Theatre Porter

Overview of Role

The post holder is responsible for the efficient and safe movement of goods and patients within the clinical areas

Duties & Responsibilities

General:

• Ensure correct equipment is in place for each procedure.
• Ensure that the correct cleaning solutions and cleaning equipment is in each sluice room.
• Ensure that all operating tables and trollies are cleaned.
• Ensure that all trollies are dressed and ready in reception for the arrival of patients and after each procedure that they are removed from theatre and cleaned and dressed accordingly.
• Liaise with the Anaesthetic nurse in Theatre re any specific requirements for the Theatre Lists.
• To be responsible for the transportation of patients into the anaesthetic rooms and from All Wards.
• Ensures Nurse Manager is kept aware of any special consideration to the patients' needs that is advised of upon collection of patients from theatre
• To position the patient relevant to the procedure being carried out.
• To assist the surgeon and scrub nurses in preparing the patient for surgery i.e. holding the limb for painting, shaving operation site etc.
• Responsible for the transfer of the patient, post procedure to their own bed.
• Responsible for transporting patients to recovery.
• To communicate patient queries to the relevant clinical manager.
• Ensure that all theatres are cleaned, tables are washed down, all trollies are cleaned, all positioning equipment is cleaned, laundry and clinical waste placed in the correct clinical waste area and the floors are washed.
• Ensure that the theatre is prepared for the next case.
• All of the above will be done for each case, until the last case is finished.
• When the last patient leaves theatre, each theatre will have each piece of equipment cleaned and placed in the exit for preparation for contract cleaners. When the theatre floor is dry, all equipment is placed back in theatre.
• To assist the clinical staff in ensuring the highest possible standard of care is provided to all patients
• To monitor upcoming lists for the following days on the patient system , isoft, on a daily basis and ensures transportation is available
• Reports to the head theatre porter or the clinical nurse managers of any unresolved queries or complaints
• Act as a role model and promote behaviours in keeping with UPMC Whitfield Hospital's mission and values
• Fully participate in the engagement and competency review process on an annual basis.
• Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of the following and always practice within the guidelines and policies written at both unit and Hospital level:
• Clinical risk reporting policy
• Occupational Health
• Facilities Management
• Patient Moving and Handling
• Resuscitation / Basic Life Support
• Health and Safety
• It is the responsibility of all UPMC Whitfield Hospital employees to ensure they are aware of and competent in the reporting of Hospital Risk and all Health and Safety concerns.
• To be responsible for ensuring confidentiality of all information is maintained at all times, in accordance with data protection and Hospital policy.
• To be responsible for conducting oneself in a professional manner towards visitors, colleagues, and other agencies.
• Respond to any patient query and ensure that the patient is at ease at all times.
• To bring in stores from main stores as requested.
• To place orders for sharps bins and ridged bins on a weekly basis.
• To bring specimens to the Lab and collect blood as needed.
• Have a good working knowledge of equipment used in Theatre.
• Order medical gases as required.
• Receive, count and stack scrubs and sterile packs.
• Ensure that there is an adequate supply of cleaning products in stores and placed in the sluice room weekly.
• Ensure that there is an adequate supply of specimen pots in stores.
• Ensure that there is an adequate supply of linen as required.
• Bring notes, equipment to and from the wards when required.
• Ensure that all new equipment that is delivered to theatre is un-packaged and cleaned down before being brought to the theatre area.

Professional Accountability and Development:

• Ensure you remain professionally updated and ensure care in all areas is delivered in line with the latest research to promote evidence-based practice. Actively participate in research where appropriate for the benefit of patients.
• Attend any training provided and look to further education if applicable.
• Provide a supportive and learning environment in the Hospital, which enables the educational and professional development needs of staff to be met.
• Ensure that statutory rules, guidelines, and legislation are understood and complied with.
• Ensure that standards of care are safeguarded, and all staff are aware of the need for patients and clients. High quality care is recognised as of primary importance.
• Act as a positive role model with regards to the Hospital ethos.

Quality & Audit:

• Participate in, as required clinical audits and research activity within the department, promoting a positive attitude towards the implementation of evidence- based practice.
• Participate in local audits in preparation for annual accreditation.
• Work closely with the Quality and Patient Safety team, ensuring the department is always meeting accreditation standards.

Health and Safety:

• To uphold UPMC Whitfield Hospital's policy requirements in relation to Fire, Infection, Prevention and Control, Radiation Safety and Health and Safety at work regulations and to attend updates.
• Identify potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors and adhere to relevant incident reporting procedures.
• To observe a general duty of care for the health, safety and well-being of self, work colleagues, visitors, and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management associated with this post.

Qualifications & Experience  

• Experience in a similar role is desirable but not essential. 

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.

• Compensation  - Competitive pay for the work employees do - base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.
• Benefits  - Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
• Performance and Recognition  - Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
• Work-Life Balance  - Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
• Development and Career Opportunities  - Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.

About UPMC

A $24 billion healthcare provider and insurer, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centred, cost-effective, accountable care. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialisation arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International. 

Providing high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006, UPMC's operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations at UPMC Whitfield and in Cork, the UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic at WIT Arena and the UPMC Concussion Network. UPMC is the Official Healthcare Partner of the GAA and GPA.