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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Under the direction of a Maxillofacial Consultant Surgeon, the post holder will participate in operative procedures and aspects of pre, peri and post operative care. The post holder shall use the knowledge and skills attained in their successful training programme to deliver, maintain and encourage the highest levels of patient care

 The post holder will use excellent communication skills to liaise and work alongside a varied multidisciplinary team. They will hold a responsibility to participate in the training and education of appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team through teaching, research and audit

Duties and Responsibilities

Professional

Participate in operative procedures within agreed protocols.

Act as 1^st or 2^nd assistant or 1^st operator under the direction of a consultant surgeon.

Undertake the surgical procedures identified in the competency framework following successful completion of the training programme.

Assist the surgical team with the admission of patients (including assisting at the preadmission clinic and involvement in the pre operative assessment of patients). Patient details should be accurate, complete and appropriately recorded, and patients reassured regarding their treatment.

Arrange investigations as deemed appropriate by the clinical supervisor.

Display skill competency in the interpretation of investigations.

Display skill and dexterity in surgical technique and the use of surgical instrumentation.

Effective preoperative assessment of the surgical patient, providing a source of communication, information and reassurance for the patient.

Enable the correct positioning, preparation and draping of the surgical patient.

Development of surgical skills in accordance with continuing professional developments and continuing developments in surgical practice.

Contribute to the clinical care of the post operative patient including detecting surgical problems and liaison with the surgical team.

Ensure that all trust and divisional policies are adhered to, providing a safe healthy environment for staff and patients.

Understand the requirements of the data protection act 1984 and Caldicott report and observe patient confidentiality.

Develop, enhance and maintain safe and effective levels of communication and motivation within the multi-disciplinary team.

Act in a responsible and appropriate manner, displaying professional and ethical conduct in all areas of duty, routine and emergency.

To be able to work independently and as part of a team. To set priorities and accomplish goals and job responsibilities. 

Demonstrate advanced analytical skills necessary for problem solving and decision making relevant to patient care.

Quality Management 

Contribute to audit and information collection within the department. To initiate and pursue audit projects including assessment of the SCP / SA role, target achievements and methods of advancing and developing surgical practice and patient care.

Attend weekly Head and Neck Oncology MDT and Audit/ Clinical Governance meetings where possible.

Work as a team to ensure that protocols and guidelines are being adhered to and clinical governance requirements are met.

Update skills in accordance with developing practice in order to deliver the highest level of care.

Participate in the evaluation and determination of current and new equipment, instrumentation and techniques as reflected by current trends.

Education and Training

To have successfully achieved completion of the formal training course ‘Principles and Practice of Surgery’ relevant to achieving qualification and registration as ‘Surgical Care Practitioner’, as recommended and supported by the Royal College of Surgeons.

Maintain and enhance personal and professional knowledge and skills in all areas of responsibility by the attendance of in service and departmental meetings the attendance of national conferences where possible and to read the current professional literature and journals.

Maintain a professional affiliation to a recognised governing body. To be conversant with their professional guidelines and abide by their guidance in accordance with Trust policy.

Responsibility to participate in the training and education of appropriate members of the multi-disciplinary team, by presentations, formal teaching sessions and opportunistic training.

To mentor, educate, train and support the 1^st and 2^nd year trainee SCP / SA s

To keep an accurate logbook of surgical activity in accordance with national and local confidentiality regulations.

General Management

To act as a positive role model offering effective guidance and motivation to other members of the multi-disciplinary team.

 To work closely with staff in Maxillofacial Theatres, and associated wards to develop and maintain a team management approach throughout the Maxillo facial Department.

To assist in the recruitment/ retention of staff.

To manage the SCP / SA team in the absence of the lead practitioner.

Additional Information

To undertake any other duties not specified within the job description but are within the wide scope of the role and are within the individuals’ skills and education. 

 Job descriptions will be reviewed annually and is subject to change as a result of discussion between the responsible Maxillofacial Consultant, the Head and Neck Matron and the post holder.

To undertake on-call duties as and when required.

The post holder registered with the National Association of Assistants in Surgical Practice (NAASP) and associated Code of Professional Conduct, supported by the RCS, in the performance of clinical duties, professional accountability will be to the designated Maxillofacial Consultants.

If the post holder is governed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council s/he will also be professionally responsible to the Matron of the Head and Neck Directorate. The Matron will advise on any professional issues or concerns and contribute to the post holder’s annual appraisal and personal development plan.

The post holder will be managerially accountable to the Lead Maxillofacial Consultant Surgeon within the Head and Neck Directorate. The Lead will be responsible for operationally managing the post holder including, annual appraisal and PDP formulation, sickness management, off duty planning, annual leave entitlement, risk and any other Human Resource issues. The Matron will assist in anyway required.