Ophthalmology Theatre Practitioner - Scrub / Anaesthetics

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS pension

35 days holiday pro rata

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Ophthalmology Theatre Practitioner - Scrub / Anaesthetics for a fixed-term maternity cover. The role is based in the Eye Unit Theatres at UHS, with 37.5 hours per week including on-call shifts.

Previous anaesthetic experience is essential and ophthalmology exposure is desirable but not essential. The department covers three operating rooms and a dedicated Medical Retina Injection Suite, offering opportunities for development in a

Qualifications

• Registration with HCPC/NMC as ODP or RN with anaesthetic qualification.
• Experience working with adults and children in a theatre setting.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing environment.
• Positive attitude and ability to work well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare a wide range of specialist equipment and drugs for ophthalmic anaesthesia.
• Provide essential support between the surgical team and other parts of the operating theatre.
• Responsible for preparation and safe transfer of the patient to Recovery.

Skills

HCPC/NMC registration

Ophthalmic anaesthesia

Adults & children care

Team player

Job description

Ophthalmology Theatre Practitioner - Scrub / Anaesthetics

A Vacancy at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Ophthalmology Theatre Practitioner - Scrub / Anaesthetics

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Fixed Term Contract End Date: 05 December 2027

Purpose for Fixed Term: Maternity Cover

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team, Eye Unit Theatres at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for Anaesthetic Theatre Practitioners (RN and ODP). We have a full time 37.5 hrs 12 month fixed/secondment post. If you are flexible, dependable, and enthusiastic, and looking to further develop your career and clinical skills in a supportive working environment then we would like to hear from you

Previous anaesthetic experience is essential; ophthalmology experience is desirable but not essential.

Our department is based at a large university teaching hospital and covers a broad footprint including our three operating rooms and Medical Retina Injection Suite.

Southampton Eye Unit staff have been recognised as leaders in the field of Ophthalmology, and our consultant group includes world authorities in Medical Retina Disease and Corneal Surgery.

Eye Theatre staff work a shift pattern which compares favourably with many clinical areas, with on-call evening- and weekend cover and exemption from night duties.

We are committed to supporting staff when personal circumstances change, and we are proud to treat our colleagues as an extended family.

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

A detailed job description and person specification is attached.

What you’ll do

• Prepare a wide range of specialist equipment and drugs, including ophthalmic blocks, anaesthetic machines, intravenous equipment and devices that safely secure the patient's airway during anaesthesia


• Provide essential support between the surgical team and other parts of the operating theatre


• Responsible for the preparation and safe transfer of the patient to the Recovery area

What we’re looking for

• Professional registration - ODP/RN (HCPC/NMC) - RN must show evidence of completed anaesthetic qualification


• Evidence of working with adults and children


• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing environment


• Positive attitude and team player

This advert closes on Sunday 18 Oct 2026