Theatre Support Assistant

Uhleicester; Leicester; Remote; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is recruiting a Theatre Support Assistant to join our theatre teams across three sites: LRI, GH and LGH. A six‑month education and development programme enables progression from Band 2 to Band 3 with a mentor and structured training.

Successful applicants begin in Band 2, work a full rotation of 24/7 shifts, and will complete competencies to move into Band 3. Full training is provided; theatre experience is not essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a healthcare or care setting.
• Hold National Care Certificate or be willing to undertake within 12 weeks of starting.
• Level 2 qualification in health care or equivalent knowledge and skill.
• Care Certificate completion enabling progression to Band 3.

Responsibilities

• Support registered Theatre Practitioners in the peri-operative environment and assist with patient care.
• Ensure theatres and equipment/sets are clean and ready for patient surgeries.
• Assist with placement of patients pre/post-surgery and circulate during surgery.
• Input data into electronic care plans and record implant details for traceability.
• Carry out clinical observations and other delegated interventions.

Skills

Team player

Patient care

Healthcare experience

Education

National Care Certificate

Health Care Level 2

Job description

Go back University Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustTheatre Support Assistant

The closing date is 16 October 2026

Ever thought about working in an Operating Theatre?

This is an opportunity for development into Theatre support worker roles through a Band 2 to 3, 6 month education and development programme. Successful applicants will commence in a Band 2 post and on successful completion of all competencies, progress into a Band 3 position.

We are recruiting to join the theatre teams across three sites: LRI,GH and LGH. Our operating theatres cover a wide range of specialties.

Ensure your Qualifications for school Math's and English are includedand prepare to bring these with you if successful; if you cannot bring please let a member of the recruitment know on the day of interview.

Under current UK immigration rules Band 2 Health Care Support Worker roles do NOT meet the salary or skills requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship by the Trust.

Applicants MUST already have the right to work in the UK at the time of starting their employment with a minimum of 12 months remaining on their visa.

Theatre experience is not essential, as full training will be given. We offer a structured training program, a supernumerary period and we reinforce the support given by ensuring that each candidate has a mentor whilst they complete the required care certificate.

For those wanting to develop further, there are a variety of exciting opportunities!

Whilst flexible working is considered, successful candidates are expected to work a full rotation of 24/7 shift patterns.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support registered Theatre Practitioners within the peri-operative environment performing duties within theatres/recovery, assisting with patient care.

The Senior Theatre Support Worker is a technical role that assumes a number of responsibilities such as, but not limited to: ensuring theatres and equipment/devices/sets are clean and ready for patient surgeries, assisting with safe and correct placement of patients pre/post-surgery, circulating within theatres during surgery and also responsibility for providing personal and clinical care where necessary.

Inputting data into electronic care plans including recording of implant details for traceability, carrying out surgical swab counts with the scrub nurse. Undertaking clinical observations and other interventions as delegated by registered practitioners.

The Senior Theatre Support Assistant will ensure their practice is guided by standard operating procedures and established policies/guidelines. They will demonstrate self-directed development, recognising own limitations, and work within the scope of their role at all times

To succeed you will be:

A team player who engages well with others

Energetic and hard-working

Working on own initiative and as part of a team to provide an excellent standard of patient centred care.

Taking and recording vital signs

About us

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

we are compassionate,

we are proud,

we are inclusive, and

we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

Job responsibilities

Promote and practice the highest standards of the prevention and control of Infection at all times.

Move and handle patients and goods in ways that promote the health of the patient, healthcare team and self and are consistent with legislation.

Assist with the collection of simple data for audit/research and other purposes as delegated by the Registered Nurse/Health Care Professional/Multi Disciplinary Team.

Please see attached job description and person specification for full details of the job role.

Person Specification

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
• All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others

Experience

• Experience working in a healthcare, social care organisation/setting or service industry requiring people contact.
• Experience of working within a health care environment.

Training and Qualifications

• Holds National Care Certificate or be willing to undertake and complete within 12 weeks of starting.
• Level 2 qualification in health care OR equivalent knowledge and skill
• Depending on the role requirements, on completion of the Care Certificate demonstrating evidence of clinical knowledge, skill and competence plus further experience/competence equivalent to a level 3 qualification, the worker will move to a Senior Theatre Support Assistant role at band 3 AfC.
• Holds Functional Skills Level 1 Maths and English or education equivalent.

Skills

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Shows transferable skills to care for patients
• Experience in Health Care setting

Communication and Relationship skills

• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Able to work as a team.
• Able to relate well with patients/relatives/visitors/ Colleagues/the multi-disciplinary team and wider Trust staff.

Analytical and Judgment Skills

• Able to work on own initiative, following direction/supervision by a Registered Practitioner

Skills

• Able to carry out well defined routine tasks.
• Committed to delivering high standards of patient care. Friendly, open, empathetic, and compassionate.
• Professional outlook and positive attitude

Planning and organisation skills

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

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

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust