HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT PERI-OPERATIVE THEATRE TECHNOLOGY (POTT)K
- Perioperative Theatre Technology (POTT) is a Health Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) Course for level 5 (certificate) and level 6 (diploma).
- POTT level 5 or certificate holders qualify as Perioperative technicians while Level 6 holders qualify as Perioperative technologists, collectively known as perioperative techs.
- Peri-operative Techs are also known as Surgical techs. They are globally recognised. In the UK they are also known as Operating Room Practitioners.
- POTT is approved by the Ministry of Education currently being offered by all TVET Medical Training Colleges registered to train by TVET Authority. Such as Mwongozo Medical College in Thika, Makongeni – Kisii Estate, Kisii National Polyetechnic and Outspan Medical College among others.
- POTTA Kenya is the only National Professional body for all perioperative techs.
- Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority – under the MOH in Kenya is the only licensing or regulatory body; in the UK they are regulated by the UK Health Professions Council(UK HPC)
- TVET CDAC Council (tvetcdacc.go.ke)(from MoE) is the initial exam body for POTT courses. However, currently the examinations are being conducted by KNEC – TVET Directorate. It’s being reverted to TVET CDACC.
- Kenyans should not study POTT in unrecognised/unregistered colleges. Colleges training POTT must be accredited by TVET Authority.
- POTTA Kenya registers all perioperative techs and coordinates all the professional activities of surgical techs including the licensing process.
- All POTTA Kenya members have their details shared and filed with the MOH thru KHPO Authority, hence are professionally recognised to work in any hospital in Kenya.
- All Perioperative techs or those working under the confines of POTT should be registered with POTTA Kenya and must be licensed by KHPO Authority. Registration and licensing is ongoing.
- Hospitals and other employers are encouraged to employ only licensed POTTA Kenya members as per MOH- KHPOA gazetted public notices dated 16/9/2022, 30/1/2023 and 24/03/2023 (see attached).
- POTTA Kenya shall flag out facilities and institutions not following given government directives.