To support the Emergency Eye Referral Service (EERS) and Ophthalmology Outpatients Service in Clinic 9, Outpatients Department, University Hospital and Macular Unit at Rugby St Cross Hospital. The service runs six days a week (Monday–Saturday) with some late shifts expected as part of the working week. The post holder will work closely with the wider Ophthalmology team to provide leadership, support and deliver specialist ophthalmic care to paediatric and adult patients in EERS and outpatients. Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP. The post holder will work under the supervision of the Registered Nurses and the wider clinical team to support the day‑to‑day running of the service, delivering care to patients and supporting relatives, undertaking training for visual acuity, measuring intra‑ocular pressures (IOP) with handheld device, colour vision testing, checking for relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPDs) and a variety of other diagnostic tests, recording blood pressures, pulse and temperature and documenting findings in electronic patient records. Once competent under trust governance, they will administer ocular medications.
Responsibilities
* Work closely with the clinical team in the Emergency and Outpatient Departments, acting as a mentor and buddy to new staff, and participating in service development.
* Complete competency‑based training for visual acuity, intra‑ocular pressure, colour vision testing and RAPDs, using Pentacam, pachymetry, focimeter measurement and auto‑refraction.
* Instill eye drops following completion of a competency course under nursing supervision.
* Complete and assess competency courses for oculoplastic procedures and corneal cross‑linking procedures.
* Respond to emergencies in the Eye Emergency Service, support the team, and report and escalates any concerns or delays to the registered nurse.
* Manage environmental aspects including setting up clinics, maintaining cleaning standards and IPC, and stock control through the trust procurement process.
* Communicate with a range of staff and liaise with other healthcare providers within the Trust and primary care settings regarding diagnosis and treatment advice.
* Support staff within the wider ophthalmology team and ensure fair allocation of work where necessary.
* Complete all associated documentation and maintain accurate record‑keeping.
* Actively participate and support the nursing team in setting, monitoring and evaluating the standards of care in partnership with other members of the ophthalmic multidisciplinary team to ensure the delivery of holistic, evidence‑based, clinically effective specialist services.
* Identify own training and knowledge deficits and upskill to provide the specialist care required, supporting new and existing staff to become competent and capable practitioners.
* Take part in education and training to develop skills.
* Maintain equipment: support the clinical team with maintenance of ophthalmic equipment, and report or escalates any concerns or damage to ensure the service is not compromised.
* Liaise with staff in the wider ophthalmic team to discuss governance issues and assist in clinical governance and service development.
* Participate positively in service and departmental meetings to aid service delivery and improvement.
* Adhere to the fire policy, infection control procedures, the Health and Safety at Work Act, and hospital policies and procedures.
* Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
* Maintain responsibility for own professional and specialist development and registration.
* Participate in regular performance appraisal with staff as required.
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