Theatre Assistant

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Bedford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a Theatre Assistant to join their team in Bedford. The role requires assisting in the perioperative care of patients by supporting registered staff in the theatre. Responsibilities include assisting in preparing for surgical cases, ensuring all equipment is checked and safe, and participating in the cleaning of the theatre suite. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications, the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, and strong attention to detail.

Benefits

Access to quality training and development programs

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Knowledge of aseptic techniques for handling sterile packs.
• Understanding of infection control and prevention guidelines.
• Ability to support patient positioning for surgical procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of theatres for surgical cases.
• Support the multidisciplinary team and patients during surgeries.
• Ensure the safety and functionality of theatre equipment.

Skills

Teamwork skills

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Education

Maths and English GCSE or equivalent grade 4 or above

NVQ Level 2 in health and social care

Job description

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Theatre Assistant

Closing date is 15 December 2025

Post is not eligible for sponsorship: Please don't apply if you have no right to work.

To provide skilled and knowledgeable support to registered staff in the perioperative care of all patients, supporting members of the multidisciplinary team including medical staff. Participate as a circulating practitioner anticipating the needs of the registered staff and gathering what is required including handling sterile packs and maintaining swab counts.

Working within a team to prepare theatres for surgical cases including testing all equipment, gathering instrumentation and consumables, reporting faults, highlighting shortages and cleaning and stocking up of the theatre daily.

The post holder will participate in all aspects of the perioperative care delivering direct patient care in a manner sensitive to the individual patient’s needs, this will involve participating in an out of hours and on call rota.

Main duties of the job

To work as a circulating person in theatre providing support and assistance to the multidisciplinary team and patients.

Have knowledge and the ability to support patient positioning for surgical procedures and understanding the specific requirement for operating table attachments.

To ensure that all theatre equipment has been checked to ensure it is safe prior to use including faults on equipment and the ability to assemble and dismantle equipment.

Participate in the aseptic technique for the correct handling, opening and presentation of sterile packs / instruments and consumables for use.

Attention to detail when completing theatre documentation.

Participate fully in the swab, needle and instrument checks ensuring all documentation is completed accordingly.

Participate in the appropriate cleaning of the theatre suite.

Take responsible during the night as a second person which includes holding the emergency phone and communicating with clinicians.

Be able to communicate with a variety of members within the MDT team and actively participate in the WHO checklist.

The post holder will frequently be required to stand for long periods of time, pulling and pushing of equipment and participate in Manual handling procedures supporting the transfer and positioning of patients.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

To work as a circulating person in theatre providing support and assistance to the multidisciplinary team and patients.

Demonstrate understanding and practice of theatre infection control and prevention guidelines.

Have knowledge and the ability to support patient positioning for surgical procedures and understanding the specific requirement for operating table attachments.

To ensure that all theatre equipment has been checked to ensure it is safe prior to use including faults on equipment and the ability to assemble and dismantle equipment.

Participate in the aseptic technique for the correct handling, opening and presentation of sterile packs / instruments and consumables for use.

Attention to detail when completing theatre documentation.

Participate fully in the swab, needle and instrument checks ensuring all documentation is completed accordingly.

Assist in the receiving and handling of clinical specimens and be accountable for accurate documentation.

Participate in the appropriate cleaning of the theatre suite.

Take responsible during the night as a second person which includes holding the emergency phone and communicating with clinicians.

Be able to communicate with a variety of members within the MDT team and actively participate in the WHO checklist.

The post holder will frequently be required to stand for long periods of time, pulling and pushing of equipment and participate in Manual handling procedures supporting the transfer and positioning of patients.

Person Specification

Qualificiations

• Literate
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the English language
• Maths and English GCSE or equivalent grade 4 or above
• NVQ Level 2 in health and social care

Experience

• Able to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Flexibility with regards to working rota's
• Able to use own initiative
• Previous experience working in a health care setting

Knowledge

• Understanding of I.T
• Understand the importance of confidentiality and demonstrate knowledge of how it can be maintained
• Understanding of the WHO checklist

Personal Skills

• Open reflective and warm
• Creative and flexible
• Team Focused
• Reliable, adaptable and dependable
• Enthusiastic and motivated individual

Other

• Self awareness of own limitations and professional capabilities
• Ability to write clearly and pass on relevant information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust