Job summary
Band 5 Anaesthetic Practitioners (ODP or RGN) - Operating Theatres

Applicants must be registered with the HCPC/NMC.

We are looking for hardworking, Band 5 anaesthetic practitioners to join our Theatres team at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital. This may suit Third year students looking for their first Registered substantive role or Band 5's ODPs or Anaesthetic Nurses looking for a change of scenery and to expand their horizons.

Ideally we want staff to work flexibly so those wanting to multi-skill into Scrub and Recovery are welcome to apply. You may be rotated into these different areas depending on Department Workforce needs.

Theatres is an exciting, fast- paced department, with patient care at the heart of all we do.

If you are a current Band 5 ODP or anaesthetic nurse, or an ODP student qualifying in 2026, we'd love for you to join our team.

Main duties of the job
ODPs and anaesthetic nurses are an integral part of the Theatre's team, assisting the anaesthetist with all types of anaesthetics for a range of surgical specialties.

At the L&D, we undertake gynaecology, urology, ENT & Maxillo-facial, general surgery, colorectal and upper GI, Bariatrics, Orthopaedics and Trauma, Obstetrics, Ophthalmology, and Emergency surgery, as well as supporting external areas such as A&E resus, ECT suite, MRI and CT. We will now undertake Major and Interventional Vascular surgery in our new Acute Services block so we are looking for staff with major vascular/interventional vascular experience.

About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities
Competent in anaesthetic practice- working autonomously with no supervision required (except for those newly qualified)

• Providing skilled Anaesthetic assistance to the Anaesthetist
• Checking anaesthetic machines & controlled drugs
• Being able to operate a wide range of equipment and use with related consumables
• use a variety of Theatre checklists and check/complete related documentation correctly
• Cleaning and stocking of anaesthetic rooms
• Safe administration of IV fluids
• Safe checking in of patients
• Calm, professional manner
• Working as part of the multi-disciplinary team
• Reporting any concerns to line manager

Person Specification
Essential

• ODP/Nurse
• Anaesthetic qualification if on the HCPC/NMC register

Desirable

• Previous experience with students

Experience
Essential

• Autonomous practitioner
• Ability to work all shift patterns that are required by the department
• Currently working in NHS/Private Hospital in band 5 role in anaesthetics
• Experience in a variety of surgical specialties

Desirable

• Flexibility in working patterns

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of professional codes of conduct and practice
• Patient safety and WHO checklist
• Ability to meet deadlines

Desirable

• Knowledge of WHO
• CPD

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.