Theatre Assistant (Apprentice)

NHS; Wigan; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust is offering an apprenticeship for the role of Theatre Assistant. This 2-year fixed term position provides a Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support, allowing apprentices to gain practical experience in a perioperative setting while working towards a permanent position. Ideal candidates will be proactive, motivated, and possess functional skills in Maths and English.

Benefits

Experience in operating theatres

Opportunity for permanent position post-apprenticeship

Qualifications

• Maths and English functional skills level 1 or GCSE required.
• Experience in patient care environment is beneficial.
• Willingness to study for Level 3 Diploma in Perioperative Support.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and transport of specimens.
• Participate in the management of supplies in the theatre.
• Maintain the cleaning/decontamination of patient trolleys.

Skills

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Self-motivational skills

Education

Evidence of Maths and English functional skills level 1 or GCSE

Science grade C/4

Job description

Go back Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Theatre Assistant (Apprentice)

The closing date is 01 July 2025

We are looking for enthusiastic, proactive and motivated individuals to undertake the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Perioperative Support) apprenticeship. If you enjoy working within a multidisciplinary team and have a keen interest in providing best quality care for patients and their relatives in the perioperative environment, this exciting career pathway may be the career and profession for you.

This Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Perioperative Support) apprenticeship is a work-based nationally recognised qualification, which is delivered in partnership with Wigan & Leigh College.

Apprentices will be employed by the Trust for the duration of this two-year apprenticeship programme with work based learning and clinical assessment opportunities provided within the operating theatres and other care environments across the Trust. Theoretical delivery and assessment will take place on site at Wigan & Leigh College.

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Perioperative Support) apprenticeship, apprentices will be able to apply for a permanent Theatre Assistant position within the Trust. As a Theatre Assistant, you will be supported to further develop your skills and competencies.

This is a fixed term post for 2 years during your training/education may result in a permanent position upon completion.

Evidence of good level English and Maths will be required and evidence at interview and during compliance checks.

Main duties of the job

This is a developmental role. The apprentice will work towards the successful completion of the Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Perioperative Support) qualification. The apprentice will develop and maintain knowledge, skills and competencies related to the role of a Theatre Assistant (Theatre Health Care Assistant) predominantly within operating theatres and through completion of the apprenticeship programme, will support the delivery of person-centred perioperative care.

You will learn a diverse set of skills and knowledge to support registered nurses and ODPs in the delivery of safe and effective perioperative care.

The Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (Perioperative Support) Apprenticeship allows you to combine work and clinical placement learning with formal study to achieve the required 20% off the job apprenticeship training.

You will be employed as member of the theatre team as an Apprentice Theatre Assistant on a 2-year fixed term Band 2 contract and will be working predominately in the perioperative environment.

About us

Choose Well - Choose WWL

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that 'happy staff, makes for happy patients'. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement, and living our values 'the WWL Way'.

WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.

On-Call

Please note that senior positions (AFC band 8A or above) may be expected to participate in an on-call rota, if the role is predominantly operational.

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be required to:

Arrange for the transport and disposal of clinical, domestic, sensitive and confidential waste in accordance to 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.

To participate in the management of supplies ensuring the theatre unit has sufficient levels of all essential supplies to meet the service demands.

Receive and dispatch sterile supplies ensuring SSDU to fulfil the needs of the service.

Ensure that pharmacy stock items are received and stored in accordance with COSHH and Trust guidance; any in balance in stock is reported and addressed.

Maintain the cleaning/decontamination and checking of all patient trolleys including the additional oxygen and suction apparatus.

Manage and maintain the stock of medical gas cylinders.

Ensure that essential equipment is decontaminated and sterilised in line with Trust policy reporting any defects to the person in charge of the department at the time.

To be aware if the need to maintain the dignity and privacy of the patient and to maintain confidentiality in all matters concerning patients and their relatives.

To act as a circulating member of the theatre team, following policies and procedures, for the counting, recording and checking of swabs, needles and instruments.

To assist with the safe positioning and transferring of patients during the peri-operative process.

To participate in bone donation and retrieval process and ensure compliance with protocols and documentation.

To ensure safe working practices are maintained and the use of protective clothing is maintained.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Evidence of Maths and English functional skills level 1 or GCSE
• Science grade C/4 in either area.

Experience

• Team Working
• Experience of working in a patient care environment or hospital setting.

Skills

• Demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to study the L3 Diploma in Perioperative Support
• Demonstrate self-motivational skills.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of individualised patient care delivery

Additional

• Internal rotation
• Speak English to an appropriate standard relevant to their role, i.e. with confidence and accuracy, using correct sentence structures and vocabulary, and without hesitation

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.

Employer name

Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust