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Company: Mediclinic
Location: South Africa
Closing Date: 30 July 2026
Finding a rewarding position in the healthcare sector requires staying informed about top opportunities at leading facilities. Mediclinic, one of the most respected private hospital networks in South Africa, is currently seeking a qualified professional for the post of Operating Department Assistant. This permanent position is based at Mediclinic Vergelegen in Somerset West, South Africa, offering a stable and fulfilling career path within a modern peri-operative environment.
If you possess a diploma in Operating Department Assistance and are ready to contribute to high-standard surgical patient care, this step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about the position, key duties, required qualifications, and how to successfully complete your application.
About Mediclinic Vergelegen
Mediclinic Vergelegen is a premier private hospital located in Somerset West, in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, modern operating theatres, and compassionate patient care, the hospital provides a supportive work atmosphere for clinical professionals. Joining the team at Mediclinic Vergelegen means becoming part of an integrated, multidisciplinary team dedicated to excellence, safety, and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.
Role Summary and Key Objectives
The position of Operating Department Assistant (ODA) is a vital clinical support role within the hospital’s surgical department. ODAs work directly in operating theatres and recovery areas, playing an essential role in preparing equipment, managing instruments, assisting surgical teams, and safeguarding patient health before, during, and after surgical procedures.
The primary objective of this role is to function effectively as a scrub practitioner, circulator, and anaesthetic assistant under the indirect supervision of a Professional Nurse. Additionally, the successful candidate will provide essential patient assistance in the recovery room under the direct supervision of a Professional Nurse.
By delivering dedicated assistance across these core theatre functions, the Operating Department Assistant helps ensure surgical lists run smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
Key Responsibility Areas
The daily duties of an Operating Department Assistant at Mediclinic Vergelegen are varied and demand high attention to detail, adherence to protocol, and strong teamwork. The main responsibilities include:
1. Delivery of Safe, Quality Patient Care
Patient safety is the top priority in any operating theatre environment. As an ODA, you will continuously deliver safe, high-quality care in full collaboration with surgeons, anaesthetists, professional nurses, and auxiliary staff. All care must align strictly with established theatre protocols and South African healthcare standards.
2. Peri-Operative Preparation
Efficiency in the operating room depends heavily on thorough preparation. You will be responsible for ensuring effective peri-operative setup for your allocated theatre list. This includes verifying that all necessary sterile packs, specialized instruments, medical devices, and consumable supplies are ready and functioning properly prior to the start of each procedure.
3. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
Maintaining a sterile field is paramount to preventing surgical site infections and ensuring positive patient outcomes. The ODA must strictly adhere to infection prevention and control principles at all times. This includes executing meticulous aseptic techniques, monitoring sterile fields, handling contaminated waste correctly, and upholding environmental hygiene standards within the surgical unit.
4. Equipment and Pharmaceutical Resource Management
Managing surgical inventory and high-value medical equipment requires diligence. The candidate will ensure optimal utilization of theatre equipment and pharmaceutical stock. By tracking usage, preventing damage to sensitive instruments, and minimizing stock wastage, you directly contribute to reducing clinical and financial risks for the facility.
Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Mediclinic maintains high standards for its clinical team members to guarantee top-tier service to patients. Below are the specific entry criteria for this position:
Educational Requirements
- Essential Qualification: Candidates must hold a recognized Operating Department Assistance Diploma.
- Desired Qualification: No additional higher qualification is explicitly required for entry into this role.
Experience Level
- Essential Minimum Experience: None. Entry-level candidates who hold the required diploma are fully eligible to apply.
- Desired Experience: No prior clinical work experience is required, making this an ideal entry position for recent graduates eager to begin their career in peri-operative care.
Key Skills and Technical Knowledge
To succeed in this position, applicants should demonstrate strong competence and understanding in the following core areas:
- Comprehensive knowledge of operating theatre environments and daily clinical operations
- Mastery of aseptic techniques and sterile field setup
- Practical understanding of infection prevention and control protocols
- Familiarity with surgical instrument handling and management techniques
- Computer literacy, particularly proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Thorough and accurate clinical record keeping
- Strong risk identification skills to detect and address safety hazards promptly
Job Details and Important Summary Facts
- Job Title: Operating Department Assistant
- Employer: Mediclinic
- Location: Mediclinic Vergelegen, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
- Workplace Type: On-site
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Number of Open Positions: 1
- Job Reference Number: 68296
- Recruiter Contact: Evelyn J Machalie
- Application Deadline: 30 July 2026
Application Process and Guidelines
Applying for a job at Mediclinic is straightforward, but it requires following specific rules to ensure your application is logged and reviewed correctly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Documentation: Ensure your CV is updated with your latest contact details, educational achievements, and training credentials. Have digital copies of your Operating Department Assistance Diploma ready for upload.
- Access the Official Careers Portal: Visit the official Mediclinic career page online and search for Reference Number: 68296.
- Submit Before the Closing Date: Ensure your full submission is completed online on or before 30 July 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Important Note for Internal Employees
If you are currently an internal Mediclinic employee working on a fixed-term contract, you must submit your application using an external candidate profile rather than your existing internal employee profile. Failing to follow this step may prevent your application from processing correctly through the recruitment system.
Why Pursue a Career as an ODA at Mediclinic?
Working as an Operating Department Assistant at Mediclinic offers a rewarding career trajectory in the private healthcare sector. Beyond gaining valuable clinical exposure alongside experienced surgical teams, employees benefit from working in a structured, well-resourced environment dedicated to continuous professional development and high-standard patient care.
If you meet the qualifications and are eager to contribute to patient care at Mediclinic Vergelegen, be sure to submit your application before the 30 July 2026 deadline.
