Job summary
We are looking for candidates with excellent communication skills, a desire to learn and passion to develop and improve. Previous theatre experience is welcome, but experience from within an acute setting in the NHS is necessary, with a care certificate issued by the Trust being a requirement to move to band 3.

If you are enthusiastic, motivated and looking for an opportunity to be part of a dynamic team of dedicated staff then this unique opportunity to join our theatre team at Ashford and St Peters NHS Foundation Trust could be for you!

Full training and support will be given and we offer many opportunities for further career progression

Informal visits to the unit are welcome so you can come and meet us and see the way that care is delivered.

Please contact St Peter's site Matron Alex Dumitrescu at alexandra.dumitrescu@nhs.net or CPE Joi Kaunde-Smith at Joi.kaunde-smith@nhs.net

Main duties of the job
Working as a Healthcare Support Worker (Assistant Theatre Practitioner) in a Theatre environment within the hospital setting.

Carry out assigned tasks involved with patient care as delegated by the Theatre Team Leader whilst maintaining the privacy and dignity of patients.

To assist in the provision of high-quality fundamental care to patients whilst supporting the Theatre Team in all areas of Main Theatre, Recovery and Anaesthetics.

This will be whilst demonstrating excellent care, compassion and communication and to be guided by the Theatre Competency Pack.

About us
Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of acute hospital services to Surrey residents, serving a population of 410,00 people and employing approximately 4,800 staff.

Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience and best outcomes for patients and the team. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to deliver our workforce plan.

We work in partnership with Royal Surrey Hospital NHS Foundation Trust through a collaborative Group Model, supporting joined-up services, workforce flexibility and development opportunities.

St Peter's Hospital delivers complex medical and surgical care, maternity and emergency services. Day and Orthopaedic Surgery, Ophthalmology and Outpatient services are delivered at Ashford Hospital. Additional services are delivered at Woking Community Hospital.

Our Values provide us with the behaviours we respect and can commit to. By living our values through our everyday interactions, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and forward-thinking organisation, guiding us to achieve success and make a positive impact on how we deliver our services.

We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits and discounts.

For more information about careers at ASPH visit: Apply through our website

Certificate of Sponsorship
In line with UKVI requirements, Band 2, Band 3 and Band 4 roles are not eligible for sponsorship.
Please note only certain roles at Band 5 and above are eligible for sponsorship.

Details
Date posted: 29 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 2
Salary: £26,618 a year per annum inc. HCAS
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 323-ACS3895-GK

Job responsibilities

• Successful candidates will work under the direction and supervision of professional staff, help to implement the safe care of patients in the Theatre complex.
• Utilise appropriate moving and handling aids to reduce the risk of injury to the patients, others and themselves.
• Ad-hoc tasks as may be required from time to time at the instruction of qualified staff but within your limitations and guidelines including collecting patients and theatre cleaning.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the Main Theatre, recovery and Anaesthetics Team.
• Ensure documentation is completed correctly, including Surrey Safe Care Peri-operative tracking, Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) including WHO Checklists.
• Assist with the tidiness and promoting cleanliness of all patient areas, including equipment rooms and storerooms, and take appropriate care of furniture and equipment. Ensure beds and equipment are properly cleaned between patient use as per IPC guidelines.
• Support ward areas as and when required during staff shortages and upon completion of upskilling program.

Person Specification
Skills
Essential

• Effective communication
• Required IT skills
• Ability to provide excellent patient centred care

Desirable

• Extended skills such as venepuncture, cannulation and undertaking ECGs
• Basic life support training.
• Experience working in a sterile/aseptic clinical environment.

Knowledge
Essential

• Trust vision, values and behaviours and strategic objectives
• Understanding of the role of the Healthcare Support Worker in the hospital setting

Qualifications
Essential

• Level 2 English and Math

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
• Level 3 qualification

Experience
Essential

• Experience in a healthcare setting
• Ability to recognise and report changes in a patient's condition or concerns appropriately.
• Understanding of the importance of patient safety and escalation of concerns
• Knowledge of infection prevention practices specific to theatres.

Desirable

• Previous experience working as a health care support worker within the NHS for a minimum of six months
• Previous experience working in an operating theatre, surgical ward, recovery or another perioperative environment.

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 details
Employer name: Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: St Peter's Hospital, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0PZ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Clinical Practice Educator, Joi Kaunde-Smith, joi.kaunde-smith@nhs.net

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