Changing faces within the perioperative workforce: New, advanced and extended roles.

The operating department like many other areas within healthcare is diversifying its workforce. Several new, advanced and extended roles have been integrated within the team. This article briefly outlines historical and current developments which have influenced the operating department workforce. It focuses on the following: Surgical Care Practitioner, Physician Associate, Anaesthesia Associates formerly known as Physician Assistant in Anaesthesia, Surgical First Assistant, Assistant Theatre Practitioner and Nursing Associates, highlighting the professional regulators, education and training, qualification and continuing professional development requirements.

Simple foot holder saves your theatre practitioner's back: a technical tip.

We provide a simple technique for foot positioning during preoperative skin preparation. Prone headrest made of gel polymer is used to support the patient's leg to keep the foot up. This will protect your operating theatre practitioner's back avoiding any mechanical back strain. It will also save money by preventing sickness and reducing workplace litigation from back injuries.