The job holder will be responsible for participating in all aspects of the Ophthalmic Surgical pathway.

They will provide excellent care to all patients, with specific responsibility for providing skilled clinical and technical assistance as a member of the operating theatre team, and also may include peri-operative and post-operative care in the surgical and refractive suite of the hospital, and assisting with minor operations.

They will ensure a comprehensive level of care provision ensuring the patient is regularly updated to encompass change and will deliver highly skilled patient-centered care to all ophthalmic patients within the hospital.

They will assist in maintaining an out of hours emergency patient service for quality standards and continuity of care. They will adhere to the principles of clinical governance and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to assist in providing the most efficient and effective level of service

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To promote a sensitive, responsive and caring approach to all patients, visitors and colleagues within the hospital environment. To be responsible for the delivery of high quality, safe and effective patient care throughout the patients visit. To work in a manner that also ensures maximum efficiency, effective utilisation of resources and the seamless delivery of support to Consultants / Surgeons.

Patient Care
· Anticipate the needs of the surgical team, by provision or appropriate surgical instrumentation and equipment.
· Take responsibility to ensure all surgical equipment is disposed of correctly including ensuring appropriate decontamination and sterilisation of reusable equipment is carried out and can be evidenced.
· Ensure all documentation for traceability is effectively completed.
· Having an awareness of the patient specific requirements for each case including lenses or other bespoke items and to the need to ensure the theatre team lead and or CSM is aware of any issues.
· Use clinical judgement and analytical skills to pro-actively identify potential problems, with special regard for surgical instrumentation, turn around times for decontamination and sterilisation of reusable items.
· Administer drugs and treatments as prescribed according to the NMC guidelines for the Standards for Medicines Management 2008.
· Using the clinical competency framework provide holistic care to patients throughout their clinical pathway.
· Help to control and minimise the risk of cross infection by following the organisations Uniform Policy, and AFPP guidelines 2011, all procedures, policies and guidelines for the maintenance of a clean working environment, including decontamination and sterilisation of equipment.
· Work with Consultant / Surgeon supporting them and delivering excellent care to patients during their clinical pathway.
· Provide effective hand over of key information to recovery staff to facilitate safe and effective discharge of the patient.
· Provide effective communication to patients as part of the clinical competency framework and holistic care of patients.
· Provide clinical advice for staff, patients and their carers, within level of competency.
· Administer drugs and treatments as prescribed according to the NMC guidelines for the Standards for Medicines Management 2008.