Job overview

ACCTS Cymru is a road-based service, deploying with state-of-the-art critical care transfer vehicles and equipment. Every mission is supported by a highly skilled team, including a critical care transfer physician, a support worker, and a retrieval and transfer practitioner. These practitioners bring diverse expertise, with backgrounds in nursing, operating department practice, and paramedicine, all with extensive intensive care experience and specialised training in inter-facility critical care transfer.

Each year, approximately 800 critical care transfers (Level 2 and Level 3) are undertaken across Wales. In response to the growing demand for critical care and the regionalisation of specialist services, the Welsh Government launched the Adult Critical Care Transfer Service (ACCTS) Cymru in 2020. As networks continue to develop and evolve, the number of transfers is set to rise, reflecting the increasing need for this essential service.

This exciting role is perfect for those who are suitably qualified and offers an unique opportunity to work at the forefront of critical care transfers in Wales.

Main duties of the job

This is a developmental role, commencing with undertaking operational, driving and maintenance duties, then expanding into an assistant role within the critical care transfer team as the individual develops knowledge and skills in this area.

Driving duties will include daily vehicle inspection and ensuring readiness for operations, with clear communications through the duty operational manager or critical care hub to swiftly report any defects or issues. The ability to plan an efficient and smooth journey between hospitals is important. Training for driving under emergency (‘blue light’) conditions will be provided if required in partnership with our colleagues at Welsh Ambulance Service.

Experience of critical care transfer in Wales has shown that employing an individual to drive the transfer vehicle who is also skilled and experienced in supporting the transfer team clinicians to manage and package patients prior to transfer increases service and network efficiency. Full training will be provided in this regard, with initial equipment and process familiarisation during induction, then ongoing training in the clinical setting under the supervision of the retrieval and transfer physician and practitioner.

Working for our organisation

We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board. 

As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.

You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.

There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.

Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.

If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.