NR255648 - Surgical Care Practitioner

NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Aberdeen; On-site; ZAR 920,000 - 1,140,000; Full time

Job summary

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is recruiting a Surgical Care Practitioner (SCP) or Trainee SCP for the Cardiothoracic Service, Division of Surgery. The post involves peri-operative care from assessment to post-operative management within a multidisciplinary team, with a comprehensive training programme provided.

Applicants should be registered healthcare professionals with substantial post-registration experience in an acute surgical or critical care setting.

Qualifications

• Registered healthcare professional with significant post-registration experience in an acute surgical or critical care environment.
• Evidence of advanced clinical skills and commitment to professional development.
• Excellent communication abilities to support multidisciplinary teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Assess, treat and manage cardiothoracic surgical patients across the surgical pathway.
• Provide peri-operative care including pre-operative assessment, intra-operative assistance and post-operative management.
• Participate in service development, quality improvement, teaching and leadership activities.

Skills

Advanced clinical skills

Communication

Leadership

Education

Masters in Surgical Care Practice

Working towards qualification (Annex 21)

Job description

Surgical Care Practitioner (SCP) or Trainee Surgical Care Practitioner

Cardiothoracic Service, Division of Surgery

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Cardiothoracic Department, Division of Surgery, at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Surgical Care Practitioner (SCP) to join our well-established multidisciplinary team on a permanent basis.

The Cardiothoracic Service provides specialist care for patients undergoing cardiac and thoracic surgery across the North of Scotland. The SCP plays a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care throughout the surgical pathway, working closely with consultants, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, junior medical staff, and the wider multidisciplinary team.

As a Surgical Care Practitioner within this service, you will contribute to the assessment, treatment and ongoing management of cardiothoracic surgical patients. The role encompasses peri-operative care including pre-operative assessment, intra-operative surgical assistance, and post-operative patient management. You will be an integral member of the surgical team and will support the delivery of safe, effective, and timely care for patients undergoing both elective and emergency cardiothoracic procedures.

Applicants should be registered healthcare professionals with significant post-registration experience in an acute surgical or critical care environment. Previous cardiothoracic experience is not essential as a comprehensive training and development programme will be provided.

You will hold a Masters qualification in Surgical Care Practice or equivalent, or be working towards this qualification. Evidence of advanced clinical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to professional development are essential.

We will also consider applications for a Trainee Surgical Care Practitioner post under Annex 21. Candidates applying for the trainee pathway should demonstrate evidence of relevant postgraduate study and a clear commitment to developing advanced surgical practice skills. Successful candidates will be supported through a structured Surgical Care Practitioner development programme involving academic study, clinical supervision, mentorship, and competency-based training to achieve Surgical Care Practitioner registration and capability framework requirements.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate in service development, quality improvement initiatives, teaching, and professional leadership activities. Maintaining and developing your specialist knowledge, skills, and competence, whilst supporting the development of others within the team, will also be a key expectation of the role.

Interviews will be held Week Beginning 12th October 2026.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.