Senior Theatre Practitioner

NHS; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Haywards Heath is seeking a Senior Theatre Practitioner. This role involves providing critical support during surgeries and anaesthesia, ensuring effective team collaboration and patient care in a dynamic environment. Candidates should have extensive theatre experience at Band 5, and be dual trained in Anaesthetics and Scrub or Recovery. This position offers the potential for visa sponsorship under specific criteria, along with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Qualifications

• HCPC/NMC registration required.
• Extensive clinical theatre experience at Band 5 level expected.
• Dual trained in at least 2 areas: Anaesthetics, Scrub, or Recovery.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe and efficient peri-operative practices.
• Assist in training and developing junior staff.
• Document and manage patient care pathways accurately.

Skills

Leadership skills

Clinical theatre experience

Anaesthetic skills

Teamwork

Communication

Education

C&G 752 / NVQ Level 3 or Diploma or Degree in Operating Department Practice

Evidence of study at Degree level

Job description

Go back University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Senior Theatre Practitioner

The closing date is 24 December 2025

Provide care and emotional support to all patients

Provide assistance to the anaesthetist / Surgeon during all stages of anaesthesia / Surgery

Provide anaesthetic assistance in a variety of situations across the hospital (Anaesthetic Practitioner)

Maintain knowledge and ability to use all specialist equipment used in theatre and other areas

Promote safe and effective practice across all areas

Frequently work at a high level of autonomy particularly during out of hours work

Support other members of the Theatre Team

Support and assist the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit when needed

Be aware of and comply with policies

To provide clinical support & teaching to all relevant personnel within the specialist area

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

Assist Team Leader with theatre coordination, ensuring safe, efficient peri-operative practice.

Act as a role model, demonstrating Trust values and professional behaviours.

Promote a supportive culture, enabling junior staff to develop competence and confidence.

Notify leadership of changes affecting safe practice; maintain accountability and work within scope.

Lead multidisciplinary teams under pressure, including emergencies, ensuring clear roles and decisions.

Maintain clinical competence through CPD, reflective practice, and mentorship.

Manage unpredictable workloads, respond to traumatic events, and model resilience.

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Ensure accurate documentation, safe use of information systems, and completion of care pathways.

Support junior staff development, supervising skills and promoting reflective learning.

Maintain specialist equipment knowledge, ensuring safe use and training compliance.

Communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and departments; contribute to safety briefings.

Apply clinical judgement, problem-solving, and teamwork to deliver high-quality patient care.

About us

Working for our organisation

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 abuddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

Job responsibilities

Act as an effective role model to colleagues

Provide support to nursing and non-nursing managerial staff

Demonstrate an understanding of team dynamics and participate in effective team building

Facilitate staff development and professional education

To act as part of mentorship team and perform assessment and guidance for all both pre and post-registration nursing staff

Demonstrate an awareness of changing trends in Health Care Workers training and the particular training needs of the peri-operative department

Assist the Education Team and Team Leaders to devise and implement training programmes for learners, qualified staff (pre and post registered) and those undertaking in-service training

Teach and assess learners in the clinical area

Take responsibility for inducting new staff to the area

Participate in the implementation of Trust and Directorate policies

Responsible for carrying out duties in line with the Trusts e-rostering processes, including managing rosters, supporting staff allocation, and contributing to effective budget reconciliation and workforce planning

Ensure patient confidentiality at all times in line with the trust Data Protection Act (2018) & GDPR

Ensure the provision of a safe working environment for patients and visitors at all times in line with the Health and Safety at work act

Ensure due regard is given to the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of patients/clients and equal opportunities are practiced

Demonstrate understanding and apply the principles of confidentiality and professional accountability

Participates in the setting, monitoring and evaluation of standard of care for patients

Using the specialist peri-operative care pathway the post holder will assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care within sphere of responsibility

To provide specialist, technical and clinical information to patients and relevant colleagues in the peri-operative setting

Demonstrate a high standard of skills in one or more of the following areas; anaesthetic, recovery, scrub and circulating skills

Person Specification

Application and interview

• HCPC/NMC registration
• Evidence of leadership/management skills
• Extensive clinical theatre experience at Band 5
• Dual trained in at least 2 areas, Anaesthetics, Scrub or Recovery
• C&G 752 / NVQ Level 3 or Diploma or Degree in Operating Department Practice
• Good understanding of ordering/procurement.
• Basic Life Support/ Rhythm Recognition and defibrillation
• Competence in IV cannulation
• Evidence of study at Degree level

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.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)