Surgical First Assistant

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned healthcare provider in Manchester is looking for a Surgical First Assistant/Senior Theatre Practitioner. This position entails assisting surgeons in various surgical procedures while ensuring patient safety and care quality. The ideal candidate should possess strong surgical assistance skills and a formal academic background in surgical practices. The role offers a competitive pay of £38,682 to £46,580 annually, along with opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience as a Surgical First Assistant under supervision.
• Knowledge of anesthetics and suturing techniques.
• Competence in maintaining accurate patient records.

Responsibilities

• Assist operating surgeons in various procedures.
• Ensure compliance with infection control protocols.
• Participate in clinical audits and service improvements.

Skills

Surgical assistance

Patient care

Team collaboration

Anatomy knowledge

Education

Formal academic training in surgical practices

Job description

Surgical First Assistant/ Senior Theatre Practitioner

Employer:

NHS Jobs

Location:

Manchester, M20 4BX

Pay:

£38,682.00 to £46,580.00 per year

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

No

Closing Date:

22/02/2026

About this job

• Clinical delivery of peri‑operative patient care needs and planning of care delivery according to changing healthcare needs / technology and varying levels of complexity.

Maintain accurate patient records and theatre documentation.

Work collaboratively with other professionals and departments to ensure patient care needs are met.

When undertaking the SFA role, a current Patient/Procedure Logbook must be maintained.

SFA skills: The practitioner will provide competent assistance under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon, without clinical intervention.

The scope of practice of the SFA is based upon the roles and responsibilities of the SFA as stipulated within Perioperative Care Collaborative Position statement 2018 (or subsequent amended versions). Which includes:

• Assisting with patient positioning, including tissue viability assessment.
• Skin preparation and draping prior to surgery.
• Superficial skin and tissue retraction with cutting of superficial sutures.
• Handling of tissue and manipulation of organs for exposure or access.
• Nerve and deep tissue retraction (The SFA can only move or place retractors under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon).
• Cutting of deep sutures and ligatures under direct supervision of the operating surgeon.
• Assisting with haemostasis to secure and maintain a clear operating field including indirect application of surgical diathermy by the surgeon.
• Use of suction as guided by the operating surgeon.
• Camera manipulation for minimally invasive access surgery.
• Application of dressings as required.

Possessing knowledge and understanding of stages of operative procedures, and of anatomy and physiology, to provide skilled anticipatory assistance to the Surgeon.

The SFA is required to maintain focused, calm, competent assistance during surgical procedures, inclusive of complex procedures / environmental stresses whereby there is increased risk of stress or mental tiredness.

SFA extended scope of practice: The following extended scope of practice will only apply to the practitioner who has undertaken further formal academic training as stipulated within the Perioperative Care Collaborative position statement (2018). A credit bearing course or attendance to an approved surgical skills course.

• Administration of prescribed local anaesthesia in superficial layers.
• Suturing of skin layers.
• Suturing and securing wound drains.
• Superficial haemostasis including surgical diathermy.

Robotic Skills: The following scope of practice will only apply to the practitioner who has undertaken completion of local Robotic in‑house training.

• Assist with the insertion of secondary ports, and to be able to safely extract ports when requested.
• Maintain vision of the surgical site, including insertion and handling of endoscopic camera.
• Assist in the process of docking/undocking the Robot and positioning of the Da Vinci Robotic arms.
• Insertion and removal of the Da Vinci instruments under vision and supervision of the operating surgeon.
• Endoscopic retraction of tissues.
• Insertion, cutting and removal of sutures from the pneumoperitoneal cavity.
• Insertion and removal of swabs from the pneumoperitoneal cavity and application of haemostatic agents where required to support haemostasis.
• Within robotic surgery under direct supervision of the operating surgeon, apply endoclips / hem‑oloks as appropriate.
• Insert and retrieve specimen bags into pneumoperitoneum when requested.
• When uterine manipulation is required, the assistant must provide competent assistance in manipulation, including safe extraction of device and vaginal extraction of specimen.
• When required, handle and insert appropriate drain via robotic port, secure in place by suturing.

Leadership / Management

Support the perioperative team in the organisation associated with the daily workload of an operating list.

Assist the Senior Theatre Sister in ensuring the effective and efficient use of physical and financial resources, new practices/developments within theatres.

Promote the development of services within the speciality area and support the Senior Theatre Sister and Theatre Manager to implement change.

Undertake PDR review and support development of staff within the theatre suite under the direction of their line manager.

Education and Development

• Develop own expert clinical knowledge, participating in continuous professional development, supporting evidence‑based practice.

Ensure own compliance with regards to mandatory training and professional development requirements.

Support the Senior Theatre Sister and Theatre Manager in facilitating an environment that provides staff with a range of education / training and development and opportunities.

Act as a mentor / assessor / preceptor to theatre learners.

Support external educational events in association with role, where required.

Clinical Governance

• Participate as required in departmental audits.

Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and clinical guidelines.

Support the Senior Theatre Sister and Theatre Manager to monitor standards of care.

Support the Senior Theatre Sister and Theatre Manager with implementation of service improvements within the theatre.

Act in a prompt & timely manner of incident reporting, investigation and provision of information to senior theatre team.

Promote peoples equality, diversity, and inclusion.

To be aware of duties and responsibilities in relation to risk management.

Infection Control

• Comply with infection control policies and procedures ensuring auditable standards are always met.

Compliance with Standard Operating Procedures.

Research

• To support the introduction and application of research findings to operating theatre practice.

Participate in local research and clinical trials as directed by senior members of the team.

To be aware of all current medical research relating to the operating department.

Responsibilities of Registered Theatre Nurses / Operating Department Practitioners

Maintain Active Status on the NMC / HCPC. Act always in accordance with NMC / HCPC Code of Conduct and Perioperative Care Collaborative position statement.

Adhere to Trust Policy and Procedures.

Maintain up to date skills and knowledge and maintain awareness of professional issues.

Maintain a professional portfolio.

Participate in service on call rota.

Work within all specialties as required, dependent on service needs/ demands.

Maintain recent evidence of relevant competencies for use of all equipment used.

Other

At The Christie Theatres we see staff health and wellbeing and career development as our underpinning drive in delivering excellent patient care.

We place a strong emphasis on personal and professional development, with opportunities to undertake further courses in support of your on‑going professional development and career progression.

In addition, we have an in‑house Practice Based Educator to support your learning and training needs.

Furthermore, a team of experienced surgical first assistants who can provide peer support.

In return we are seeking professional, flexible, motivated, and committed team members, capable of delivering high quality, patient focused care.

N.B

• A funded training post will be considered for a candidate who has significant proven experience and demonstrates quality leadership skills.

The candidate will be required to complete Surgical First Assistance in Operative Procedures (previously known as Part 1) at the earliest availability.