Bank Vitreoretinal Surgical Scrub Practitoner job description

Bank Vitreoretinal Surgical Scrub Practitioner

Newmedica Cheshire Oaks Eye Hospital

Who are we?

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

Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to delivering outstanding care, excellent clinical outcomes and the highest standards of patient safety. We are proud of our friendly and supportive culture and are passionate about improving the lives of our patients through exceptional ophthalmic care.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced and flexible Bank Vitreoretinal Surgical Scrub Practitioner to join our team at Newmedica Cheshire Oaks.

As a member of our ophthalmic theatre team, you will provide specialist scrub support during vitreoretinal surgery, helping to deliver safe, effective and high-quality patient care.

Working closely with Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will support the delivery and continued development of our vitreoretinal service whilst maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice, infection prevention and patient safety.

As a bank team member, you will provide flexible support to meet service requirements across ophthalmic theatre services within your scope of practice and competence.

The successful candidate will be an experienced ophthalmic scrub practitioner with a passion for delivering excellent patient care, maintaining high clinical standards and supporting the development of colleagues within a growing specialist service.

What Will You Be Doing?

Delivering Specialist Vitreoretinal Surgical Care

- Act as the scrub practitioner for vitreoretinal operating lists.

- Provide specialist scrub support during vitreoretinal surgery, demonstrating an understanding of posterior segment procedures and the equipment, instrumentation and consumables required for safe and effective patient care.

- Anticipate surgeon requirements and provide efficient support throughout vitreoretinal procedures whilst maintaining patient safety and theatre efficiency.

- Prepare and maintain vitreoretinal instrumentation and equipment.

- Maintain a safe and sterile environment throughout the patient's surgical journey.

- Participate fully in the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, theatre briefs and debriefs.

- Support an outstanding patient experience throughout the surgical pathway, ensuring patients are treated with dignity, respect and compassion.

- Work flexibly across ophthalmic theatre services, including cataract and vitreoretinal procedures, in line with service requirements and individual competencies.

Supporting High Standards of Clinical Practice

- Ensure compliance with Newmedica policies, professional standards and infection prevention procedures.

- Maintain accurate documentation and undertake instrument, sharps and swab counts in accordance with local policy.

- Support safe specimen management and handling where required.

- Assist with theatre efficiency and effective theatre turnaround between cases.

- Prepare instruments for decontamination and transfer to the Sterile Services Department (SSD) in accordance with local policy.

- Contribute to clinical governance, audit and quality improvement activities as required.

- Maintain personal competence and participate in ongoing professional development to support the delivery of safe and effective vitreoretinal care.

Supporting Service Development

- Support the delivery and continued development of the vitreoretinal service at Cheshire Oaks when required.

- Provide guidance and support to colleagues in relation to vitreoretinal surgery, equipment and best practice.

- Share knowledge, expertise and best practice to support safe, effective patient care and the development of colleagues undertaking vitreoretinal competency development.

- Demonstrate a willingness to support the training, supervision and competency development of competent ophthalmic scrub practitioners wishing to develop their vitreoretinal knowledge, skills and competencies.

- Support colleagues working towards vitreoretinal competencies through coaching, supervised scrub practice, clinical guidance and sharing knowledge and experience.

- Contribute to maintaining a positive learning environment that encourages professional development, continuous improvement and succession planning within the theatre team.

- Support the development and maintenance of local vitreoretinal competencies, standards and training resources where appropriate.

What Skills and Experience Do I Need?

Essential

- Registered Nurse (NMC) or Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC) with current professional registration.

- Previous ophthalmic theatre experience.

- Competent ophthalmic scrub practitioner.

- Proven experience as a scrub practitioner supporting vitreoretinal surgery.

- Evidence of competency in vitreoretinal scrub practice through completion of a local competency framework, structured training programme, or equivalent experience.

- Experience using vitreoretinal surgical platforms and associated vitreoretinal equipment.

- Excellent understanding of perioperative practice, aseptic technique and patient safety.

- Strong communication and team-working skills.

- Ability to work independently and flexibly within a bank role.

- Commitment to delivering outstanding patient care and experience.

- Demonstrates a willingness to support the development of other competent ophthalmic scrub practitioners through coaching, supervised practice and sharing vitreoretinal knowledge and skills.

- Demonstrates the ability to act as a professional role model and support the development of colleagues within the theatre environment.

Desirable

- Previous experience supporting staff training, mentorship or competency assessment.

- Experience participating in service development, governance or quality improvement initiatives.

- Previous experience within a Hospital Eye Service or independent ophthalmic healthcare setting.

Knowledge and Understanding

The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

- Posterior segment anatomy and pathology.

- Vitreoretinal surgical principles and techniques.

- Vitreoretinal instrumentation, equipment and consumables.

- Safe preparation and handling of vitreoretinal surgical systems.

- Infection prevention and control standards.

- Clinical governance and patient safety principles.

- Professional and regulatory standards relating to perioperative practice.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who:

- Puts patients at the heart of everything they do.

- Demonstrates professionalism, reliability and flexibility.

- Maintains high standards of clinical practice and patient safety.

- Enjoys working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

- Is committed to continuous professional development.

- Is willing to support, coach and develop competent scrub practitioners as they progress towards vitreoretinal competency.

- Acts as a positive role model and supports a positive team culture.

- Shares Newmedica's passion for changing lives through better sight and eye health.

What We're Offering

- Competitive bank pay rates.

- Access to learning and development opportunities.

- The opportunity to work within a friendly multidisciplinary team passionate about improving the lives of our patients.

- Modern ophthalmic facilities equipped with specialist technology.

- Opportunities to contribute to the continued development of vitreoretinal services at Newmedica Cheshire Oaks.