Job overview
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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 [email protected] 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
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
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
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 6 Allied Health roles in Dorchester
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Deputy Sister/Deputy Principal ODP – Day Surgery with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Dorchester, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Operating department practitioner role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 Pro Rata Per Annum. The contract type is 12 months (Fixed term). The application deadline is 26 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (09 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.