Operating Assistant - Theatre

Hunter New England Local Health District; Cessnock; On-site; AUD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sustainable healthcare

Proximity to amenities

Fitness Passport

EAP for staff

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Hunter New England Local Health District seeks casual staff to join the Operating Theatre Team at Cessnock District Hospital. The role supports safe, effective, and high‑quality patient care in perioperative services, with a focus on turning around theatres between procedures and maintaining equipment and supplies.

You will perform patient care, transport patients between theatre, recovery, and wards, assist nursing and medical staff, and work under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

Qualifications

• High level written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in intraoperative theatre duties including transfer of patients onto the operating table and positioning of patients, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work morning and afternoon shifts Monday - Friday.
• Specialised cleaning skills.
• Ability to work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Demonstrated commitment to working within scope of practice.
• Commitment to safe, person-centred care.
• Willingness to participate in relevant education and competency development.

Responsibilities

• Move, transfer, and position patients safely between theatre, recovery, day stay and wards while maintaining patient dignity.
• Clean, prepare, and maintain operating rooms, surgical equipment between procedures.
• Assemble and check equipment for cleanliness and function and report any faulty items.
• Transport specimens securely, restock supplies, and assist nursing or medical staff during surgical lists.

Skills

Communication skills

Patient transfer & positioning

Theatre cleaning

Shift availability

Teamwork with RN

Job description

Support Safe, Efficient Surgical Care in a Welcoming Rural Hospital

Remuneration

$33.83 - $34.72 per hour + superannuation

Location

Cessnock District Hospital

Employment Type

Casual

Position Classification

Ops Assist

Requisition ID

REQ686667

Applications Close

Sunday 28th February 2027

About The Role

We are looking for casual staff to join our Operating Theatre Team, where you will provide support to complement the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient care.

Core Responsibilities

• Patient Care & Transport: Move, transfer, and position patients safely between theatre, recovery, day stay and wards while maintaining patient dignity.
• Theatre Turnaround: Clean, prepare, and maintain operating rooms, surgical equipment between procedures.
• Equipment Management: Assemble and check equipment for cleanliness and function and report any faulty items.
• General Support: Transport specimens securely, restock supplies, and assist nursing or medical staff during surgical lists.

Where You'll Be Working

Cessnock District Hospital is a welcoming rural facility providing high-quality surgical and emergency services to the local community. The hospital features a Medical and Surgical Ward, a busy Emergency Department and an onsite Operating Theatre supported by Visiting Medical Officers, Anaesthetists and Surgeons in delivering Elective general surgery, endoscopy, urology, and gynae services. As the operational assistant - Perioperative Services, you will work alongside the peri-operative team to support the safe, clean, and efficient day-to-day running of the clinical areas, particularly within perioperative services and operating suites.

About You

• High level written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous experience in intraoperative theatre duties including transfer of patients onto the operating table and positioning of patients, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work morning and afternoon shifts Monday - Friday.
• Specialised cleaning skills.
• Ability to work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Demonstrated commitment to working within scope of practice.
• Commitment to safe, person-centred care.
• Willingness to participate in relevant education and competency development.

What We Offer

At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Additional Information

• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• If you are currently employed with HNE Health in a position of the same grade, you may not need to submit an online application to be considered. Please contact the hiring manager to discuss your options first.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Information For Applicants

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

This is a Category A position

Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.