#TeamOP:
When trust becomes routine
An exclusive glimpse into the operating theatre
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It is early morning in the operating theatre. Footsteps echo down the corridor. In the operating theatre, instruments are carefully laid out, equipment is checked and materials are arranged within easy reach. Every movement is precise, even before the first patient is brought into the room.
The surgical team comprises many different areas of responsibility, which are closely interlinked. Surgical nurses, anaesthesia nurses, the surgeon, the anaesthetist and other members of the patient care team work hand in hand here.
“We know our routines and we know each other. This trust is crucial.”
Abdessamad Terach,
Head of the Operating Theatre Section
As Head of the Operating Theatre Section, Abdessamad Terach is responsible for the structural processes behind the scenes. Together with his team, he ensures that surgical planning, staff deployment and time management work seamlessly together, so that every operation can take place under reliable conditions.
“An operation only works if every role performs reliably,” he explains, adding: “From the very first preparatory step right through to the end of the procedure, everyone has a responsibility.”
This teamwork is particularly evident in the operating theatre. The scrub nurse works under sterile conditions at the operating table, anticipates the procedureand hands instruments at just the right moment. Another member of staff – the so-called ‘flyer’– organises materials in the background, documents and reacts flexibly when situations change. The anaesthesia team member accompanies the patient from the first point of contact until they wake up safely. During the procedure, they keep an eye on vital signs and ensure stability.
As soon as one procedure is completed, preparations for the next operation begin immediately. Instruments are reassembled, supplies are restocked, and the theatre is prepared. At the same time, the surgical nursing team, anaesthetists and surgeon coordinate their efforts for the next procedure. Information regarding the patient, the planned procedure and any special requirements is clearly communicated.
“In the operating theatre, a quick glance is often enough,” says Abdessamad Terach, describing everyday life. “We know our routines and we know each other. This trust is crucial.”
Medical procedures are constantly evolving. New surgical techniques, modern implants and technical systems are also changing the requirements in the operating theatre. That is why professional development plays a central role. Staff regularly attend training courses, deepen their knowledge in specific specialist areas and familiarise themselves with new instruments and procedures.
A special moment was the live broadcast of a surgical procedure to an international conference in Cairo in November 2025. It demanded the utmost concentration and demonstrated just how united the #TeamOP even under special conditions. However, its true strength is evident in day-to-day operations. There, where everyone knows their role and processes interlock seamlessly.
Christine Quinkert
As a long-standing member of #TeamOP Christine Quinkert has been bringing her experience to the operating theatre at the Sportklinik Hellersen for over 17 years. The qualified nurse discovered her passion for this field during her training: “Working in the operating theatre immediately inspired me during my training. And it quickly became clear to me: this is my field.” Today, as a nurse in the operating theatre, she is responsible for sterility, prepares instruments and equipment, and ensures that all procedures run smoothly. She particularly appreciates the versatility of her profession: “Every single step is precise, interlinked and contributes to the overall success. It is precisely this combination of concentration and physical work that motivates me every day.”
Jacqueline Klöckner
Since October 2023, Jacqueline Klöckner has been part of the anaesthesia nursing team at the Sportklinik Hellersen. After qualifying, she first gained experience in anaesthesia, then moved to the intensive care unit and completed a two-year specialist training programme in anaesthesia and intensive care nursing. In her daily work, she places particular emphasis on the human aspect: “Many patients arrive feeling very anxious, and it’s lovely when you can help ease their fears. Some express their gratitude afterwards, and that’s a really lovely feeling.” Jacqueline also highlights the close collaboration with the various professional groups in the operating theatre and the collegial atmosphere : “We are a large team – not just the anaesthesia nursing staff, but also the operating theatre nursing staff, the surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons and WIDI (Hellersen Business Services) are part of it.” As a single mother, she also appreciates the flexibility offered by her employer, which enables her to achieve a good work-life balance.
Zeljka Jung
Since 1 July 1991, Zeljka Jung has been part of the Sportklinik Hellersen, bringing with her more than three decades of experience in the operating theatre. As a scrub nurse, she works across all specialist departments. She works both at the operating table and as a stand-in, and maintains close contact with the anaesthesia team. Depending on the daily schedule she is deployed where her experience is particularly in demand. Her journey into the operating theatre began on the recommendation of a colleague from their shared training days – a decision she has never regretted. “We’re a small, big family here,” she says of the #TeamOP at the Sportklinik Hellersen.
Strong team spirit is particularly important to her. This is evident not only in their day-to-day interactions, but also in the fact that all procedures in the operating theatre are consistently geared towards the patients’ well-being. For her, one thing is certain: “We have people working here who stick together, and that is exactly what makes the operating theatre here so special.”
Eleni Krumminga
Since 9 September 2019, Eleni Krumminga has been part of the surgical team at Sportklinik Hellersen. Even during her training as a nurse she knew that her career path would lead her into the operating theatre. It was particularly her experience in the neurosurgery department that convinced her: the clearly structured procedures, the high level of concentration within the team and the variety of procedures confirmed her desire to work in the operating theatre.
Today, she works as a surgical nurse, preparing for and following up on operations, taking care of equipment maintenance, helping her colleagues to position patients correctly for surgery and assisting with instruments alongside her colleagues. Switching between assisting with instruments and on-call duty is an integral part of her daily routine and ensures that everything runs smoothly.
She particularly values the exciting work in the operating theatre, the positive atmosphere within the team and the opportunity for professional development. “With a bit of initiative, the work here is all the more enjoyable,” she says. Regular training and development courses help her to develop her skills and confidence across the various specialist areas.
Jennifer Mies
Jennifer Mies has been part of the Sportklinik Hellersen since July 2021 and works in anaesthesia nursing. After many years of shift work in the intensive care unit, she deliberately chose to move into the operating theatre, hoping to have more time for her patients and to be better able to support them in any exceptional situation.
What matters most to her is the opportunity to support people not just medically, but also on a personal level. She also cites the appreciation shown by patients, the variety in her daily routine and the strong team spirit as key aspects of her workplace. She has some clear advice for new colleagues: even though things may seem overwhelming at first, you should know that you’ll never be left on your own. “We’re a good team; questions are always welcome.”
Sarah Vagnoli
Sarah Vagnoli has been part of the team at the Sportklinik Hellersen since October 2024. The qualified surgical assistant now works in the field of patient care. Her focus is on the careful preparation and safe positioning of patients during surgical procedures.
In doing so, she works across departments and supports the teams wherever precise coordination and structured processes are required. Particularly in complex operations, such as those in neurosurgery and spinal surgery, experience, prudence and seamless teamwork are crucial.
She made a conscious decision to work in the medical field. Taking on responsibility, helping to shape processes and being part of a strong team are what make all the difference to her..
Her advice to anyone interested in a career in the field of surgical structures: do an internship, get to know different departments, ask questions and be open to the unique team culture.
