Job summary
The Theatre Flow Co-ordinator (Anaesthetics/Surgery/Recovery) is responsible for ensuring the optimum running of theatre suites across Anaesthetics, Surgery and Recovery, with a primary focus on maximising patient flow and the efficient utilisation of theatre time, capacity and resources. The post holder provides professional leadership to support innovation and the delivery of evidence-based practice, working closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective and coordinated perioperative care. They act as a visible, credible and professional role model, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, staff development and empowerment across the theatre workforce.

Main duties of the job
The role requires close liaison with all members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate a collaborative approach to patient care and service delivery. The post holder holds 24-hour operational responsibility for Theatre and PACU areas, overseeing patient flow, assessment of care needs, implementation and evaluation of care pathways, and adherence to agreed standards of practice. They are professionally accountable to the Associate Chief Nurse for Surgery and report operationally and managerially to the Theatre Matrons and Directorate Management Team on service delivery, clinical issues and resource management, including financial performance and efficient use of theatre resources.

About us
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust is one of the largest and most modern in the country. Based across two sites, Royal Stoke in Stoke-on-Trent and County Hospital in Stafford, we are proud to serve around three million people and we're highly regarded for our facilities, teaching and research. We are the specialist centre for major trauma for the North Midlands and North Wales.

All of our employees make a valuable contribution regardless of role here at UHNM and we are proud of our wide range of development packages aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.

UHNM create and encourage a culture of inclusion, providing equal opportunities for career development that are fair and transparent. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture in which all staff feel valued and respected. In return we ask all of our employees to make a commitment to the values, co-created by or staff, patients and carers, and that unite us as a Trust.

At University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust we know that investing in, supporting and developing our staff has a direct impact on the quality of care that we deliver. Our employees are as important as our patients and the population that we serve.

Job responsibilities

• Establish a clear focus and direction for the team ensuring the Theatre Co-ordinators and staff understand their role and are given guidance and support to fulfil them.
• Create a working environment that encourages flexible, innovative and creative working practices within the team, including working flexibly to maximise theatre utilisation across all Theatre/PACU areas.
• Keep abreast of professional issues and current research based practice and ensure these are reflected in practice by all staff.
• Adopt a high profile in clinical leadership and take a proactive approach at department and divisional level to review, implement and evaluate local policies and protocols and national policies which impact upon and affect the delivery of care, which may impact beyond own area.
• Ensure that all activities in the area of responsibility are in keeping with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct & HPC Code of Conduct, reflecting an attitude and appearance that benefits the Trust.
• Provide an authoritative and credible source of knowledge and specialist clinical or managerial advice as required.
• By role model and example ensure that the dignity, safety, rights and confidentiality of the patients are protected and maintained in accordance with national standards.
• As requested, advise the Theatre Matron and Divisional Management Team on all professional matters, seeking advice from the Associate Chief Nurse for Surgery when appropriate.
• Take every reasonable opportunity to maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence.
• Participate in personal objective setting and review, including the creation of a personal development plan.
• Frequent requirement to undertake complex problem solving, of which the nature is unpredictable using specialist clinical and managerial knowledge of the Theatre environment.

Person Specification
Essential Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (Adult) or Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) with current NMC or HCPC registration
• Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to perioperative / theatre practice
• Degree level education or equivalent experience in perioperative/theatre services

Desirable

• Post-registration qualification in perioperative care, leadership or management
• Mentorship / practice assessor qualification
• Evidence of leadership or management training

Knowledge, Skills, Training and Experience

• Significant post-registration experience within theatres, anaesthetics, surgery or recovery
• Experience of managing theatre lists, patient flow or operational theatre coordination
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary theatre environment
• Experience of leading or supervising staff in a clinical setting
• Experience of managing competing clinical priorities in a high-pressure environment

Personal Qualities

• Professional, calm and resilient under pressure
• Visible leadership style with strong presence in clinical areas
• Flexible and responsive to changing service demands
• Commitment to high standards of patient care and safety
• Ability to work autonomously while remaining accountable

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.