Senior Anaesthetic Theatre Practitioner (ODP/RGN)

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279); Brighton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health institution in Brighton is seeking a Senior Anaesthetic Theatre Practitioner (ODP/RGN) to cover maternity leave with a strong chance of becoming permanent. The role requires clinical experience in anaesthetics, particularly in cardiac surgery, with the responsibility of ensuring high standards of patient care and safety. Candidates must have a recognised Theatre Qualification, evidence of mentorship capability, and experience working at a Band 5 level in an acute setting. Training is available for candidates lacking specific cardiac experience.

Qualifications

• Must hold a recognised Theatre Qualification RGN/ODP.
• Demonstrated skills in anaesthetics in an acute setting.
• Minimum substantial experience as a Band 5 in acute theatre.

Responsibilities

• Act as a competent practitioner in cardiac theatre.
• Implement evidence-based practice in clinical areas.
• Ensure quality of patient care and readiness for change.

Skills

Current skills in anaesthetics

Experience in acute settings

Ability to coordinate teams

Mentorship qualification or equivalent

Experience as a Band 6

Cardiac anaesthetic experience

Education

Recognised Theatre Qualification RGN/ODP

Job description

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Senior Anaesthetic Theatre Practitioner (ODP/RGN)

The closing date is 24 December 2025

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC/HCPC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.

Sussex cardiac centre is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Anaesthetic team as band 6 practitioner, to cover maternity leave for 12 months. However, there is a strong possibility of this becoming a permanent position.

Previous experience working within cardiac theatres is not essential, as we offer a comprehensive training package.

We pride ourselves in delivering high quality patient care and are committed to providing continual personal and professional development.

Our Cardiac theatres comprise of 2 operating theatres, 1 hybrid theatre and catheter labs.

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.

Main duties of the job

The role is for an anaesthetic practitioner caring for patients undergoing planned cardiac surgery. We also provide an emergency service for patients requiring life saving interventions.

On call commitment is required to provide a 24 hour service. This commitment attracts an extra payment.

Provide a quality service with responsibility for patient safety and standards of care, ensuring the provision of evidence based care by being a role model providing specialist knowledge within theatre practice.

Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can't be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Job responsibilities

Clinical:

• To act as a competent practitioner demonstrating specialist knowledge, skills and expertise within the area of work and within the context of changing health care provision.
• Work clinically developing/implementing evidence based practice within the designated clinical area of expertise in conjunction with Lead Practitioners, Theatre Manager. Ensure a multi professional focus, have the ability to facilitate, initiate, manage and evaluate change in practice to improve quality of care.
• In conjunction with Lead Practitioners, ensure that a supportive teaching and learning environment is in place within their area on a day-to-day basis.
• In conjunction with Lead Practitioners, ensure that all staff work to their required level of clinical and professional competence whilst adhering to their NMC and HPC professional codes of conduct. Ensure all staff are developed to attain competence as highlighted at appraisal.
• In conjunction with Lead Practitioners, ensure that quality of patient care is assured by involvement in the implementation, maintenance and development of:
  • High Impact Interventions
  • NICE guidance
• Ensure that all clinical environments reflect a high standard of cleanliness and be proactive in response to any issues raised through cleaning audits, infection control audits or patient environment inspections.

See JD and PS for full details.

Person Specification

• Recognised Theatre Qualification RGN/ODP
• Able to demonstrate current skills in anaesthetics
• Experience working within an acute setting
• Substantial experience as a band 5 in acute theatre setting
• Recognised Mentorship qualification or equivalent
• Experience or working at Band 6 level
• Cardiac anaesthetic experience
• Experience as a band 6, coordinating teams

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.