Role Overview
The Lead- Anaesthetics & Resuscitation is a senior clinical role focused on delivering expert anaesthetic support across day‑case procedures at Welbeck Oxford. The post holder acts as the Hospital Lead for resuscitation, overseeing emergency preparedness, equipment readiness, and staff training.
Responsibilities
- Assist consultant anaesthetists across all day‑case procedures, including general anaesthesia, regional, and sedation techniques.
- Prepare, check, and maintain all anaesthetic equipment and consumables before each list in line with AAGBI/RCoA guidelines.
- Perform Level 2 anaesthesia machine checks and maintain accurate service records.
- Support airway management including intubation, LMA, RSI, and difficult airway scenarios.
- Set up monitoring equipment such as arterial lines, CVP lines, and nerve block equipment.
- Prepare and label anaesthetic drugs under consultant direction, following controlled drug protocols.
- Assist with regional anaesthesia including spinal, epidural, and peripheral nerve blocks.
- Monitor the patient throughout the anaesthetic phase and elevate concerns promptly.
- Complete accurate, timely documentation of the anaesthetic episode.
- Hand over patients safely to the recovery team at the end of each procedure.
- Maintain patient dignity and provide reassurance throughout.
- Adhere to HCPC professional standards and Welbeck clinical policies at all times.
- Act as the designated Resuscitation Lead for the Hospital in line with Resuscitation Council UK guidelines.
- Audit and maintain all resuscitation equipment including crash trolleys, defibrillators, and emergency airway equipment.
- Coordinate and deliver ILS and BLS training for theatre staff, ensuring mandatory competencies are met.
- Keep accurate records of staff training, competency dates, and renewals.
- Liaise with external providers to ensure ALS access for relevant staff.
- Lead debriefs following any resuscitation event and ensure learning is documented and shared.
- Review and update emergency action cards and resuscitation SOPs in line with current guidance.
- Ensure emergency equipment such as the difficult airway trolley, MH kit, and anaphylaxis pack is checked and in date.
- Lead simulated emergency drills to maintain staff preparedness.
- Respond as the first clinical responder to intra‑operative emergencies including cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, and MH.
- Cover for the Theatre Manager/Team Leader when required, reporting to the Clinical Manager.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop junior ODPs and theatre staff, focusing on anaesthetic and emergency skills.
- Manage team rostering and annual leave.
- Induct new anaesthetists and theatre staff, covering emergency equipment and protocols.
- Coordinate mandatory training including ILS, BLS, and anaesthetic equipment competencies.
- Manage stock and supply of anaesthetic drugs and pharmacy items, including controlled drug compliance.
- Monitor and order medical gases, ensuring cylinder levels and pipeline integrity.
- Coordinate servicing and planned maintenance of anaesthetic and resuscitation equipment.
- Support sourcing of new and replacement equipment through materials management.
- Use supplies economically while maintaining patient safety standards.
- Ensure anaesthetic and resuscitation audits are completed on time, including crash trolley checks and drug records.
- Investigate incidents and ensure learning outcomes are actioned and recorded.
- Maintain safety checklists and upload documentation to SharePoint.
- Contribute to quality improvement and performance review activities.
- Document all clinical activity accurately and in a timely manner.
- Work closely with consultant anaesthetists and the surgical team, acting as a clinical role model and covering for the Theatre Manager when required.
Qualifications
- HCPC-registered Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) or RGN Anaesthetic Nurse.
- Ongoing CPD in line with HCPC/NMC requirements, focusing on anaesthetic practice.
- ILS/PILS certification (Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent).
- Significant post-registration ODP/RGN experience with a primary focus on anaesthetic assistance.
- Experience across GA, regional, and sedation techniques.
- Experience supporting airway management including RSI and difficult airway scenarios.
- Experience performing and documenting Level 2 anaesthesia machine checks.
- Experience managing and auditing resuscitation equipment including crash trolleys and defibrillators.
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior ODPs or theatre staff.
- Experience managing controlled drugs and anaesthetic pharmacy stock.
- In‑depth knowledge of anaesthetic drugs, techniques, and equipment including TIVA, volatile agents, and regional anaesthesia.
- Knowledge of emergency protocols: anaphylaxis, malignant hyperthermia, and failed airway.
- Familiarity with AAGBI/RCoA standards for anaesthetic practice and equipment checking.
- Knowledge of controlled drug legislation and safe storage requirements.
- Competent with electronic systems for equipment checks, incident reporting, and training records.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Demonstrates Welbeck values: patient‑centred, professional, collaborative, and innovative.
- Calm and decisive in clinical emergencies.
- High attention to detail in drug preparation, equipment checks, and documentation.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team in a supportive and inclusive way.
- Committed to advancing personal competence in anaesthetics and resuscitation.
- Flexible – able to work shifts including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends.
- Proactive in identifying and escalating clinical risk.
Desirable
- Diploma or BSc in Operating Department Practice.
- ALS/PALS (EPALS) certification (Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent).
- Resuscitation Officer qualification or formal resuscitation trainer accreditation.
- Leadership or management qualification (e.g. ILM Level 3 or equivalent).
- Postgraduate qualification in anaesthetic or peri‑operative practice.
- Experience delivering or coordinating ILS/BLS training for clinical staff.
- Experience leading emergency simulation exercises.
- Experience in a private hospital or independent sector setting.
- Sound knowledge of Resuscitation Council UK guidelines for adult resuscitation.
- Knowledge of CQC and HCPC/NMC requirements relevant to anaesthetic and resuscitation practice.
Benefits
- Generous Annual Bonus Scheme
- Paid for park and ride
- Great work‑life balance
- Professional registration paid for annually
- Personal Development Plan
- 27 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
- Private Medical Insurance
- Eye Care
- Annual Flu Vaccines
- Private Pension
- Season Ticket Loan / Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Other health and wellbeing policies
