Healthcare Assistant - Theatres

Charity Society; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a Theatre Healthcare Assistant at Darlington Memorial Hospital. You will support qualified staff to provide high-quality care, manage theatre equipment, and assist with patient positioning. Ideal candidates should have NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. The position offers a salary between £24,465 to £26,598 per year on a full-time basis.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated with ability to motivate others.
• Experience in caring for others is desirable.
• Good command of English (verbal and written).

Responsibilities

• Support qualified staff in providing high standard care.
• Prepare theatres with correct equipment and stock.
• Clean theatres and equipment to high standards.

Skills

Computer skills

Ability to learn new skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience

GCSEs in English and Mathematics

Job description

Overview

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust invite applications for the position of Theatre Healthcare Assistant at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Substantive and bank posts are available.

Our Theatre team is friendly and supportive, with a commitment to professional development. The Practice Development team, in coordination with Theatre Management, supports staff in identifying and realising areas for career progression, both individually and as a team.

Responsibilities

• Support qualified staff in providing high standard, efficient and cost‑effective care while protecting patient privacy and dignity.
• Fully prepare theatres with correct equipment and stock according to the speciality and surgeons’ preferences (including emergency surgery), supervised or unsupervised.
• Clean theatres and equipment to high standards of cleanliness.
• Maintain working knowledge of theatre equipment (e.g., diathermy, operating tables and attachments, tourniquet, cameras, microscopes).
• Undertake decontamination of equipment as required (e.g., endoscopy).
• Assist with patient positioning for different surgical/anaesthetic procedures.
• Complete relevant documentation accurately, including use of the computerised theatre system.
• Act as circulating or count nurse as required for each speciality within the department.
• Measure and record patients’ body fluid output.
• Test medical devices and complete relevant documentation as required.

Person Specification and Qualifications

• Experience
• Essential: Computer skills; Ability to learn new skills.
• Desirable: Previous experience in caring for others.
• Special Requirements
• Essential: Self-motivated and able to motivate others; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; reflective practitioner; ability to work in a busy and varied environment and respond to change.
• Desirable: Ability to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.
• Qualifications
• Essential: Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience; Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months; GCSEs in English and Mathematics.
• Desirable: Short courses relevant to patient and clinical care duties.
• Personal Attributes
• Essential: Good interpersonal skills; ability to engage and build effective relationships at all levels; understanding of the role of a Healthcare Support Worker; team player; ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Special Skills & Knowledge
• Essential: Good command of English (verbal and written); ability to act on own initiative; good communication; ability to work under pressure; leadership and ability to plan and manage own work; ability to record patient observations.
• Desirable: Knowledge of care procedures, clinical observations, and relevant legislation.
• Disclosure
• DBS check is required as part of pre-employment process.

Conditions and Other Details

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change — Band 3 — £24,465 to £26,598 per year (pro rata). Contract: Permanent. Working pattern: Full-time.

Job locations: Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX.

Additional Information

We provide hospital services from multiple sites and welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented. Full job descriptions can be found in adverts and supporting documents. Please check visa requirements and eligibility online.

From 9 April 2025, Healthcare Assistants may require a minimum of two years NHS experience as an HCA for sponsorship consideration (sponsor eligibility requires a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Note: This description reflects the information provided in the job posting and may be subject to change by the employer.