Job summary
Applications are invited for the role of a Thoracic Surgical Care Practitioner at the Royal Brompton Hospital. We carry out some of the most sophisticated treatments that are available anywhere in the world. We are looking for a motivated SCP to join an established team in the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK for 1 year fixed-term contract (Maternity Cover). An inhouse training will be delivered to enable the development of skills and competencies required in Thoracic Surgery.
The post will provide the opportunity to:
- undertake an inhouse training program in Thoracic Surgery. The internal training program will enable the development of the skills & competencies required while performing operative procedures under the direction of Consultant Surgeons. The training program will also develop the skills required to assist in all aspects of pre, peri and post-operative care of the patient. We will support you to achieve your potential by offering you a programme of development from experienced and dedicated SCP Educators.
The SCP role at the Royal Brompton Hospital is driven to maximising the potential of SCPs. If you are seeking a rewarding, interesting and challenging role, within a friendly working environment; and for further information or to arrange an informal visit,please contact Lead Surgical Care Practitioner Gianluca Adinolfi via email [email protected] or via RBH switch board 020 7352 8121 Bleep 1372
Main duties of the job
Job Purpose: under the direction and supervision of the Lead SCP and Consultant surgeon, the post holder will be able:
- To undertake defined invasive procedures within thoracic theatres, utilising specialist skills and knowledge including bronchoscopy, VATS techniques, opening and closing routine thoracotomies and other routine chest incisions
- To act as first or second assistant to thoracic surgeons within thoracic theatres
- To participate in pre- and post-operative care of thoracic patients, with particular attention to appropriate work up of patients, wound care, wound healing and the prevention of infection in surgical wounds
- To practice advanced surgical practitioner skills for thoracic surgery patients, including direct patient care
To contribute to the training of junior medical staff and future trainee SCPs, demonstrating and supervising specialist skills and their acquisition.
About us
Guy's & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK's best known hospitals - Guy's, St Thomas', Evelina London Children's Hospital, Royal Bromptonand Harefield - as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with along history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.We are among the UK's busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We providespecialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services aswell as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.
Department InformationThere are five dedicated cardiothoracic operating theatres at Royal Brompton Hospital and one unique hybrid theatre. The hybrid theatre is the largest of its kind in Europe and incorporates the most modern theatre equipment found anywhere in the UK. The advanced imaging technology, operating table and integrated computer software work together, which means operations can be planned in advance in unprecedented detail.
The new operating theatre enables doctors to carry out different procedures for a patient in the same session, rather than interventions being staged over a period of time and several hospital visits.
Specialities covered in the department include thoracic and cardiac for paediatric and adult patients.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical responsibilities and Care Management
Pre-operative
- To carry out a variety of clinics and outpatients activities unsupervised, in the context of the pre-operative assessment and investigations relevant to the surgical patient
- To assist in the pre-operative education of patients undergoing thoracic surgery where appropriate
- To assist in the preparation of patient for surgery including venepuncture, cannulation taking particular care to avoid nerve injury and maintain tissue viability
- Surgical site marking and ensuring consenting of patients for routine procedures in situations where patients have already been consented by the consultant
- To display and interpret X-rays, CT scans, PET scans
Peri-operative
- To undertake the surgical procedures of VATS, PV blocks and catheter insertion etc
- Male and female urinary catheterisation and correct positioning of the patient appropriate to the surgery to be undertake
- To undertake the following specific duties unsupervised by consultant surgeon or lead SCP:
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- Skin preparation and draping
- Skin incision and dissection of chest wall tissues using surgical instruments and a high degree of manual dexterity
- Suturing of all surgical wounds
- Applying dressings to wounds
- Rigid and flexible bronchoscope
- Supervised by consultant surgeon
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- Use of harmonic scalpels, diathermy for dissection and haemostasis
- Specific thoracic procedures both open and via VATS
- Surgical haemostasis and insertion of drains
- Appropriate use of local anaesthetic and PV block
- To act as first or second assistant under the direction of the consultant surgeon for thoracic procedures, including: tissue retraction, applying suction, diathermy, maintaining clear field of surgical vision and assisting surgeons and monitoring patients vital signs
- To assist with the closure of soft tissue sternal and chest wounds with emphasis on elimination the risks of infection
Post-operative
- To participate in the postoperative assessments of the patients with particular attention to
- wound assessment and the prevention of infection in surgical wounds
- identification of surgical routine problems/complications and treat accordingly
- identification of acute deterioration of patients and reporting to senior colleagues
- Chest drain removal
- Identification and assessment of patients with complex discharge planning needs
- Assessment of post-operative pain and appropriate referral
- To assist in the postoperative education of patients undergoing thoracic surgery where appropriate
- To ensure that all staff identify and act upon psychosocial, psychological and physiological problems of patients, utilising specialist services as appropriate and according to agreed guidelines
- To work closely with all multi-disciplinary teams to maintain an efficient and safe service that meets the individual needs of all patients
- To carry out follow up clinics unsupervised and report any abnormal finding back to a senior colleague
Professional Development
- To take responsibility for own personal and professional development
- To act as role model and as a resource for colleagues, to enable them to develop their own knowledge and practice
- To develop own knowledge and practice in accordance with KSF and PDP
- To participate in developing training programmes for new procedures/extended roles and changes within the SCPs practice
- To assist junior doctors and future trainee SCPs in developing their professional knowledge and skills and to transfer these into clinical practice
- To acquire new skills and techniques as cardiothoracic surgery evolves.
Management duties
- To maintain effective communication systems, including dissemination of information and access to all Trust and local policies and procedures
- To act as a specialist practitioner and assist in the assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of standards of care
- To act as a resource to other members of the multi-disciplinary team providing accurate information and advice
- To initiate, develop and use flexible and innovative approaches where appropriate to meet the needs of the patients, including the review of relevant protocols and guidelines to ensure clinically effective and evidence-based care
- To assist in ensuring all patients and carers have information and health education appropriate to their needs
- To assist in ensuring a positive learning environment is maintained and utilise educational strategies in motivating and retaining staff
Financial and Information Management
- To be aware of financial issues, ensuring that thought is given to the use of consumables and that they are used appropriately
- To be proactive in identifying and promoting cost savings and improving efficiency in the use of all resources
- To collect and store information according to clinical governance which is relevant to theatre workload.
Quality Management
- To be actively involved in audit/data collection and analysis and to initiate and pursue audit projects
- To utilise results of audit and research to improve the quality of the service
- To assist in ensuring health and safety procedures relevant to the clinical areas are enforced and ensure that appropriate risk assessments are undertaken
- To review and maintain standards of record keeping and documentation
- To ensure that the principles of clinical governance and clinical risk management are integrated into patient care
- To ensure appropriate incident reporting, investigate incidents and take corrective actions
- To assist in developing a positive working environment to retain staff
- To assist in ensuring that all patient data is recorded accurately.
HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
- All employees of the Trust have a Statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Employees are required to co-operate with management to enable the Trust to meet its own legal duties and to report any hazardous situations or defective equipment.
Person Specification
Education & Qualification
Essential
- MSc Surgical Care Practice
Desirable
- MSc Cardiothoracic Surgical Care Practice
Knowledge
Essential
- Relevant Surgical Experience
- Continuous Professional Education
Desirable
Skills and Ability
Essential
- Teaching Skills
- Camera Handling
- Surgical Skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website .
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website .
Employer details
Employer name
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Address
royal brompton hospital
sydney street
london
SW3 6NP