Theatre Practitioner - Bank

Job summary
At Optimised Care, we are looking for enthusiastic, experienced theatre staff to join our pool of bank staff. The candidate will have experience in one or more areas of theatre practice, including anaesthetics, scrub, recovery and surgical first assistance.

The specialities we currently provide to both NHS and private patients include, Orthopaedics, ENT, Gynae, Urology, Plastics and General Surgery.

We are looking to grow the team to allow flexible ad-hoc work provided across 7 days of the week.

Main duties of the job
Main duties include:

• Anaesthetics: Local procedures, Spinal, and General Anaesthetics
• Scrub: Orthopaedics, ENT, Gynae, Urology, Plastics and General Surgery.
• Recovery: Providing immediate post op care for a variety of patients
• Surgical First Assistance: Patient positioning, prepping and draping alongside assisting in Orthopaedics, ENT, Gynae, Urology, Plastics and General Surgery.
• Circulating: All areas will require a wide range of other duties to assist in supporting all aspects of theatre care for the whole theatre team.

About us
At Optimised Care, we have a close-knit team that strives to give the best possible care to all of our patients. We are all inclusive and provide a busy but friendly working environment that prides itself on our theatre productivity and turnaround, alongside our recent CQC Good rating.

Job responsibilities
Job Title:Theatre Practitioner Anaesthetics, Scrub and Recovery (Elective Surgery)
Department:Theatres / Perioperative ServicesBase:Optimised CareContract Type:Bank

Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated and skilled Theatre Practitioner to join our Elective Surgery team within the Theatre Department. The successful candidate will work flexibly across anaesthetics, scrub and recovery roles, supporting a broad range of elective surgical procedures including orthopaedics, ENT, gynaecology, urology and general surgery.

You will play a vital role in ensuring high standards of patient-centred care and contribute to the smooth, safe running of theatre services in line with Trust values and national perioperative standards.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare the operating theatre for surgical procedures, ensuring equipment and instruments are available and fit for purpose.
• Provide professional perioperative care across anaesthetic, scrub, and recovery phases.
• Assist the anaesthetist in the preparation, induction, maintenance, and recovery of patients under anaesthesia.
• Act as scrub practitioner, anticipating the needs of the surgical team and maintaining aseptic technique.
• Deliver safe and effective postoperative care in the recovery area, monitoring patients and managing pain, airways, and vital signs in line with local policy.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for all aspects of patient care.
• Promote patient safety through adherence to infection prevention, manual handling, and theatre safety standards.
• Support the orientation, supervision, and education of junior staff and students.
• Participate actively in clinical audits, service improvement initiatives, and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Work flexibly to support elective theatre activity, including potential weekend or late shifts as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Registered Nurse (NMC) or Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC).
• Evidence of experience within a theatre setting across anaesthetics, scrub, or recovery.
• Knowledge of current perioperative standards and best practices.
• Relevant post-registration training or competency in anaesthetics, scrub or recovery.
• Intermediate or Advanced Life Support certification desirable.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent organisational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritise and work effectively under pressure.
• Commitment to patient safety and continuous improvement.
• Positive and flexible approach to change and rotation across specialities.

Additional Information
This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop clinical competence across a wide range of elective specialities. We encourage applications from both experienced practitioners and those seeking to expand their skills within a supportive team environment.

Candidates will be required to demonstrate the Organisations values and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the selection process.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Nursing NMC/ ODP HCPC Registration

Desirable

• Good communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work as part of a wider organisational team
• Escalation of concerns to appropriate line managers

Experience
Essential

• Minimum 18 months post-qualification experience in an operating theatre.
• Knowledge of working in a selection of the following specialities
• Orthopaedics
• ENT
• Gynae
• Urology
• General Surgery
• Plastics

Desirable

• Experience of working within a team
• Previous Theatre experiences

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.