Deputy Sister/Deputy Principal ODP – Day Surgery

The closing date is 26 July 2026

Job summary
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for an experienced Theatre Practitioner who has at least 2 years extensive working knowledge of a Day Surgery Theatre setting who has an interest in Anaesthetics.

This is a fixed term position and it will involve working on both the Dorset County Hospital and Weymouth Community sites but there is an expectation to work across the Theatre Complex (this includes Main Theatres).

Day Surgery is part of the Surgical Division and consists of 2 theatres, 2 recovery bays and adjacent ward areas in Dorset County Hospital, along with the Easton Eye Day Case Unit in the East wing part of the Hospital. In addition there is a satellite unit in Weymouth Community Hospital comprising one theatre, one recovery bay and an adjacent ward area. The department undertakes a wide range of surgery on a daily basis including Orthopaedics, General surgery, Colo-rectal surgery, Gynaecology, Breast surgery, Maxillo- Facial surgery, Urology and Special Dentistry.

Main duties of the job
Main tasks and responsibilities will be to support the Day Surgery Teams, the Unit Manager and promote high standards of evidence based patient care.

The successful applicant will also be expected to undertake HR duties and will directly line manage a team under them.

Applications are welcome from Theatre practitioners with at least 2 years relevant and up to date experience of working in a Day Surgery Theatre setting and candidates will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the concepts of Day Surgery.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for an experienced nurse who has extensive working knowledge of the Day Surgery Unit setting.

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

About us
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate's individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.

Details
Date posted: 10 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year Pro Rata Per Annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 405-26-NM363DSU
Job locations: Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY, United Kingdom

Job description
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Person Specification
Education, Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Nurse/ODP
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Teaching qualification

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
Essential

• Evidence of ability to practice as a proficient day surgery practitioner
• Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors

Desirable

• Evidence of an ability to manage time effectively
• Understanding of clinical governance and ability to assist in establishing systems
• Evidence of an area of special interest
• Evidence of leadership skills
• Knowledge of clinical audit
• Evidence of critical appraisal skills

Experience
Essential

• Significant post registration experience at Band 5 in Day Surgery including nurse led discharge.
• Experience of change and expansion of service to support Day Surgery development and theatre efficiency project
• An understanding of theatre utilisation and best practice tariff targets

Desirable

• Understanding of professional Nursing/ODP issues

Employer details
Employer name: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Senior Sister Theatres and Day Surgery
Rachel Wood
Rachel.wood@dchft.nhs.uk
01305255205

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship: 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.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.