Surgical First Assistant

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) seeks experienced scrub practitioners to join the Wythenshawe Hospital theatres team as Surgical First Assistants (SFA). Two positions available; you will support clinical procedures, lead theatre teams, and drive efficiency and high standards of patient care and safety.

Roles require flexibility across shifts, including early, late, weekends and nights, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and specialty surgeons.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a multidisciplinary theatre setting.
• Strong problem solving and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and patient care focus.

Responsibilities

• Assist across a range of surgical procedures and act as team lead when required.
• Provide skilled assistance under the surgeon's supervision in robotic theatres.
• Lead day-to-day management of the clinical team and coordinate with the theatre staff.

Skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Technical theatre environment

Problem solving

Communication skills

Conscientious work approach

Job description

We are excited to offer the opportunity to join Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) for experienced scrub practitioners to join the Wythenshawe Hospital theatres team. We are looking to recruit 2 surgical first assistants who will work alongside surgical teams providing assistance during clinical procedures and acting as a team lead driving efficiency and ensuring high quality patient care and safety.

Skills

• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work in a highly technical area
• Problem solving and organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Thorough and conscientious approach to working
• Working all the shift pattern: early , lates, weekends and nights in Theatres

The post holders will participate and assist primarily in various surgical procedures, flexibility will be required dependent on the workload across the robotic specialties, providing skilled assistance under the direct supervision of the surgeon. The post holder will work as part of the theatre team working in conjunction with specialty surgeon and team leaders. The post holder will assist and collaborate with the theatre team when not in the role of the SFA, acting as Team Leader and take direct responsibility for the day to day management of their clinical team.

Act as Clinical Coordinator to facilitate the delivery of effective clinical practice, ensuring that all patients receive the highest possible standard of care.

Organise and prioritise care in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team.

Facilitate effective communication between the multidisciplinary team and associate departments; possess excellent skills in providing the often sensitive and highly emotive information given to patients and relatives.

Demonstrate leadership and act as a professional role model ensuring that a professional approach is maintained by all team members at all times. Address members of staff behaving inappropriately and manage any conflict arising in the absence of the Clinical Coordinator.

Assist the theatre manager in the effective management of the budget specific to specialist area Monitor the compliance of all Trust Policies and National Guidelines.

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.

Whether you’re beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for your patients.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.

At MFT, you’ll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.

Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’ll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

For further details / informal visits contact:

Name: Rachel Mortimer
Job title: General Manager - Patient Access
Email address: [e-mail]
Telephone number: 0161 291 2853