Senior Theatre Practitioner

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 6 Theatre Practitioner to join our Obstetric, Gynaecology, Gynae-Oncology and Breast Theatre teams. You will provide skilled perioperative care across scrub and anaesthetic roles, acting as a senior clinician and role model.

You will lead, train and supervise junior colleagues, coordinate theatre lists and work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care 24/7.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse or ODP with theatre experience.
• Evidence of leadership and teaching in theatre environment.
• Knowledge of NHS policies and infection control.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled perioperative care across obstetric, gynaecology, gynae-oncology and breast theatres.
• Demonstrate clinical leadership and supervise junior staff and learners.
• Coordinate theatre activity and support safe, efficient patient care.

Skills

Theatre scrub

Leadership

Communication

NHS regulations

Learner support

Clinical leadership

Education

NMC registration

Band 6 theatre experience

Tools

Anaesthetic equipment

Surgical instruments

Job description

Job Overview

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

Job Overview

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

Job Title: Senior Theatre Practitioner

Contract Type: Permanent

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

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Band 6 Theatre Practitioner within our busy and specialist Obstetric, Gynaecology, Gynae-Oncology and Breast Theatre services. This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced practitioner to develop their clinical and leadership skills while contributing to the delivery of safe, high-quality and compassionate care to women undergoing a diverse range of surgical procedures.

As a senior member of the perioperative team, you will work across the scrub/anaesthetic roles, providing specialist clinical knowledge and expertise throughout the patient’s perioperative journey. You will work closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, midwives, theatre practitioners, support workers and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure that patients receive safe, effective and individualised care.

You will play an important role in the effective running of theatre lists, supporting the coordination of daily activity and ensuring that high standards of patient safety, infection prevention and control, medicines management, equipment and documentation are maintained. You will be expected to demonstrate sound clinical judgement, recognise and respond appropriately to changing patient needs, and contribute to the safe and efficient delivery of surgical services.

As a Band 6 practitioner, you will provide clinical leadership and act as a positive role model for colleagues. You will support the supervision, teaching and development of junior staff and students, sharing your knowledge and experience to promote learning and best practice within the theatre environment.

You will work collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team and contribute to service improvement, quality initiatives and the development of the perioperative service. Your role will directly support the organisation’s commitment to delivering excellent patient outcomes, maintaining high standards of care and providing a positive experience for patients and their families.

You will report to the Theatre Manager/Matron and work closely with the wider senior theatre team. You will be an integral part of a supportive and multidisciplinary team, contributing to the day‑to‑day operational management of the theatre environment and helping to promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, learning and continuous improvement.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

To provide skilled and specialist perioperative care to patients undergoing Obstetric, Gynaecology, Gynae-Oncology and Breast surgical procedures, working across the scrub and anaesthetic roles within the Operating Department.

To act as an integral and senior member of the multidisciplinary theatre team, providing clinical leadership, specialist advice, support and guidance to less experienced staff and students, and promoting high standards of patient care, safety and professional practice.

To contribute to the effective and efficient delivery of theatre services by supporting the coordination of theatre activity, maintaining high standards of clinical practice and contributing to service development, education and continuous improvement.

To act as a positive role model, demonstrating professional leadership and ensuring that patient-centred care remains at the heart of all perioperative practice.

They will have the confidence and capability to support the team during both routine and emergency theatre activity and to provide effective leadership across the 24-hour service.

For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Registered Nurse or Registered ODP


• Experience as a Theatre Practitioner in an acute theatre unit


• Awareness of professional regulations in the NHS


• Leadership Experience


• Clinical scrub skills – generic and speciality-specific


• Provide evidence of supporting / managing a range of learners in practice


• Provide evidence of supporting colleagues to promote effective learning in practice


• Good communication skills with ability to provide complex information in intense setting


• Foundation Management Course or equivalent

Desirable criteria

• Leadership training / qualification


• Clinical management experience


• Experience in implementing change


• Act in the role of Practice Assessor or supporting the progression of learners / supporting challenges as needed

Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria

• Patients First


• Always Improving


• Working Together