Surgical First Assistant

Circle Health Group Limited – Monthly; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Private Pension Scheme

Private Healthcare Scheme

Staff discounts

Family friendly policies

Life insurance

Wellbeing resources

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The Lancaster Hospital, part of Circle Health Group, seeks a Surgical First Assistant for 37.5 hours per week. This full-time role requires covering a flexible shift pattern and offers a salary up to £41,000 per year depending on experience, training and qualification.

Key duties include assisting surgeons during operations, maintaining aseptic technique, and promoting patient dignity and safety throughout perioperative care.

Qualifications

• Registered healthcare professional with post-registration qualification as a Surgical First Assistant (NMC/HCPC).
• Demonstrable perioperative experience and competence in surgical assistance tasks and aseptic technique.
• Good understanding of surgical anatomy, patient positioning, and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled assistance to the surgeon during operations (tissue retraction, haemostasis, suction, wound management).
• Support safe patient positioning prior to surgery.
• Assist with sterile draping and maintain the surgical field throughout procedures.
• Promote dignity, empathy, and respect for patients during theatre experience.

Skills

Surgical assistance

Perioperative experience

Aseptic technique

Surgical anatomy knowledge

Communication

Team-oriented care

Education

NMC/HCPC registration

Post-registration Surgical First Assistant qualification

Job description

Surgical First Assistant Lancaster Hospital 37,5 Hours & Permanent Salary: Up to £41,000.00 per year (depending on level of experience, training and qualification)

The Lancaster Hospital is part of Circle Health Group, Britain's leading provider of independent healthcare with a nationwide network of hospitals & clinics, performing more complex surgery than any other private healthcare provider in the country. We have an opportunity for an Surgical First Assistant to join their team of staff. This is a full time role for 37.5 hours a week. The role holder will be required to cover a flexible shift pattern.

Duties of this role include:

• Provide skilled assistance to the surgeon during operations, including tissue retraction, haemostasis, suctioning, and wound management where trained and competent.
• Support safe patient positioning prior to the surgical procedure in accordance with the surgeon’s requirements and patient safety protocols.
• Assist with the application of sterile drapes and ensure the surgical field is maintained throughout the procedure.
• Support patients by promoting dignity, empathy, and respect throughout their theatre experience.
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families pre- and post-operatively to ensure comfort and reassurance, where appropriate.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to patients’ needs, concerns, and cultural preferences, contributing to a safe and compassionate environment.

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Registered healthcare professional (e.g. NMC or HCPC) with post-registration qualification as a Surgical First Assistant.
• Demonstrable perioperative experience, with competence in surgical assistance tasks and aseptic technique.
• Good understanding of surgical anatomy, patient positioning, and safety protocols.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a team-oriented, patient-focused approach.
• Commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and compassionate care.

Salary & Benefits

Circle Health Group is committed to offering competitive starting salaries and access to a wide range of employee benefits, including:

• 25 days holiday per year + bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with service
• Private Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare Scheme for treatment at our hospitals, covering pre-existing medical conditions
• Friends & Family Hospital Discounts
• Family Friendly policies, including enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption pay
• Non-contributory life insurance
• Staff engagement hub with access to discounts and extensive rewards and voluntary benefits
• Access to resources, tools and services to support your wellbeing
• Employee recognition programmes
• Industry leading training and development opportunities ...and much more!

Circle Health Group is committed to creating a diverse workforce offering inclusive opportunities for all our colleagues.

Our definition of diversity goes beyond the established characteristics protected by the Equality Act, as we strive to attract candidates with diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities or expressions, skills, work styles... and more.

We're passionate about creating an environment where our people can thrive, grow and develop professionally and personally.

Our principles and values guide our colleagues to be selfless, compassionate, committed, collaborative, brave, agile, tenacious and creative and are at the core of our purpose and culture.

To find out more about the Circle Health Group Philosophy: https://careers.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/why-circle/our-philosophy

At Circle Health Group, we believe healthcare should be personal, accessible and outstanding.

As the UK's largest private hospital group, with over 50 locations nationwide, Circle Health Group bring world-class consultants, cutting edge facilities, and care without the wait.

Your health, your choice - we make it happen.

We're also passionate about out people.

With private medical cover, flexible working hours, wellbeing support and career development opportunities, being just a few of the fantastic benefits on offer, we give our teams everything they need to thrive.

Together, we’re shaping the future of healthcare