
required.
Clinical Waste
18. Collect clinical waste from wards / departments and transport to the appropriate
designated Clinical Waste Storage Area.
Household Waste
19. Collect household waste (cardboard, glass, etc.) from wards / departments and
transport to the appropriate designated disposal area.
Confidential Waste
20. Collect confidential waste from wards / departments and transport to the
appropriate designated disposal area.
Radioactive Waste
21. When required, transport radioactive waste from Theatre to Nuclear Medicine
Department for disposal.
Catering
22. Collect milk, bread, sandwiches, soup and water from the main kitchen and
deliver to the appropriate theatre area. Return empty soup container.
Medical Gases
23. Undertake the transportation, delivery and connection of medical gas cylinders
from the appropriate storage area within the department.
Stores / Deliveries
24. The postholder is required to:
 Adhere to NHS Tayside procedures regarding use of supplies and equipment
in order to promote effective and efficient use of resources.
 Maintain stock levels of medical / surgical goods, stationary, domestic and
catering goods as required.
 Maintain SSD trays / supplementary instrumentation and rotate stock.
 Inform appropriate personnel of stock deficiencies, complete and forward
requisitions as instructed after checking and authorisation.
 Verify the Supplies Department copy order against requisitions, reporting any
deficiencies as appropriate.
 Receive stock, ensuring all items are checked against requisition / copy order
and report any discrepancies.
 Record receipt of goods and forwards and if necessary, goods received notes
to Supplies Department.
 Store goods in locally agreed secure area, ensuring stock rotation, noting and
reporting any discrepancies. File all stores records in accordance with
departmental policy.
Pharmacy
25. The post holder will:
 Undertake uplift of pharmacy boxes / drug bags from designated departmental
area and provide signature for controlled drugs.
 Undertake the delivery of urgent pharmacy requisitions.
Sterile Services
26. The post holder will:
 Deliver clean trolleys / boxes packages to wards and departments as
required. Uplift and return used items.
 Undertake unloading of sterile and reloading of used trays and supplementary
instruments to SSD transport buggy.
Mortuary Duties
27. The post holder will:
 Uplift and transport deceased bodies and body parts from wards /
departments to the on site Mortuary with dignity and respect.
 Complete appropriate paperwork.
 Assist mortuary attendant with the laying of a body for viewing if requred.
Furniture / Equipment Moves, Storage or Disposal
28. The post holder will:
 Undertake moves within the site of offices / wards / theatres / storage areas
when required to do so.
 Undertake the emptying / reinstatement offices / wards / theatres / storage
areas when Estate Department personnel require clear access to carry out
maintenance, repairs or new works.
 Undertake the uplift and storage of equipment and furniture.
 Uplift condemned equipment / furniture from wards / departments and
transport to an appropriate area for disposal.
Emergency Procedures
29. The post holder will:
 Know the emergency telephone numbers (cardiac arrest / fire) and be aware
of the precision that is required when relaying urgent messages.
 Demonstrate awareness of NHST Fire Policy, including fire points and
evacuation procedures.
 Be able to identify potential fire hazards in the workplace and initiate prompt
appropriate action.
 Be able to find and activate emergency piped medical gas / vacuum isolation
valves.
 Be able to locate latex allergy equipment as required by medical / nursing
staff.
 Be able to recognise the signs of patient collapse and know how to summon
assistance.
 Be able to locate and transport theatre resuscitation trolley, portable oxygen
equipment, sonosite and image intensifier as required.
 Provide support to medical and nursing staff upon identification of cardiac or
respiratory arrest, providing basic life support as required.
Infection Control
30. The post holder will:
 Adopt a proactive approach to control of infection within the perioperative
environment.
 Demonstrate awareness of sterile field boundaries.
 Maintain stock levels of theatre clothing in changing rooms.
 Perform cleaning duties to include –
o Damp dusting of ledges and operating lights prior to commencement of
list
o Mop floor as required and reset theatre between cases and at end of
list
o Removal of contaminated linen and clinical waste between cases and
at end of list
o Wash walls, assist with terminal clean and scrub theatre floors as
required at end of list
o Clean theatre footwear as required.
Theatre Duties The post holder will:
 Be able to adjust the operating table and assist in the attachment of additional
specialised accessories.
Assist in the movement of patients from trolley or bed to operating table and
vice versa.
 Be able to position operating lights.
 Make up beds and theatre bed packs as required.
Theatre Circulating Duties (examples of duties undertaken by TSW)
31. The post holder will:
 Assist in the management of accountable items (swabs, sharps, instruments,
slings, etc.), pre, intra and post operatively.
 Measure intraoperative blood loss / tissue loss, weighing and documenting on
swab board and in patient record.
 Assist in the opening of sterile packs.
 Be able to position and attach diathermy electrode attaching lead to correct
terminal on diathermy machine.
 Effectively communicate list changes as they arise to the multidisciplinary
team.
 Accurately document, both written and electronically, clinical events occurring
during the intraoperative phase of the patient journey (specimens, delays,
etc.)
 Assist in preserving patient’s rights and dignity.
 Maintain an accurate record of accountable items.
 Effectively utilise knowledge and protocols to ensure patient safety and
wellbeing.
 Respond promptly and appropriately to signs of developing patient or
technical complications.
 Use equipment / aids appropriately and effectively to reduce risk of harm to
the conscious, sedated or unconscious patient (tourniquet, operating table,
Rhys Davis exsanguinator, etc.)
 Demonstrate awareness of appropriate course of action in the event of
unexpected complications.
 Utilise judgement to anticipate the requirements of the operating team.
 Demonstrate competency in preparation of operating room to receive a
patient.
 Practice safe handling in the use of hazardous equipment and chemicals
(COSHH).
 Provide assistance and support to the operating team during emergency
surgical interventions
 Demonstrate safe and effective practice as part of the multidisciplinary team
in the event of major blood loss.
 Assist in tying surgical teams sterile gowns and presenting sterile gloves.

Health & Safety
32. Work within NHS Tayside policies and procedures to ensure maintenance of safe
working practices for patients, colleagues and self. Work within the remit of the
Clinical Governance framework.
Resource Utilisation
33. Adhere to NHS Tayside procedures regarding the use of supplies and equipment
in order to promote the effective and efficient use of resources
34. Maintain and monitor stock levels of supplies including the preparation of orders
to support the smooth running of the area as required
Education
35. Participate in appraisal, personal and career development plan to maintain skills
and develop personal growth in order to maximise contribution to service delivery
Quality
36. Acknowledge the diversity of individuals respecting their rights, privacy and
confidentiality
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS




Communicates continuously regarding routine daily activities, with a wide range of
health and social care workers, patients and families utilising a wide range of media
such as telephone, verbal and written communications.
The post holder will relay clinical information as appropriate, demonstrating sensitivity
and empathy when doing so.
Establish and maintain relationships based on mutual respect communicating on a
regular basis with patients / relatives / multidisciplinary team and external agencies
involved in the provision of care.
The post holder will maintain confidentiality at all times.
7. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
SVQII OR recognised equivalent in healthcare or equivalent work experience working in a
caring environment / role.
Further 9 months to 1 year training in specialist theatres (1 month training in each specialty
to be competent with instruments, equipment, patient positioning, implants, etc.)
Planning and organizing follow-up appointments for nurse and consultant led clinics, district
nurse and GP visits for suture removal.
The postholder is required to:
 Demonstrate ability to work with people and as part of a multidisciplinary team
 Have ability to follow instructions
 Possess good communication skills
 Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
 Demonstrate ability to carry out assigned tasks effectively in a busy environment
 Work in a calm, focused manner under pressure
 Carry out assigned tasks effectively, efficiently and safely
 Have basic information technology skills
Training
 Manual handling skills
 Safe use of equipment
 Knowledge of Health & Safety Policies and work procedures
 Patient care skills
 Infection control procedures
 IT skills
8 SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
In order to undertake day-to-day routine duties, the postholder is required to use various
items of equipment and have the knowledge and skills to store / maintain simple and highly
complex / expensive pieces of equipment. In addition, the postholder will have the ability to
set up / test and use the equipment in line with local policies where appropriate.
The post holder is expected to have the knowledge and skills necessary to use all
equipment in the area in line with local policies and procedures
Examples of equipment and machinery used:
Information Technology:
 Online incident reporting (Adverse Incident Management)
 PECOS
 Opera Theatre Management System
 eKSF
 Telephones / bleeps
Manual Handling:
 Hoists
 Patient transport trolleys / beds / wheelchairs
 Patient transfer slides / boards
 Operating table and heavy (>15kg) attachments
 Instrument trays / trolleys
 Patient trolleys / beds
 Video stacking systems
 Cleaning machines
 Laundry trolleys
 Cage barrows
 Commodes and bedpans
 Fire evacuation equipment
 Specific specialised equipment.
Near Patient Testing:
 Blood Pressure monitoring
 Blood glucose monitoring




Oxygen Saturation monitoring
Electro Cardiogram monitoring
Electro surgical unit
Patient warming devices
Medical Devices:
 Defibrillator









Diathermy machine
Endoscopy (camera, light source, carbon dioxide insufflators) systems
Endoscopes
Fume cupboards
Operating microscope
Glue spray gun
Tourniquet machines
Syringe drivers & Patient Controlled Analgesia pumps
Operating Tables
Treatments:
 Oxygen therapy



Nebulisers
Post operative bladder irrigation
Maintenance of normothermia
RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public records
under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages and other
electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of your work in NHS
Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with
any guidance produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment.
9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The post holder has set routine duties to undertake. The demands of the job require the post holder to push /
pull / lift / carry. Due to the geographical dimensions of the hospital site and the distances between wards and
theatres, the tasks undertaken are physically and mentally taxing.
Examples include:Physical Skills: (Several times per shift)
 Conducting patient observations and recording in care plan
 Monitoring patient condition and implementing programme of care supported by RGN or ODP
 Safely manoeuvre wheelchairs, trolleys, beds and other equipment and varied specialised
equipment, e.g. O2 cylinder, tourniquet machine, diathermy machine
 Safely support patient mobility
 Supporting of patient’s limbs and patient positioning
Physical Demands: (Several times per shift)









Patient movement with use of mechanical aides, manoeuvre unconscious patients
Pulling and pushing Trolleys, Beds and Tables with patients.
Pulling / pushing heavy equipment >15 kg
Lifting heavy instrument trays and instruments >15 kg
Standing still for long periods of time (minimum 1 hr.) in a restricted position when
scrubbed.
Wearing lead aprons (>5kg) for prolonged periods of time
Throughout shift maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in all areas of
the perioperative environment on a continual basis
Several times per shift - wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
compromising personal comfort e.g. lead apron, surgical masks, surgical gown,
surgical gloves, protective eye wear
Stand /walk for the majority of shift.
Mental Demands: (Several times per shift for long & short periods)





Concentration required when undertaking care for patients
In conjunction with RGN or ODP, perform and assume responsibility for correct swab /
instrumentation checks.
Concentration required when undertaking specimen collection and donation of bone.
Concentration required when organising / processing surgical instrumentation loan kits.
Concentration required when minor fault finding e.g. equipment failure
The above examples are subject to frequent interruptions from team
members, telephone and pager requests, demands from the surgical team
etc.
Emotional Demands: (Several times per shift)

Communication with distressed/anxious/worried patients/carers due to worry about anaesthetic,
uncertain diagnosis, recovery, etc.





Caring for the terminally ill during palliative procedures. (One shift per week)
Caring for patients undergoing life saving/changing surgery. (Every shift)
Looking after trauma patients
Working with stressed individuals (Every shift)
Dealing with sudden and often traumatic death within the theatre environment. (One
shift per month)
Dealing with patients with severely challenging behaviour



Care of unconscious patients
Care of patients with regional anaesthesia
Dealing with emergency situations at short notice


Reallocation out with own theatre area
Performing last offices on patients who have died within the theatre. (One shift per
month)
Dealing with demanding and often unreasonable behaviour exhibited by members of
multidisciplinary team. (Every shift)
Working Conditions: (Several times per shift)


Exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions: dirty sharps, diathermy plume, bloody theatre
linen, body fluids, faeces, formaldehyde, body fluid/blood splashes, noise, blood borne diseases,
highly stressful environment, hazardous materials (bone cement, formalin, disinfectant agents,
anaesthetic gases), noise greater than 80 decibels.
Artificial lighting /restricted natural light

Shift pattern: late / early / nights / weekend / on call (dependant on specific areas
and service requirements).

Day / night rotation.


Extremes of temperature
Working in isolated areas
10. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS



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

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
Assignment of work and supervision will be by the designated RN or ODP
Expected to follow all guidance and policies / procedures of the department and
organisation
Works to a schedule and uses own initiative to prioritise tasks by level / degree of
importance or urgency
Act on own initiative within guidelines, regarding patient discharge
Workload not always directly supervised, but may ask for help as required
Acknowledging changes in patients conditions, work or care environment and
reporting to the registered practitioner or appropriate other healthcare individual
Advise patients on discharge in regard to wound care, suture removal, pain relief and
when to seek help from GP or District Nurse
Ability to review and reprioritise unpredictable workload
Work review and formal appraisal of performance will be carried out by the
designated registered practitioner
11. MOST CHALLENGING /DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
 Managing competing demands on time
 Support patients to follow treatment plan
 Ensuring patient safety at all times
12. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
The job description will need to be signed off using the attached sheet by each
postholder to whom the job description applies.
POST REF NO: D/LR/116/15
JOB TITLE/BAND:
Theatre Support Worker – Band 3
LOCATION:
Theatres / Anaesthesia Service NHS Tayside
HOURS:
37.5
CRITERIA
EXPERIENCE:
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Training; Research;
Publications)
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Ability to work within a team
Previous experience in a
health or social care
environment
Good standard of education in
numeracy and literacy.
Willingness to undertake formal /
informal development training
Good communication skills
KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
Awareness of need to maintain
confidentiality
II literate – ability to use computer
based packages / willingness to
undertake training.
Flexibility to be able to work full
range of shifts
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
Professional & conscientious
approach to work
Self motivated in regards to
personal development
OTHER:
(e.g. travel across Tayside)
Travel between sites if required to
support service provision
Healthcare based SVQ II or
III
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
D/LR/116/15
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
THEATRE SUPPORT WORKER BAND 3 (2 POSTS)
LOCATION:
THEATRES, PERTH ROYAL INFIRMARY
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £16,960 to £19,927 per
annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on
appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher
subject to verification of previous relevant service.
Hours of Duty
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 hours per week with day/night
rotation and on call commitment if required by the clinical area.
Superannuation
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and
70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay,
which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime
or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.15 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,828
£15,829 to £21,601
£21,602 to £27,089
£27,090 to £49,967
£49,968 to £71,337
£71,338 to £111,376
£111,377 and over
Annual Leave
Contribution
5.2%
5.8%
7.3%
9.5%
12.7%
13.7%
14.7%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial
contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of
basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4
weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time
staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for part-
time staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
References
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory
references.
Occupational Health
Clearance
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health
Service are subject to a medical examination. Medical
examinations are arranged and undertaken by the Occupational
Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions) (Scotland)
Order 2003
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or
any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in
employment as detailed on the application form.
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum and
Nationality Act 2006
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar
you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it
is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your
employment may be terminated.
The successful applicant will be required to become a member of
the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) in respect of
regulated work with protected adults and regulated work with
children.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who does not
have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants
permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a
Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as
photocopies of these documents.
Professional Registration/ New entrants to NHS Tayside will be required to achieve the
Induction Standards &
mandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers
Code of Conduct
(HCSWs) in Scotland and comply with the Code of Conduct for
HCSWs throughout your employment.
Internal candidates will be required to comply with the Code of
Conduct for HCSWs
Smoking Policy
NHS Tayside operates a No Smoking Policy and smoking
is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Applications
Completed forms should be returned to:
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in the
subject line
or
to Human Resources Directorate, NHS Tayside, Level 9,
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
By closing date of Friday 2nd October 2015