Sr Care Support Associate

Job Purpose

The Operating Theatre Assistant supports the perioperative team in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care within the Operating Theatre (OT). The incumbent is responsible for operating theatre preparation, patient transfers and positioning, equipment setup and maintenance, infection control, housekeeping, stock replenishment, and portering duties to ensure smooth OT operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operating Theatre Support

• Perform daily function checks of operating theatre equipment and positioning accessories.
• Set up and prepare operating theatre equipment, including:
  • Operating tables
  • Surgical lights
  • Electrosurgical Units (ESU)
  • Suction systems
  • OT pendants
• Prepare and organize specialty equipment for surgical procedures, including:
  • Laparoscopic and endoscopic camera systems
  • Orthopaedic traction tables and accessories
  • Surgical power drills
  • Arthroscopy and urology irrigation systems
  • Neurosurgical positioning devices (e.g. Mayfield headrests)
  • Ophthalmic microscopes and equipment
  • Tourniquet machines
  • Surgical laser systems
  • Navigation and Image Guided Surgery (IGS) systems
• Assist with patient transfer between trolley and operating table.
• Adjust operating lights and equipment during surgical procedures as required.
• Support circulating activities including changing irrigation fluids and suction liners.
• Assist with patient preparation activities such as hair removal and application of diathermy pads.
• Prepare materials and equipment required for plaster cast application.

2. Patient Positioning and Safety

• Assist the surgical team in positioning patients safely for procedures, including:
  • Supine
  • Prone
  • Lateral
  • Lithotomy positions
• Apply positioning aids and protective devices to prevent nerve and tissue injuries.
• Assist with the application and operation of tourniquet devices under supervision and according to established protocols.
• Coordinate the use of patient support devices, including:
  • Sequential Compression Devices (SCD)
  • Patient warming systems (e.g. Bair Hugger)
  • Diathermy pads
• Identify and report unsafe practices, equipment issues, incidents, or potential risks promptly.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of equipment malfunctions and escalate issues appropriately.
• Adhere to Woodlands Health policies, procedures, and patient safety standards.

3. Infection Prevention and Housekeeping

• Conduct routine cleaning of operating theatres and equipment in accordance with infection control guidelines.
• Damp dust operating rooms and equipment at the start of each day.
• Clean operating tables, equipment, and high-touch surfaces between cases.
• Perform terminal cleaning following surgical procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness of operating theatres, ancillary rooms, changing rooms, and utility areas.
• Segregate and dispose of general, biohazard, and linen waste according to established protocols.
• Segregate, label, and report faulty equipment for follow-up.
• Ensure equipment is returned to designated storage locations after use.
• Clean theatre footwear and related equipment as assigned.

4. Inventory and Supply Management

• Maintain adequate stock levels of sterile and non-sterile consumables within the operating theatre.
• Replenish supplies in:
  • Scrub rooms
  • Sterile preparation rooms
  • Operating rooms
  • Utility rooms
  • Staff changing rooms
• Ensure stock rotation follows First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principles.
• Monitor inventory and report low stock levels promptly.
• Assist in maintaining inventory records for specialised equipment such as endoscopes.

5. Portering and Logistics Support

• Transport patients safely between wards, operating theatre, and recovery areas.
• Deliver specimens to laboratories in accordance with hospital guidelines.
• Collect blood and blood products from the Blood Bank when required.
• Collect and distribute medical, surgical, and stationery supplies.
• Dispatch documents, internal mail, and equipment to designated departments.
• Assist in the transfer of equipment to and from Materials Management Department (MMD), Biomedical Engineering (BME), and other departments.
• Maintain patient transfer trolleys in a clean and serviceable condition.

6. Professional Practice and Teamwork

• Communicate professionally and effectively with patients, caregivers, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and privacy at all times.
• Advocate for patient safety and wellbeing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient care and service delivery.
• Support operational improvements and departmental initiatives.
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, training programmes, and quality improvement activities.
• Guide and support less experienced team members where appropriate.

7. Learning and Development

• Participate in orientation, competency assessments, in-service training, and continuing education programmes.
• Maintain current CPR and AED certification.
• Keep knowledge and skills updated to support safe perioperative practices.

Requirements

Education

• Secondary education or equivalent qualification.

Experience

• Prior healthcare, theatre support, porter, patient service associate, or healthcare assistant experience will be advantageous.
• Candidates without experience are welcome to apply as training will be provided.

Competencies

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced operating theatre environment.
• Physically fit to perform patient transfers and movement of equipment.
• Team player with strong service orientation.
• Able to perform shift duties, including weekends and public holidays where required.
• Basic troubleshooting and equipment-handling skills.

Other Duties

• Undertake any other duties, responsibilities, projects, or assignments as delegated by the Supervisor, Nurse Manager, or Head of Department.