ONE OF the most challenging and unacknowledged jobs in Jamaica today is that of the operating theatre technician. Most people do not even know of their existence, nor are they aware of their contribution to patient care in Jamaican hospitals. Except for the doctors and nurses whom they assist daily, they are virtually unknown to the wider public.

These technicians prepare and maintain operating theatres and equipment, assist the surgical team during operations and provide support to patients in the recovery room.

List of tasks

They may perform the following tasks:

Assist in preparing operating rooms for surgery

Set up, check and maintain surgical equipment

Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses and anaesthesiologists

Wash and sterilise equipment using germicides and sterilisers

Clean and restock the operating room, placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions

Deliver specimens to hospital laboratories for analysis

Assist patients after the operation by taking them to the recovery room

Count sponges and needles before and after the operation.

Operating theatre technicians work as competent, reliable members of heath-care teams, under the guidance and supervision of nursing, anaesthetic and surgical staff in their delivery of patient care.

Remuneration a setback

One of their greatest setbacks is that of remuneration. They are woefully underpaid and are earning just a little above the minimum wage. They are not insured against any unforeseen predicament while on the job, nor do they get adequate leave.

The Ministry of Health needs to take a closer look at this group of workers and ensure that they are treated the way any other health professional body is treated. They are not fortunate enough to have a powerful organisation like the Nurses' Association of Jamaica to lobby on their behalf. They are virtually on their own when it comes to representation.

I am, etc.,

NEVILLE BECKFORD

beckkid@hotmail.com