Theatre Healthcare Assistant

Who are we?

Newmedica are one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, providing outpatients appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery. We aim to change lives through better sight and eye health.

We care for thousands of NHS and private patients a year in our specialist eye clinics across the country. We have significant growth plans over the next few years as we look to establish a national footprint and open many new sites across the UK.

We are thrilled to say that following an independently conducted survey of Newmedica colleagues, we have been certified as a Great Place to Work®. This is a global benchmark that recognises employers who create an outstanding employee experience.

Role overview

We have a great opportunity for a new Healthcare Assistant to join our Bristol Team, which includes a robust training programme to support you in your new role.

The Healthcare assistant will provide support throughout the full theatre pathway, assisting patients and the theatre team to ensure a safe and successful patient journey. You will provide direct patient care as well as working with the full multidisciplinary Ophthalmology theatre team.

This is a varied role which includes working with patients to ensure that all information is correct and up to date, administration of eye drops, assisting with the preparation of consumables and equipment for the surgical list, supporting the surgical checklists, providing post-operative advice to patients, and conducting post operative calls to reassure and assess patients following their procedures. You will be able to follow policies and procedures in line with NHS and CQC regulatory standards, including the requirement to ensure that the sterile surgical field is maintained, but will also be able to adapt to individual needs of patients.

The thought of eye surgery can be a daunting prospect for patients to deal with, so our Healthcare Assistants need to be empathetic and friendly and able to put patients at ease and help them feel comfortable during their time in surgery.

In order to support you with this role you will be enrolled into our comprehensive Theatre Assistant programme which will provide you with training within the theatre environment, medication management, patients admission and discharge and communication and reporting. You will also be provided with the training to enable you to conduct diagnostic testing, and training on the administration of patient records and documentation.

Once the Theatre Assistant programme has been completed there will be an opportunity for you to move into the Scrub Programme which provides a great pathway of progression to become an Operating Theatre Assistant (OTA) once completed.

The Healthcare Assistant will work across all Newmedica Bristol locations, and will be 40 hours over 4 days per week including weekends on a rota basis.

What skills and experience do I need?

• A passion for healthcare and supporting patients.
• An excellent grasp of the English language, both verbally and in written format.
• Proven administrative skills and the enjoyment of the routine and rhythm of a process driven and regulated environment.
• A competent user of computer systems and programs.
• Committed to deliver consistently high standards of care to patients.
• A good team player - happy to jump in and support others when required.
• The desire for, and commitment to, continuous professional development.
• Previous experience in a healthcare or surgical environment is an advantage.

What we’re offering

• A starting salary from £25,000 based on experience
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• A company pension scheme
• Access to a range of benefits including free eye tests, discounted or free glasses, a free 24/7 well-being/counselling/advice service and a retail/technology discount scheme.
• An environment where your learning and development is supported through a range of various learning tools and courses.
• Working with a friendly multi-disciplinary team passionate about improving the lives of our patients
• A bright, spacious and modern working environment, built to the highest standards

Our employment offers are subject to receipt of satisfactory pre-employment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

At Newmedica, we actively promote diversity and equal opportunities, and we are committed to this in both the running of our services and how we recruit our staff. We actively encourage applications from everyone with the essential requirements of the job, regardless of any protected characteristics.

Newmedica is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all people, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, language, religion, ethnic or social origin.