I have worked in healthcare for over 5 years and believe that I now possess the knowledge, skills and experience that are transferable to that of a operational department practitioner. I am also fortunate to have received advice and guidance from my parents, a nurse and an anaesthetist. They have shown me how rewarding working with patients in the NHS can be.

I have worked as a medical technician at the Hyperbaric Unit, Murrayfield Hospital. The primary roles of this job were communicating effectively with patients, conducting assessments and formulating appropriate treatment regimes. I enjoy working with patients everyday, getting to know them and helping them through their treatments. To me, making a positive lasting impression on the person that I’m caring for is my ultimate goal. Seeing them smile and knowing I have assisted in their recovery when they leave is the best part of my job.

As a medical technician I have also been given the opportunity to work alongside the emergency team at the Hyperbaric Unit. This has involved covering the 24 hour on-call rota for diving and carbon monoxide poisoning emergencies. I was actively engaged on the Hyperbaric fast response car that supplements North West Ambulance Service in responding to emergency calls.

I am now employed as a Healthcare Assistant in theatre at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital working in orthopedics. my main role as a healthcare assistant is to support the patient when they enter the anesthetic room. It is important I introduce myself and talk to the patient. I assist the operational department practitioner during the anesthetic phase, attaching ECG leads, BP cuff and also positioning the patient for surgery. It is very important to remain close to the patient when they are going off to sleep, talking to them, reassuring them and maintain their dignity.

I assist the scrub team when in theatre this would include setting up theatre, checking all equipment, stock levels and computer system. I often assist the scrub operational department practitioner or theatre nurse with swab counts, handing sterile equipment such as screws and plates. It is important to maintain sterility of all items handed or currently in use by the surgical team, due to theatre being a sterile environment to protect the patient against infection. I have responsibility to make sure items are sterile for patient safety.

I am resolute of character and able to make accurate and safe clinical decisions, enabling me to provide professional assistance to patients during stressful and time critical events. I continually strive to improve my interpersonal skills and patient care through reflecting on events and researching areas that I am unsure.

My academic preparation to become an operational department practitioner started 2 years ago after receiving advice from university tutors that I would be best attending an Access to Health course. I successfully completed this course in 2012. The course gave me a better knowledge of anatomy and physiology, sociology, psychology, ethics and the workings of the NHS. I am now able to organise my time to ensure that all assignments arrive in a timely fashion and at the required standard.

I have been an active member of St John ambulance for over a year and have provided medical cover for events such as football matches and other sporting events. The St John ambulance has given me more experience working with the public and a better understanding of providing medical care in the field.

Given the opportunity, I will ensure 100% commitment and attendance to the programme.