Sharon Thorpe

I currently work at the Churchill Hospital as a Senior Operating Department Practitioner Team Leader in anaesthetics and recovery.

In anaesthetics, I work in all of the theatres within the department, which is the major transplant centre, bariatric centre, and major cancer centre for Oxfordshire and surrounding counties, treating adults across many different surgical specialities. These include urology, gynaecology, upper and lower gastro-intestinal, maxilla-facial, head and neck, breast, endocrine, vascular access, renal transplant, bowel transplant, plastics, and emergencies.

In recovery, I care for patients who have undergone all complexities of surgery from the above specialties, from day cases to major extensive surgery. Monitoring and assessing patients' conditions, making changes to care plans as required, and providing clinical advice to members of the peri-operative team.

I strive to provide direct, high-quality care to patients throughout the peri-operative and enhanced recovery experience in accordance with clinical standards set out in the code of conduct, both at local and national levels, ensuring patient dignity, values, and beliefs are always upheld.

I often work independently in remote settings, and I am the lead practitioner at the ECT clinic at the Warneford Psychiatric Hospital.

As a Band 6 in anaesthetics and recovery, I regularly co-ordinate and supervise the running of 10 operating theatres and work calmly under pressure, working closely with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure the department is fully utilised, and ensure all patients' transitions are as smooth as possible.

Uphold and work within standard operating procedures, policies, and code of conduct to maintain patient confidentiality.

Applied relaxation techniques to help patients overcome pre-surgery anxiety.

• Assisted in complicated surgical procedures, contributing towards successful outcomes without any post-operative complications.
• Maintained stringent hygiene standards within the operating theatre to prevent infection spread.
• Maintained accurate documentation of all procedures undertaken for future reference and audits.
• Handled emergency cases efficiently whilst maintaining composure and delivering top-notch care.