Theatre role develops hospital's home-grown talent

Daunting at first, but very rewarding, is how Sue Lovell describes her job as an assistant scrub practitioner (ASP). Working at the surgeon’s side under supervision, Sue is responsible for handing the surgeon all the instruments needed during an operation.

It’s very different from her original role six years ago as a nursing assistant. But a 14-month course devised by theatre staff to answer their need for more theatre recruits saw Sue change direction.

Kim Grigsby, lead practitioner and the person responsible for developing the course says: "The ASP training gives health care assistants the opportunity to develop into a role that was previously the domain of the registered nurse. For the ASP it’s immensely satisfying, enhancing their skills and potential for further development. But it also makes more efficient use of the registered nurses’ time; instead of being at the operating table they now have the freedom to teach the trainees and co-ordinate the patient’s care with other professionals.”

Sue Lovell

Sue (pictured) comments: "I’ve got the chance to do something I never thought possible. I spent two weeks in the classroom learning about anatomy together with all the different types of instruments needed for each operation. After the classroom work I spent several weeks 'scrubbing in’ with theatre nurses learning different procedures, firstly to observe and eventually scrubbing for the procedure myself. A knee operation was the first procedure I assisted with and I was terrified! Now it’s caesarean sections in Rosie theatres and it’s also my turn to assist the registered nurses to help train the new ASPs.”

Kim says: "We spotted the potential for this role in theatres and it’s made a big difference to how we work – but what’s really good is that we’ve been able to develop our home-grown talent in the hospital. The course is accredited by Anglia Ruskin University and gives access to the Health and Social Care degree programme.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about this role please contact Kim Grigsby, unit leader, ATC Theatres 01223 348587.