Specialist Assistant Theatre Practitioner

Assistant Theatre Practitioner (ATP)

Assistant Theatre Practitioners (ATP) are an integral part of the Surgical team. They perform circulating and scrub roles for a specific range of surgical cases. They work alongside Surgeons, Anaesthetists, Operating Department Practitioners and Theatre Nurses to ensure that every operation is safe and as effective as possible. They perform in a scrub role to exactly the same standard as a registered ODP or Theatre Nurse.

This role includes preparing and maintaining a sterile surgical field, assembling surgical instruments, supporting the surgeon throughout the operation and ensuring that patient is safely handed over to the theatre post‑operative recovery staff and that the operating theatre and all equipment is checked and cleaned ready for use. The ATP needs a broad knowledge and skill base including communication, literacy and team working skills so as to contribute to the smooth running of the theatre department.

It is anticipated that this role will continue to develop through the acquisition of further skills, knowledge and competencies to be determined within the clinical teams. The post holder will provide support for procedures in which they have been assessed as competent after completion of a nationally recognised ATP qualification.

The Day Surgery Unit is a very busy department and is expanding its services constantly. It is a dedicated unit which has three operating theatres, two recovery areas and a ward. There is also an ophthalmic department within the unit. The department manages day case elective surgery for adults and paediatric cases. It provides a service for elective surgical specialities which include:

• General Surgery
• Orthopaedics
• Gynaecology
• Urology
• Ophthalmic
• ENT
• Oral and Maxillofacial
• Dermatology/Plastics
• Hand Trauma

Day Surgery encompasses the whole patient surgical journey from admission to discharge. Our goal is to provide high quality individualised care, in a timely manner, to a range of patients undergoing elective day case procedures.

• To develop and maintain the skills required to assist with:
• To support the surgical team in the performance of surgical procedures ensuring that safe high quality care is delivered.
• To always work to agreed policies and procedures as identified for the assistant practitioner role.
• To maintain the patient's dignity and self‑respect at all times whilst providing a high standard of care.
• To be aware of the Health and Safety requirements of staff and patients, and assist in maintaining a safe environment.

• To develop and maintain the skills required to assist with:
• Meeting the needs surgical patients whilst always working under the direct supervision of qualified nursing staff.
• Following instructions from medical and registered staff whilst assisting the performance of surgical procedures. This includes following the guidelines for correct site surgery, the WHO check list, Swab and Instrument Count Policy, the Theatre infection Control Policy and all other policies and guidelines that pertain to safe theatre practice.
• Supporting the patient undergoing General, Regional or Local anaesthesia in the anaesthetic room.
• Assisting in the planning of care for patient's wounds and pressure areas.
• Assisting in the maintenance and ordering of stock and equipment to ensure safe practice and functioning of the operating theatre.
• Working within the scope of practice defined for ATPs.
• Acting as the patient’s advocate.
• Communicating effectively with all members of the operating theatre team.
• Providing skilled assistance to the registered practitioner to monitor the patient's physiological and psychological parameters while recovering from the effects of anaesthesia and surgery.
• Become a qualified laser operator.
• Contacting the relevant companies when equipment is broken or damaged to arrange repair/replacements.
• Providing assistance and training to newly registered practitioners through back scrubbing.
• Act as second scrub in day surgery when required.

• To develop and maintain the skills to assist in:
• The cost‑effective use of resources.
• Be…