Senior Anaesthetic Nurse/Operating Department Practitioner

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a  Band 6 senior anesthetic nurse / Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)  within our Operating department  at Moorfields Eye Hospital - City Road.

We are looking for a dynamic, innovative, highly motivated registered anaesthetic nurse / ODP  with excellent clinical knowledge in the Theatre set to lead our team.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be a skilled and motivated practitioner to lead the anaesthetic and recovery areas as a clinical expert. This primarily clinical role involves overseeing day-to-day operations, staff allocation, audit implementation, and supporting rota management to ensure safe, high-quality care. The post holder will be professionally accountable for maintaining a safe environment and delivering patient-centred care throughout the perioperative and postoperative phases.

You will support anaesthetists and surgeons in theatre, manage emergencies, and participate in the 2222 response team following ILS and PILS training. As a visible leader, you’ll provide direct support to junior staff, conduct appraisals and return-to-work interviews, and escalate performance concerns when needed. The role requires active involvement in improving theatre flow and utilisation, promoting effective teamwork, and supporting a culture of flexibility and continuous improvement.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Lead the anaesthetic and recovery teams to ensure prompt theatre starts, patient safety, and effective care coordination.

Uphold Trust values and professional standards while fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and dignity.

Oversee the availability and functionality of anaesthetic and recovery equipment, ensuring timely escalation of any deficits.

Champion adherence to the safer surgery checklist and infection prevention measures, acting as a link role where required.

Deputise for the Clinical Lead for Anaesthetics and Recovery and participate in out-of-hours management as necessary.

Provide hands-on clinical care, supervise documentation standards, and support learning opportunities for staff and students.

Contribute to governance, audit, risk management, and service improvement initiatives across the department.

Support workforce management, including recruitment, appraisals, performance monitoring, and staff training compliance.

Collaborate with the Theatre Manager on budget management, stock control, and cost improvement strategies.