Theatre Assistant (Apprentice)

Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust; Wigan; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Wigan is seeking an Apprentice Theatre Assistant to support operations in theatres. Responsibilities include managing supplies, assisting with patient transfers, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Apprentices are offered a two-year contract with potential for permanent employment upon successful completion of their qualification. Work-based learning occurs within operational environments while theoretical training is provided at Wigan & Leigh College.

Qualifications

• Evidence of good level of English and Maths skills.
• Acceptance into the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Perioperative Support) apprenticeship programme.
• Employability for a fixed-term Band 2 contract for two years.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, identification, recording, and dispatch of specimens.
• Manage and maintain the stock of medical gas cylinders.
• Act as a circulating member of the theatre team during operations.

Skills

Good English and Maths skills

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Perioperative Support)

Job description

Apprentice Theatre Assistant – Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Perioperative Support)

This developmental role supports the successful completion of the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Perioperative Support). Apprentices work within operating theatres, gaining a diverse set of skills required to support registered nurses and ODPs in delivering safe and effective perioperative care.

Responsibilities

• Arrange transport and disposal of clinical, domestic, sensitive, and confidential waste in accordance with Trust policy.
• Assist with the preparation, identification, recording, and dispatch of specimens from the theatre unit.
• Assist with the collection of blood and blood products.
• Participate in the management of supplies to ensure the theatre unit maintains sufficient levels of all essential items.
• Receive and dispatch sterile supplies, ensuring SSDU compliance to meet service needs.
• Report and address any imbalances in pharmaceutical stock, ensuring items are received and stored per COSHH and Trust guidance.
• Maintain cleaning/decontamination and checking of all patient trolleys, including oxygen and suction apparatus.
• Manage and maintain the stock of medical gas cylinders.
• Ensure equipment is decontaminated and sterilised per Trust policy and report defects to the department charge.
• Maintain the dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of patients and their relatives at all times.
• Act as a circulating member of the theatre team, following policies for the counting, recording, and checking of swabs, needles, and instruments.
• Assist with the safe positioning and transferring of patients during the peri‑operative process.
• Participate in bone donation and retrieval processes, ensuring compliance with protocols and documentation.
• Maintain safe working practices and ensure utilisation of protective clothing.
• Keep informed of latest Trust news and events by subscribing to social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).

Qualifications & Requirements

• Evidence of good level of English and Maths skills.
• Acceptance into the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Perioperative Support) apprenticeship programme.
• Employability for a fixed‑term Band 2 contract over two years with the potential for permanent employment upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Additional Information

Apprentices will be employed by the Trust for the duration of the two‑year apprenticeship, with work‑based learning and clinical assessment opportunities across the Trust’s operating theatres and other care environments. Theoretical delivery will be provided at Wigan & Leigh College, and apprentices may apply for a permanent Theatre Assistant position within the Trust after achieving the Level 3 Diploma.

Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an acute hospital and community services provider committed to patient safety, dignity, and the promotion of a supportive work environment.