Closing date: 17 July 2026

Job summary
Our theatre team is expanding, and were looking for dedicated Operating Department Practitioners to join our dynamic perioperative service within our Main theatre suite with potential to work across other departments to include Heavitree hub. This is an opportunity to bring your clinical expertise into a fastpaced, supportive environment where patient care, teamwork, and professional growth truly matter.

What we're looking for:

• HCPCregistered ODPs (or NMCregistered nurses with anaesthetic qualifications)
• NMC- registered nurses with theatre experience
• Strong clinical judgement and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• Commitment to patient safety and evidencebased practice
• Willingness to develop through ongoing training and CPD

Applicants must have a current UK Registration

Main duties of the job
For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Details
Date posted: 03 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time

Job responsibilities

More detail about the role
Our Main theatre department covers a wide range of specialities: Colorectal, Upper Gi, Urology, MaxFax & ENT, Plastic & Breast, Orthopaedic Trauma, 24 hour general emergency cover, and we have recently open a state of the art Hybrid Vascular suite. We also have two DaVinci robots that are shared between General surgery, Urology, ENT and Gynaecology.

We work closely with colleagues in our other theatre departments such as our Orthopaedic theatres (PEOC), Centre for Womens Health (CWH) and our Community sites, so we do ask for flexibility when needing to support other areas.

We ask that our ODPs dual role were possible to deliver high-quality care between anaesthetics and scrub, however extensive experience in one area would not be ruled out.

Shifts include weekends, nights and On calls including emergency general and maternity cover.

What youll be doing

• Delivering highquality perioperative care across anaesthetics and scrub
• Supporting consultants and theatre colleagues to ensure safe, efficient surgical lists
• Preparing and maintaining clinical environments to the highest standards
• Acting as a patient advocate throughout their surgical journey
• Contributing to service development and continuous improvement initiatives
• Teaching and supporting students and new starters

Training, Development, and Career Progression
We believe in investing in our team members. You will receive a comprehensive in-house induction and participate in our Theatre Practitioner Band 5 Skills Development Programme. If you're newly qualified, our preceptorship scheme will support you in your first year as a registered professional.

Our commitment to your growth doesn't stop there. Our Clinical Educators are embedded within the department, ready to provide guidance and encouragement whenever you need it. Additionally, our Royal Devon-wide Buddy scheme offers further support to foster your success.

Whether youre aiming to enhance your leadership skills or specialise in a specific area, we are dedicated to supporting your ongoing professional development through courses and mentoring.

If youre passionate about delivering exceptional perioperative care and want to work in a team that champions growth, compassion, and clinical excellence, wed love to hear from you.

Explore more about General Theatres - https://rdehospital.pagetiger.com/cnzwlje/1

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. 4 days per week. Early shift 8-6, late shift 11- 21.00. Nights 21.00-08.00. Plus On calls

Interview Date: To be confirmed

For further information please contact: Caroline Thompson. Clinical Nurse Manager Emergency Surgery caroline.thompson14@nhs.net 01392 402409

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit
You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification
General Requirements
Essential: See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
Desirable: See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

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: Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon EX2 5DW, United Kingdom

Employer's website: https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Recruiter, Royal Devon NHS Recruitment Team, rduh.recruitment@nhs.net, 01392403642

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