Scrub Practitioner - Fixed Term

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is looking for Scrub Practitioners for their Bristol site on a fixed-term basis until March 2026. Ideal candidates should be NMC registered Nurses or HCPC registered Operating Department Practitioners with the ability to set up for vitrectomy surgery and knowledge of Phaco Instrumentation. The role involves managing sterile conditions and ensuring patient safety in high-volume theatre settings. Offering competitive pay and development opportunities, this is a chance to grow your career in a patient-focused organization.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Enhanced family leave and sick pay

Employee Assistance Programme

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be fully qualified with current registration.
• Ophthalmic experience in theatre is ideal but extensive scrub experience can substitute.
• Desired commitment to continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Set up the theatre for surgeries and provide competent scrub services.
• Manage clinical waste and maintain accurate patient records.
• Support the surgeon and resolve any potential problems.

Skills

Qualified Registered Nurse or HCPC registered Operating Department Practitioner

Ability to set up for vitrectomy surgery

Understanding of Phaco Instrumentation

Knowledge of Biometry/Lens bank/Implants

Ability to work in a fast paced, high-volume theatre setting

Excellent grasp of the English language

Education

NMC registered Nurse or HCPC registered Operating Department Practitioner

Job description

Role overview

We are looking for Scrub Practitioners to join our Bristol site on a fixed term basis until the end of March 2026. We are happy to consider full or part time applications; candidates will be expected to work weekends on a rota basis.

Main duties of the job

Scrub Nurses are an integral part of our theatre teams and will undertake a variety of duties. You'll be setting the theatre up ready to accommodate patients. We can typically see 18-22 patients a day in our high-volume cataract surgery provision, so you'll thrive working in an efficient and fast paced environment.

You'll provide a competent scrub provision, supporting the surgeon through the daily theatre list, anticipating any potential problems and resolving these. At the end of the day, you'll help clean down the theatre and in all you do you'll ensure the highest standards are met in terms of patient safety, clinical compliance and hygiene levels.

Aside from providing Scrub services in the theatre you'll also undertake medicine management and audit duties as well as maintaining accurate patient records. You'll manage clinical waste and ensure the correct disposal procedures are implemented.

The thought of eye surgery can be a daunting prospect for patients to deal with, so our Scrub Nurses need to be empathetic and friendly and able to put patients at ease and help them feel comfortable during their time in surgery.

About us

Newmedica are one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, providing outpatients appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery. We aim to change lives through better sight and eye health.

We care for thousands of NHS and private patients a year in our specialist eye clinics across the country.

We are thrilled to say that following an independently conducted survey of Newmedica colleagues, we have been certified as a Great Place to Work. This is a global benchmark that recognises employers who create an outstanding employee experience.

What skills and experience do I need?

You need to be a fully qualified Registered Nurse or Operating Department Practitioner and need a current registration with the NMC or HCPC.

In an ideal world you will already have ophthalmic experience in a theatre setting. If not, in most cases we can teach this, as long as you already have extensive theatre scrub experience.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to set up for vitrectomy surgery, have a full understanding of Phaco Instrumentation and have a working knowledge of Biometry/Lens bank/Implants.

Alongside the mandatory qualifications the following things will be advantageous:

• Previous hospital eye service or private eye clinic experience
• Knowledge of clinical practice and aware of current developments in Optometry
• Capable of working in a fast paced, high-volume theatre setting
• Experience of supporting the surgeon during theatre problem solving and issue resolution
• The training and coaching of others
• The desire for and commitment to continuous professional development
• A competent user of computer systems and programmes
• An excellent grasp of the English language both verbally and in written format
• A good team player happy to jump in and support others when required

What we’re offering

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays pro-rata
• Company pension scheme
• Enhanced family leave and sick pay
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7 confidential support
• Perks & Discounts from eyewear to retail savings
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Be part of something bigger

This is more than just a job it's a chance to grow your career in a forward-thinking, patient-first organisation that values your voice and invests in your future. If you're ready to make a real difference and help transform eye care across the UK, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and take the next step in your career with Newmedica.

If you would like an informal chat about the opportunity, please contact [e-mail]

Our employment offers are subject to receipt of satisfactory pre-employment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary inthe event of a successful application which we will pay for.

At Newmedica, we actively promote diversity and equal opportunities, and we are committed to this in both the running of our services and how we recruit our staff. We actively encourage applications from everyone with the essential requirements of the job, regardless of any protected characteristics.

Newmedica is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all people, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, language, religion, ethnic or social origin

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NMC registered Nurse or HCPC registered Operating Department Practitioner

Skills and knowledge

• The ability to set up for vitrectomy surgery
• A full understanding of Phaco Instrumentation
• A working knowledge of Biometry/Lens bank/Implants
• Knowledge of clinical practice and aware of current developments in Optometry
• Capable of working in a fast paced, high-volume theatre setting

Experience

• Ophthalmic experience in theatre
• Previous hospital eye service or private eye clinic experience
• Experience of supporting the surgeon during theatre problem solving and issue resolution

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.

Depending on experience £40,500 - £44,100 depending on experience