Claire Kilbride
Advancing Surgical Roles SIG
The Advancing Surgical Roles Specialist Interest Group (ASR SIG) has been developed to support practitioners who are training for, undertaking, or planning to develop the following roles:
- Surgical First Assistants (SFAs)
- Surgical Care Practitioners (SCPs)
- Assistant Theatre Practitioners (ATPs)
- Anaesthesia Associates (AAs)
- Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs).
Advanced roles in the perioperative domain have increased due to changes in surgical practice, innovation, workforce requirements and training programmes. Each role has a specific educational pathway, role boundaries, scope of practice and professional and legal implications. These roles are crucial in ensuring high-quality patient care in the perioperative environment. The ASR SIG forum offers members the opportunity to seek advice, and information about advanced roles, discuss issues relating to extended roles, exchange ideas and engage with like-minded professionals.
More about the SIG Lead
“I am a Surgical Care Practitioner with over 26 years’ experience in theatres. Qualifying as an ODP back in 2000, I continued my professional development through the surgical first assistant route where I eventually specialised in Colorectal, Abdominal wall & Robotics.
I lead a team of 5 SFAs and 3 SCPs and for the past 10 years I have continued to develop the team in line with all national guidelines, ensuring patient safety and gold standard practice is at the centre of everything we do.
Throughout my career I have focused on creating clear structures, high standards and good teamwork to make sure patients get the safest and best care. I have built a strong, supportive team where everyone understands their role and works together with respect.
I am committed to helping advanced roles grow, be recognised and work effectively as part of the wider surgical team.
As Lead for the AfPP Advanced Roles Specialist Interest Group, I am looking forward to using my experience to help shape national standards, focusing my attention on being a strong drive to support advanced practitioners through collaboration and to be an advocate for role clarity, whilst also showcasing the exceptional work that advanced roles deliver.
I feel genuinely privileged to be appointed into this role and I am committed to ensure I make a positive impact.”