Theatre support worker — Meghna Solanki

Completing a degree in neuroscience has enabled Meghna to follow her interest in medical theatre, and particularly, head and neck surgery

How did you get your theatre support job?

I submitted numerous applications on the NHS Jobs website to secure this position.

How relevant is your degree to your job?

I completed a BSc in Neuroscience at Cardiff University under the School of Biosciences.

My degree is very relevant, and I chose it because of my desire to work in theatre, where patients are given an anaesthetic. Studying neuroscience has helped me to understand the intricate surgeries, particularly those involving the head and neck.

What are your main work activities?

I work under supervision to assist the multidisciplinary team in delivering high-quality patient care across theatres, day surgery, and various departments. Following directives from senior staff, I participate in theatre and day surgery activities.

My responsibilities include packing and unpacking instrument trolleys, delivering sterile items to theatres and hospital departments and tracking instruments using a scanning device on the T-DOC operating system (site-specific).

I also provide patient transportation services within the Surgical Directorate, collecting and returning patients between wards and departments.

After receiving proper training, I will contribute to the delivery of direct patient care within the operating theatre by taking on the role of the circulating practitioner during surgical procedures.

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

My role has evolved as I have developed a keen interest in contributing to the healthcare aspect of neuroscience. Looking ahead, I intend to work towards my goal of becoming a neurophysiologist.

What do you enjoy about working in a medical environment?

I take great pleasure in contributing to collaborative efforts within a team, particularly within the theatres, where the seamless collaboration of multidisciplinary teams achieves successful surgical outcomes.

Additionally, I find immense fascination in the breadth of knowledge I acquire, spanning various areas such as orthopaedics, gynaecology, paediatrics and head and neck surgery.

Among these, I am particularly drawn to head and neck surgery due to its intricate exploration of anatomy and the execution of complex procedures with remarkable proficiency.

What are the most challenging parts of your theatre support role?

My primary challenge lies in the inability to directly apply my neuroscience knowledge to the current field. Nevertheless, I am actively seeking opportunities to advance and find avenues where I can effectively utilise my skills, align with my passion, and express my deep affinity for neuroscience.

Any words of advice for someone who wants to get into this job?

• It's important to start your job search early, preferably before you finish your final year at university.
• Seek ways to gain relevant experience, for example, through volunteering or shadowing experiences.
• Interviews can be daunting, but just being you is the best approach.

Find out more

• Learn more about the role of a neuroscientist.
• See what the healthcare sector has to offer.