Surgical First Assistant - Elective Orthopaedics & Spine

NHS Jobs; Scunthorpe; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension

Generous annual leave

Free onsite parking

Employee wellbeing support

Training funding

Modern facilities

Development opportunities

Job summary

OHG PLC in Scunthorpe is seeking an experienced Surgical First Assistant (Registered Nurse or ODP) to join our brand-new Elective Surgery Hub. You will work alongside Consultant Surgeons, Anaesthetists and Theatre Practitioners to deliver high-quality elective orthopaedic and spinal procedures in a modern, purpose-built facility.

This role offers a supportive multidisciplinary team, opportunities for professional development and a clear pathway to contribute to safe, efficient perioperative

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (NMC) or Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC).
• Recognised Surgical First Assistant qualification.
• Current professional registration without restrictions.
• Significant experience working within an operating theatre environment.
• Experience assisting in major orthopaedic surgery.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and infection prevention.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to delivering safe, patient-centred care.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Surgical First Assistant during elective orthopaedic and spinal procedures within the scope of your training, competence and local policies.
• Assist Consultant Surgeons during major orthopaedic procedures, including primary hip and knee replacements.
• Assist during elective spinal procedures, including anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical and lumbar decompressions, spinal fusions, discectomies and other spinal procedures undertaken at the Surgical Hub.
• Maintain patient safety throughout the perioperative pathway.
• Prepare the operating theatre, instruments, equipment and implants for surgical procedures.
• Assist with patient positioning, skin preparation and draping in accordance with best practice.
• Provide intra-operative assistance including tissue retraction, suction, haemostasis, wound irrigation and wound closure where competent and authorised.
• Ensure accurate completion of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist.
• Maintain accurate implant traceability and documentation.
• Work closely with Scrub Practitioners, Anaesthetic Practitioners and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Report equipment faults or patient safety concerns promptly.
• Participate in clinical audits, governance activities and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain professional registration and Surgical First Assistant competence.
• Participate in the on-call rota if introduced in the future (where applicable).

Skills

Registered Nurse

HCPC registered

Surgical First Assistant

Operating theatre

Orthopaedic surgery

Aseptic technique

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

OHG PLC in Scunthorpe is seeking an experienced Surgical First Assistant (Registered Nurse or ODP) to join our brand-new Elective Surgery Hub. You will work alongside Consultant Surgeons, Anaesthetists and Theatre Practitioners to deliver high-quality elective orthopaedic and spinal procedures in a modern, purpose-built facility.

This role offers a supportive multidisciplinary team, opportunities for professional development and a clear pathway to contribute to safe, efficient perioperative