Job Description
January 2025
Position Title Area Manager – Perioperative Services
Division Clinical Services
Reports to Perioperative Services Manager
Mission, Vision and Values
Mission: To deliver the highest quality healthcare experience for patients.
Vision: To be the preferred choice for patients, doctors, and staff and to be recognised for the
provision of high-quality clinical care.
Values: Bethesda Health Care is committed to the following values:
Teamwork – We create an environment of unity and togetherness.
Respect – We recognise and acknowledge the uniqueness and value of every individual.
Integrity – We demonstrate honesty and trust.
Compassion – We work to express God’s love through a caring expression of kindness,
tolerance and tenderness.
Excellence – We excel in all that we do so that we can promote the Mission of Bethesda
Health Care.
Professionalism – We have pride in the high level of care and service we offer.
Staff are expected to demonstrate these values in the way they work, live the positive behaviours
described in the Bethesda Health Care Code of Conduct, and contribute to and promote the positive
working culture of the organisation.
Position Summary and Role Purpose
The purpose of the position is to lead the day-to-day operations of Perioperative Department,
ensuring safe, efficient service delivery through effective staff management, training, and
collaboration with VMOs, while driving continuous improvement in quality, compliance, and patient
safety and satisfaction.
Key Working Relationships
Internal External
Perioperative Services Manager Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs)
Perioperative Coordinators/Supervisors Patients
Clinical Nurse Managers Nursing Agencies
Nursing Staff Medical and Supplier Companies
Learning and Development Team Industry Peak Bodies (e.g. ACORN, ACHS)
Stores and Supply Department
Engineering and Maintenance Team
All Staff
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Key Responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day operations of the Perioperative Department, ensuring appropriate staff
resourcing, rostering, and skill mix to deliver safe, high-quality, and efficient surgical services.
Provide clinical leadership and support to all perioperative staff, including mentoring
Coordinators and Clinical Nurses, and ensuring clear communication and delegation of
duties.
Collaborate with Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs), Anesthetists, and multidisciplinary teams
to ensure smooth theatre workflows, accurate scheduling, equipment readiness, and positive
patient outcomes.
Oversee departmental compliance with relevant legislation, recognised clinical standards,
and guidelines (e.g., NSQHS, ACORN, ANZCA), ensuring ongoing currency with emerging best
practices to deliver safe, high-quality perioperative care.
Support patient safety and satisfaction initiatives, including timely response to complaints or
concerns, promoting open disclosure, and actively contributing to a culture of respect and
continuous improvement.
Coordinate staff training and development, ensuring all mandatory competencies are
completed, and supporting professional growth through coaching, orientation, and
performance feedback.
Manage and lead clinical governance activities, including clinical audits, incident
investigations, and risk management processes to drive quality improvement and patient
safety.
Act as first point of contact for operational matters within the department, including
addressing escalated issues related to staff, equipment, efficiency, and patient flow.
Manage theatre rosters, including scrub/scout/on-call arrangements, approval of leave
requests, and coordination with nursing agencies and third-party staffing platforms.
Manage theatre rosters, ensuring appropriate skill mix and, where possible, accommodating
staff preferences to optimise staffing levels and minimise agency usage. Ensure rosters are
accurately maintained, promptly updated, and effectively communicated to all relevant staff.
Support financial and administrative processes by managing timesheets and assisting with
payroll queries in consultation with the Perioperative Services Manager.
Liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders, including Engineering, Stores/Supply,
and medical/surgical suppliers, to ensure equipment functionality and timely procurement or
servicing.
Participate in policy and procedure review, contributing to governance frameworks that
support quality, safety, and compliance across the perioperative environment.
Work clinically as required, maintaining up-to-date skills and modelling professional
standards of care.
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Health, Safety and the Environment
Lead by example in fostering a positive safety culture at Bethesda Health Care.
Adhere to all Bethesda Health Care policies, procedures, and standard operating guidelines
related to Work Health and Safety (WHS).
Immediately report any incidents or hazards.
Use all required safety measures, protective devices, and personal protective equipment.
Complete all mandatory WHS training and education.
Promote all staff well-being through respectful communication and interactions.
Actively participate in WHS consultative processes.
Uphold Bethesda Health Care’s commitment to environmental stewardship by integrating
sustainable practices into all duties.
Governance Quality and Risk
Read and abide by the safety and quality responsibilities relevant to your role as outlined in
the Clinical Governance Policy/Framework.
Abide by Bethesda Health Care’s Code of Conduct, Work Health and Safety legislation, Equal
Opportunity Act, and Disability Services Act.
Promote a culture that supports safety and quality by engaging with clinical performance and
safety processes at the unit level.
Record initiatives and issues in our Clinical Governance System.
Encourage and support clinicians to speak up for safety.
Complete all mandatory training, engage in development reviews, and contribute to the
growth and success of others.
Partnering with the Consumer
Acknowledge and involve patients in their care, address clinical and non-clinical inquiries, provide
appropriate assistance, and promote the use of formal feedback systems.
Selection Criteria
Essential
Demonstrated commitment to upholding and integrating the values of Bethesda Health Care.
Registered Nurse with current AHPRA registration.
Minimum of 5 years’ recent experience in a clinical nursing environment, including
demonstrated leadership in a specialised or procedural setting such as perioperative
services, catheterisation labs, endoscopy, or other high-acuity, team-based areas.
Proven ability to manage complex operations, including staff coordination, scheduling, and
resource management.
Demonstrated knowledge of relevant clinical standards, infection control, risk management,
and quality improvement frameworks.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead teams and work
effectively with VMOs and multidisciplinary stakeholders.
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Acceptance of Position Description
Employee Date
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