MARTIN DE CASTRO
Swindon,Wiltshire
Summary
Leader in healthcare strategy and business case development with proven success in workforce redesign and agency reduction, resulting in enhanced theatre utilization and performance. Expertise in governance audits and CQC compliance, emphasizing cultural transformation and team engagement. Committed to driving organizational success through innovative management strategies and high-quality service delivery.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Anaesthetic ODP (Band 6)
Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Swindon, Wiltshire
2021.03 - 2026.02
- Supported leadership across peri-operative services to ensure safe, evidence-based care delivery.
- Assisted in managing operations within theatres, recovery, and anaesthetic areas, including staffing coordination.
- Contributed to workforce development initiatives and adherence to training requirements.
- Encouraged reflective practices to foster continuous improvement.
Theatre Practitioner (Band 5)
BMI The Ridgeway Hospital – Swindon
Swindon, Wiltshire
2019.03 - 2020.05
- Provided peri-operative care in compliance with independent sector governance protocols.
- Supported junior staff through mentoring while managing inventory and controlled substances.
- Engaged in ongoing NHS leadership development at Great Western Hospital.
Anaesthetic ODP (Band 5)
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
Frimley, Surrey
2018.06 - 2019.09
- Assisted with anaesthetic support across multiple specialities.
- Participated in governance audits and aided quality improvement initiatives.
- Transitioned to agency band 6 placements for diverse exposure at John Radcliffe Hospital.
Theatre Practitioner, Cardiothoracic N.O.R.S Teams (Band 6)
Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust – Harefield
Harefield
2017.12 - 2018.06
- Coordinated anaesthetic care for cardiac and thoracic procedures.
- Supported junior staff in high-pressure environments.
- Relocated to Frimley area for personal reasons.
- Participated in training sessions to remain current with practices.
- Communicated with patients and families before surgery to address queries and alleviate concerns.
- Responded to emergencies with effective solutions.
Anaesthetic Clinical Lead (Band 7)
Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Swindon, Wiltshire
2013.07 - 2017.11
- Assisted with clinical and operational support in anaesthetic services.
- Helped manage staffing allocation and theatre coordination for service delivery.
- Participated in supervision appraisal and performance management activities.
- Supported audit activities and quality assurance processes.
- Maintained compliance with CQC regulations and readiness for inspections.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance peri-operative care.
- Prioritised tasks during critical situations for patient outcomes.
- Responded effectively in emergencies with solutions.
Anaesthetic ODP (Band 6)
Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Swindon, Wiltshire
2008.09 - 2013.05
- Supervised theatre areas in absence of senior staff.
- Assisted with allocation of resources and monitored management of equipment.
- Guided junior odps and students through mentoring support.
- Participated in training sessions to remain informed of current practices.
- Ensured patient safety by following health and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to improve patient care.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, respecting patient confidentiality.
- Completed WHO patient safety checklist to maintain high-quality standards.
Anaesthetic Technician
Middlemore Hospital – Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
2008.10 - 2009.10
- Assisted in providing anaesthetic support within New Zealand healthcare system.
- Registered with Medical Sciences Council (NZ).
- Completed one-year visa placement prior to rejoining permanent NHS role.
- Prepared anaesthetic equipment for surgery to facilitate smooth operation.
- Documented all actions taken during procedures accurately, maintaining accountability and record-keeping standards.
- Conducted regular checks on anaesthetic machines promoting optimal performance.
- Optimised efficiency by maintaining an organised workspace within the operating theatre.
- Provided pre-operative care to patients by explaining the process of anaesthesia.
- Managed stock levels of medical supplies to avoid shortages.
- Followed strict health and safety guidelines whilst handling anaesthetics, reducing risk exposure.
Anaesthetic ODP (Band 5)
Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Swindon, Wiltshire
2005.09 - 2008.09
- Provided peri-operative anaesthetic support across various specialties.
- Assisted in maintaining airway management competence and advocating for patient needs.
- Achieved promotion to band 6 prior to planned international relocation.
Student Operating Department Practitioner
Watford General Hospital
Watford, Hertfordshire
2003.09 - 2006.06
- Assisted surgical teams in providing patient care in operating rooms.
- Supported practical training for development of peri-operative skills.
- Worked collaboratively with diverse teams to enhance patient outcomes.
Education
MSc - Leadership and Management in Healthcare
University of Hull
Cottingham Road, Kingston upon Hull, HU6 7RX, UK 2023.09 - 2025.09
Diploma of Higher Education - Operating Department Practice
The University of Bedfordshire
Luton Campus: University Square, Luton, LU1 3JU. 2003.09 - 2005.09
Skills
- Strategic healthcare leadership
- Capital investment and business case development
- Workforce redesign and agency reduction
- Theatre utilisation and performance improvement
- Governance, audit and CQC compliance
- Cultural transformation and team engagement
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Guitarist with strong interest in creative composition., Avid reader of healthcare leadership and modern literature., Enjoy backpacking and skateboarding, reflecting resilience and adaptability.
Supporting Statement
I am a Master's-qualified healthcare leader with over 20 years of peri-operative experience across NHS and independent sector services. As a HCPC-registered Operating Department Practitioner and former Band 7 Clinical Lead for Anaesthetics, I combine senior clinical credibility with advanced leadership training in healthcare strategy, finance, systems leadership, and organisational development. I am now seeking to contribute at Clinical Services Manager / Theatre Matron level, where I can provide strategic oversight, operational leadership, and sustainable service improvement.Throughout my career, I have taken progressive responsibility for workforce leadership, service performance, governance, and quality assurance. At Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, I have led initiatives that strengthened operational efficiency, improved team culture, and delivered measurable financial and clinical benefits.One of my most significant achievements has been leading the development and implementation of a new Cell Saver service within the Trust. Over a four-year period, I developed and refined a robust capital business case, demonstrating improvements in patient blood management, reductions in allogenic transfusion reliance, cost effectiveness, and alignment with Trust strategic priorities. Following successful funding approval, I became the implementation lead, overseeing training programmes, policy integration, governance alignment, and operational rollout across theatre services. This project required resilience, stakeholder engagement, financial awareness, and structured change management. The outcome strengthened patient safety standards while contributing to long-term financial sustainability.As Clinical Lead, I have also addressed workforce and cost pressures within anaesthetic services. Through improved rota coordination, skill mix review, and active engagement with the team, I reduced reliance on agency staffing while maintaining safe staffing levels. This improved continuity of care, enhanced team cohesion, and supported financial efficiency. My approach focused not only on numbers, but on rebuilding ownership and accountability within the team.Operationally, I have contributed to improved theatre utilisation by strengthening collaboration between anaesthetics, surgery, and recovery teams. By clarifying expectations, improving communication pathways, and promoting shared responsibility for performance, we enhanced theatre flow and reduced avoidable delays. Where morale challenges previously impacted performance, I prioritised transparency, consistent standards, and solution-focused dialogue. This resulted in improved engagement and a more stable, cohesive working environment.Governance and quality are central to my leadership practice. I actively participate in incident review, audit processes, and inspection readiness activities. I understand the importance of aligning service delivery with CQC standards, Trust performance frameworks, and national patient safety priorities. My leadership is grounded in accountability, openness, and evidence-based practice.Completion of my MSc in Leadership and Management in Healthcare has strengthened my ability to interpret performance data, understand healthcare finance, lead organisational change, and contribute to strategic planning discussions. I am confident operating at the interface between clinical teams and senior management, ensuring that operational decisions are both clinically sound and financially responsible.I am motivated by building services that are safe, efficient, and positive places to work. I believe effective Clinical Services Managers must balance compassion with performance management, and long-term strategy with day-to-day operational control. My career reflects resilience, persistence, and the ability to deliver meaningful change within complex healthcare environments.I am ready to take on broader service management accountability and contribute at a senior level to ensure high-quality, patient-centred, and financially sustainable care delivery.
Timeline
MSc - Leadership and Management in Healthcare
University of Hull
2023.09 - 2025.09
Anaesthetic ODP (Band 6)
Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
2021.03 - 2026.02
Theatre Practitioner (Band 5)
BMI The Ridgeway Hospital – Swindon
2019.03 - 2020.05
Anaesthetic ODP (Band 5)
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
2018.06 - 2019.09
Theatre Practitioner, Cardiothoracic N.O.R.S Teams (Band 6)
Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust – Harefield
2017.12 - 2018.06
Anaesthetic Clinical Lead (Band 7)
Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
2013.07 - 2017.11
Anaesthetic Technician
Middlemore Hospital – Auckland, New Zealand
2008.10 - 2009.10
Anaesthetic ODP (Band 6)
Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
2008.09 - 2013.05
Anaesthetic ODP (Band 5)
Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
2005.09 - 2008.09
Diploma of Higher Education - Operating Department Practice
The University of Bedfordshire
2003.09 - 2005.09
Student Operating Department Practitioner
Watford General Hospital
2003.09 - 2006.06