Theatre Assistant - Orthopaedic Surgical Unit - INTERNAL

The post holder will work on their own initiative, undertaking delegated tasks with appropriate supervision in place from a registered healthcare professional in accordance with the HEIW All Wales Guidelines for Delegation.

Perform role of circulating person under supervision supplying items to the sterile field and participating in swab, needle, instrument and item counts, safe processing of specimens, troubleshooting equipment.

Ensure working environment is safe and hygienic following infection prevention and control policies and processes.

Supervise other staff and promote the delivery of high-quality care to patients in the perioperative environment.

The role is an excellent opportunity to gain experience supporting team members within the surgical setting.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake care as directed by the registered healthcare professional, following agreed care plans, providing information to the registered healthcare professional that will enable the monitoring and amendment of care plans.
• Obtain informed consent prior to providing care, where necessary within their scope of practice, understanding the actions required if care is declined and escalate appropriately.
• Record accurate and timely information in the appropriate documentation for the relevant area of practice, for example weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and recording of nutrition, hydration, pressure areas and dressings.
• Assist in the manual handling of patients and transferring them between beds, trolleys and specialised tables (in all areas as required), including the positioning of the patient, this will include using appropriate manual handling equipment for example Patslide.
• Undertake and record delegated duties for example recording body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation level, pulse and respiratory rate, blood glucose level, collecting urine samples including urinalysis/ stool samples/ sputum samples and wound swabs ensuring delivery of a high standard of patient care at all times and reporting all findings to the registered healthcare professional. NB this may vary depending on area of work.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Working for our organisation

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation serving the communities of Gwent. With more than 14,000 staff and volunteers, we provide safe, high-quality, and compassionate care across hospitals, GP practices, community services, and mental health settings. As a University Health Board, research, education, and innovation are central to our work, supporting evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.

Our work is guided by the Gwent Strategy 2025–2035, which sets out our long-term ambition to create a fairer and healthier future for our population. We focus on prevention, reducing health inequalities, and working in partnership with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and communities to improve health and wellbeing.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where people feel valued, respected, and able to develop. Our values of Kindness, Integrity, and Respect shape how we care for patients and how we treat one another.

We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities, flexible working where possible, and a comprehensive NHS benefits package. Working for ABUHB means being part of an organisation that values its people and offers the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career while making a real difference to the lives of others.

Qualifications And Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Level 3 qualification in a health care related subject or equivalent experience and can evidence work-based competency demonstrating theoretical knowledge, and the ability to undertake clinical care duties relevant for the role, which is gained through experience and work based training / short courses
• Knowledge of the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers in Wales and All Wales Delegation Guidelines (HEIW)
• Knowledge of relevant policies and procedures within a healthcare setting, for example the principles of Safeguarding adults / children to keep patients within their care safe, and confidentiality, for example General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

Desirable criteria

• Level 3 qualification in Perioperative Support or equivalent qualification

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of working within a relevant health or social care environment providing direct patient care

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working with patient groups relevant to area of practice
• Experience of working within the NHS

Skills and Attributes

Essential criteria

• Good communication skills- verbal and written, with the ability to convey information clearly and sensitively
• Ability to work with minimum supervision to a high standard
• Ability to keep calm in stressful situations
• Ability to demonstrate a caring and compassionate approach
• Organisational skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise own and others workload efficiently
• Ability to use technology to undertake the role, for example Microsoft Office, virtual platforms such TEAMS
• Physically able to carry out the duties of the role, including lifting, assisting with mobility, and performing other manual tasks

Desirable criteria

• Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading and writing in Welsh

Other

Essential criteria

• Ability to work a range of shift patterns