The presence of a Surgical Care Practitioner in the perioperative team is of benefit both to the patient and the consultant-led extended surgical team

Abstract

Non-medically qualified professionals have progressively advanced and developed in line with the country’s constantly evolving health care system. Recently, increasing hospital activity, underfunding in health care and a falling number of doctors have left the NHS perpetually underdoctored, underfunded and overstretched. As the current health care climate demands these ‘non-doctors’ to demonstrate competent knowledge and skill in providing safe and effective care, this paper discusses limitations, the scope of practice as well as the benefits the Surgical Care Practitioner provides to the modern extended surgical team, and most importantly – the patients under their care.