Theatre Practitioner | Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust; Fordcombe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An NHS Trust in the South East is looking for a motivated theatre practitioner to join its operating theatre departments. The ideal candidate will assist in patient care, promote best practices, and be part of a dynamic team. Registered nurses and ODPs with experience in specialist surgery are encouraged to apply. This role offers flexible working arrangements and competitive benefits, including ample annual leave and NHS pension membership.

Benefits

At least 27 days annual leave

NHS Pension Scheme membership

Blue Light card eligibility

Qualifications

• Registered nurse, Operating Department Practitioner (ODP), or paediatric nurse.
• Experience in complex and specialist surgery and anaesthetics.
• Ability to assist in the delivery of patient care.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the delivery of patient care.
• Promote and deliver evidence-based practice.
• Coordinate use of supplies and equipment.

Skills

Registered nursing

Organizational skills

Communication

Anaesthetic team assistance

Education

Registered nurse/Operating Department practitioner certification

Job description

Please note this role is currently only being advertised to staff members who are currently working within the Kent and Medway Integrated Care System.

Are you a theatre practitioner looking for a new role? Will only the best do for you and your patients? Do you want to be part of a dynamic team?

We seek driven, organised, highly motivated registered practitioners to join our operating theatre departments.

If you're a registered nurse, Operating Department practitioner, or paediatric nurse looking to broaden your experience in complex and specialist surgery and anaesthetics, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

This role will be an excellent opportunity to progress in your career.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the delivery of patient care
• Promote and deliver best evidence-based practice within your own scope of practice
• Coordinate the use of supplies and equipment, ensuring that it is used in an appropriate and safe manner
• Assist the anaesthetic team throughout the perioperative phase of care
• Communicate appropriately with the multidisciplinary team involved in the care of the patient
• Take part in all appropriate safety checks including WHO and complete all necessary documentation as required

About the Trust

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south‑east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day‑care beds, diagnostic services (X‑ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Working Environment

Looking for flexible working? We are a flexible working‑friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Benefits

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits.
• Blue Light card eligibility.
• And more; additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.

Recruitment Process

Once your pre‑employment checks have been completed you will be contacted by Recruitment to arrange your start date which will be in line with one of our Corporate Inductions.

Following your Corporate Induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full‑time (please email [e-mail] if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom‑based sessions and e‑learning.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.

Please note that the Fordcombe Site is located in a rural area with limited access via public transport. You will need to ensure you are available to attend the time during the day and evenings. Access to a vehicle is advantageous.

This advert closes on Tuesday 2 Dec 2025.