After a decade caring for patients in surgery, healthcare worker Jennifer Chubb has advanced into a new lead role.
Jennifer has recently qualified as an operating department practitioner, playing a major part in each phase of a patient’s surgery.
Practitioners are involved in all parts of a patient’s care – anaesthetic, surgery and recovery.
Jennifer, who completed a three-year degree at Teesside University, started in the department more than 10 years ago as a theatre support worker.
After developing into a spinal associate practitioner, she was given the opportunity to start a funded degree to progress further.
Jennifer said: “I am really proud to have made this step in my career.
“Ever since my first placement in theatres over 10 years ago, I have had a passion for it and wanted to progress in this area.
“Operating department practitioners are involved in every aspect of a patient’s care when they come here for surgery.
“They help and support patients before their operation, play an important part during surgery. They’re that link between different teams and help support and monitor patients on arrival to the recovery unit.
“It’s such a varied and challenging role working with a fantastic team of staff.”
Karen Wilson, matron in theatres, said: “Jennifer is a really important member of the team. And we are delighted to see her progress into this new role.
“The role of an operating department practitioner is so important. They are that link for patients through every part of their surgery journey.
“Our ambition is to continue to invest in our staff and in developing more practitioners across the department every year.”