Theatre Practitioner - Surgical First Assistant

circlehealth; Reading; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Private Pension Scheme

Private Healthcare Scheme

Job summary

Circle Reading Hospital is seeking a Theatre Practitioner - Surgical First Assistant to join the Theatre team on a full-time, permanent basis.

Working 37.5 hours per week with a flexible shift pattern, you will provide skilled intraoperative assistance, ensure patient positioning and safety, and communicate with patients and families to promote dignity and comfort. The role offers a salary up to £45,000 per year, plus benefits within Circle Health Group.

Qualifications

• Registered healthcare professional (e.g. NMC or HCPC) with post-registration qualification as a Surgical First Assistant.
• Demonstrable perioperative experience with competence in surgical assistance tasks and aseptic technique.
• Good understanding of surgical anatomy, patient positioning, and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled assistance to the surgeon during operations (tissue retraction, haemostasis, suctioning, wound management).
• Support safe patient positioning prior to procedures in line with surgeon requirements and safety protocols.
• Promote dignity, empathy and respect for patients throughout their theatre experience.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Patient-focused care

Education

NMC/HCPC registration

Post-registration Surgical First Assistant qualification

Job description

Theatre Practitioner - Surgical First Assistant

Circle Reading Hospital

37.5 Hours & Permanent

Salary: Up to £45,000.00 per year (depending on level of experience, training and qualification)

Circle Reading Hospital is part of Circle Health Group , Britain's leading provider of independent healthcare with a nationwide network of hospitals & clinics, performing more complex surgery than any other private healthcare provider in the country.

We have an opportunity for a Theatre Practitioner - Surgical First Assistant to join their team of staff in the Theatre department.

This is a full time role for 37.5 hours a week. The role holder will be required to cover a flexible shift pattern.

Duties of this role include:

• Provide skilled assistance to the surgeon during operations, including tissue retraction, haemostasis, suctioning, and wound management where trained and competent.
• Support safe patient positioning prior to the surgical procedure in accordance with the surgeon's requirements and patient safety protocols.
• Support patients by promoting dignity, empathy, and respect throughout their theatre experience.
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families pre- and post-operatively to ensure comfort and reassurance, where appropriate.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to patients' needs, concerns, and cultural preferences, contributing to a safe and compassionate environment.
• Assist with the application of sterile drapes and ensure the surgical field is maintained throughout the procedure.

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Registered healthcare professional (e.g. NMC or HCPC) with post-registration qualification as a Surgical First Assistant.
• Demonstrable perioperative experience, with competence in surgical assistance tasks and aseptic technique.
• Good understanding of surgical anatomy, patient positioning, and safety protocols.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a team-oriented, patient-focused approach.
• Commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and compassionate care.

Salary & Benefits

Circle Health Group is committed to offering competitive starting salaries and access to a wide range of employee benefits, including:

• 25 days holiday per year + bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with service
• Private Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare Scheme for treatment at our hospitals, covering pre-existing medical conditions
• Friends & Family Hospital Discounts
• Family Friendly policies, including enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption pay
• Non-contributory life insurance
• Staff engagement hub with access to discounts and extensive rewards and voluntary benefits
• Access to resources, tools and services to support your wellbeing
• Employee recognition programmes
• Industry leading training and development opportunities
• …and much more!

Circle Health Group is committed to creating a diverse workforce offering inclusive opportunities for all our colleagues. Our definition of diversity goes beyond the established characteristics protected by the Equality Act, as we strive to attract candidates with diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities or expressions, skills, work styles...and more.

We're passionate about creating an environment where our people can thrive, grow and develop professionally and personally. Our principles and values guide our colleagues to be selfless , compassionate , committed , collaborative , brave , agile , tenacious and creative and are at the core of our purpose and culture.

To find out more about the Circle Health Group Philosophy: https://careers.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/why-circle/our-philosophy