Anaesthetic Practitioner

NHS; Northampton; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an Anaesthetic Practitioner to join their Main Theatre team at Northampton General Hospital. The role requires a commitment to high standards of patient care and safety, collaborating with a dedicated multidisciplinary team. Candidates should have a relevant qualification, experience in anaesthetics, and strong communication skills. The position is full-time, permanent with a salary ranging from £31,049 to £37,796 per annum.

Qualifications

• Must have previous experience in Anaesthetics.
• Demonstrated behaviours consistent with Trust vision and values.
• Ability to assess, plan, prioritise and evaluate patient care.

Responsibilities

• Provide high standard of evidence‑based perioperative care.
• Assist the surgical team during anaesthesia administration.
• Ensure the operating theatre is clean, tidy, and stocked.

Skills

Teamworking ability

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Education

Registered Anaesthesia Nurse or Operating Department Practitioner (NMC / HCPC)

Diploma or Degree level education

Specialist theatre qualification

Job description

Job summary

We are seeking a motivated Anaesthetic Practitioner to become a vital part of our Main Theatre team. With a total of ten operating areas, we cover a diverse range of specialities, from general and vascular surgery to complex emergency theatre, robotic and paediatric cases. Our primary goal is to deliver the highest standard of perioperative care, ensuring excellent patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Main duties

Join the dynamic theatres team at Main Theatre, Northampton General Hospital as an Anaesthetic Practitioner. You will provide a high standard of patient care and safety across multiple areas within the trust. This role requires enthusiasm, teamwork, and a commitment to creating an effective learning environment.

Deliver exceptional perioperative care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care programs for surgical patients.

As an Anaesthetic practitioner during surgical procedures, assist the surgical team and anticipate their needs.

Ensure the operating theatre is clean, tidy, and fully stocked with all necessary instruments, equipment, and consumables for each surgical list.

Uphold and enforce hospital protocols for sterility, infection control, and patient safety throughout the perioperative journey.

Advocate for the patient throughout their surgical journey, ensuring their dignity and well‑being are maintained.

Work effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, communicating clearly with surgeons, anaesthetists, and other healthcare professionals.

Commitment to work flexibly as per operational needs and be expected to work nights, weekends and on‑call.

About us

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values:

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Integrity
• Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.

The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.

We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum / pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full‑time

Reference number

265-7540877-SUR-A

Job locations

Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BD

Job description

To provide a high standard of evidence‑based perioperative care for patients undergoing anaesthesia in the main theatre department and peripheral areas. The post holder will be an autonomous practitioner, responsible for the holistic assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of patient care during their time in theatres. The role involves working closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure patient safety, dignity, and a high‑quality experience.

Supporting Clinical Excellence

• Assess the immediate and ongoing needs of the patient and develop individualised care plans in collaboration with the patient and their significant others.
• Work collaboratively with anaesthetists, surgeons, scrub staff and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure the best possible patient outcomes and anticipate their needs.
• Organise and prepare the anaesthetic room and equipment for a wide variety of surgical specialties.
• Provide skilled assistance to the anaesthetist during the administration of anaesthesia, including induction, maintenance, and reversal.
• Ensure the safe supply, storage, administration, checking, and disposal of medications, including controlled drugs, in line with Trust and professional body policies.
• Maintain accurate and detailed theatre records, documentation, and care plans.
• Participate in all elements of care throughout the patient's pathway through theatres, from admission to discharge.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations, such as cardiac arrests, and be an active member of the resuscitation team.
• Demonstrate awareness of current developments in patient care and treatment to carry out duties competently and efficiently.
• Willing to work and support other theatre complexes and participate in clinical rotation to other theatres.
• Advocate for the patient throughout their surgical journey, ensuring their dignity and well‑being are maintained.
• Commitment to work flexibly as per operational needs and will be expected to work nights, weekends and on‑call.

Quality and safety

• Actively contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of quality care in accordance with Trust guidelines and theatre standards.
• Promote evidence‑based practice and participate in audit initiatives to support clinical governance.
• Assist with the monitoring and maintenance of equipment, reporting any faults to the appropriate person.
• Actively maintain and promote a safe theatre environment, ensuring adherence to infection control policies.
• Comply with all Trust policies, risk assessments, and procedures, with particular regard to safeguarding patients and staff.
• Assisting and contributing to the management and organisation of the theatre area.
• Uphold and enforce hospital protocols for sterility, infection control, and patient safety throughout the perioperative journey.
• Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe keeping of patients property in accordance with Trust policy.
• Report indicators, using the Trust reporting system.
• Deliver exceptional perioperative care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care programmes for surgical patients.
• Ensure the operating theatre is clean, tidy, and fully stocked with all necessary instruments, equipment, and consumables for each surgical list.

Communication

• Recognise and maintain confidentiality of all patient and Trust information.
• Ensure clarity in all communications with patients, relatives, carers, and other team members.
• Document the condition and progress of patients and report any concerns to senior staff or the theatre coordinator.
• Demonstrate a caring and professional approach and possess good verbal and non‑verbal communication skills.
• Answer telephone enquiries in a clear, friendly, and professional manner, taking accurate messages as necessary.

Leadership and Management

• Assist the theatre management team with the efficient management and organisation of the theatre area.
• Once competent, regularly take charge of the clinical area in the absence of a senior practitioner.
• Act as a preceptor/mentor to newly qualified staff, students, and less experienced staff, promoting a suitable learning environment and support completion of their competencies.
• Assist in introducing new members of staff to their duties.
• Lead by example with enthusiasm and professionalism, fostering a positive team culture.
• Collaborate with all members of the clinical area to ensure efficient running of theatres.
• Constructively challenge practices as necessary, which impact on patients care and/or staff wellbeing.
• Manage his/her time effectively and perform allocated tasks within a reasonable time frame, knowing when to seek support, assistance and advice from other team members.

Professional responsibilities

• Adhere to the NMC/HCPC Code of Conduct at all times.
• Maintain your own knowledge and clinical skills and actively engage in continuing professional development.
• Act as a professional role model, upholding the Trust's values and promoting a positive image.
• Identify your own learning needs and negotiate a personal development plan.
• Maintain a professional portfolio and keep up to date on current nursing and health service issues.
• Actively undertake education, development and supervision of self.
• Act as a clinical and professional role model, assessing and supporting students and learners on placement within the clinical area.
• Undertake required training, including mandatory and role‑specific training, and complete appraisal on time.

Corporate Responsibilities

Act as a role model in customer service towards visitors to the hospital.

Facilitate any measures to help achieve directorate/divisional and Trust targets and agendas.

Person Specification – Education, Training & Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Anaesthesia Nurse or Operating Department Practitioner (NMC / HCPC)
• Diploma or Degree level education
• Specialist theatre qualification

Desirable

• Teaching/Assessor qualification
• Evidence of leadership, management, and specialty knowledge

Key Competencies / Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust vision and values.
• Flexible and resilient.

Desirable

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, families and carers from a diverse background.
• Ability to work under pressure and seek help when required.
• Demonstrate understanding of NMC and HCPC Codes.
• Show reflective practice.
• Act as a role model to others.
• Remain positive during service changes and challenges.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in Anaesthetics.

Desirable

• Previous experience in scrub and recovery.
• Evidence of publication/presentation of project findings.
• Evidence of clinical effectiveness, research and audit.

Skills

Essential

• Teamworking ability.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Ability to assess, plan, prioritise and evaluate patient care.
• Prioritise own workload and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
• Dexterity and accuracy in clinical skills and documentation.
• Competent in use of medical equipment.
• Patient and non‑patient manual handling skills.
• Knowledge of current NHS issues.
• Counselling and/or coaching skills/qualification.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BD

Website: https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx