Surgical Care Practitioner Cardiothoracic Band 8a

Job overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and qualified Surgical Care Practitioner in Cardiothoracic Surgery with proven experience in endoscopic vein and radial artery harvesting to join our specialist surgical team. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting complex cardiothoracic procedures and delivering high-quality patient care across the entire surgical pathway, including pre-operative assessment, intra-operative practice, and post-operative management.

The post holder will demonstrate advanced clinical expertise and professional judgement while working collaboratively within a dynamic multidisciplinary team. In addition to clinical responsibilities, the role includes leading the development and integration of the Surgical Care Practitioner team, including supervision of trainee SCPs.

This position also offers the opportunity to contribute to service improvement through leadership in education, training, research, and clinical audit, ensuring continuous enhancement of patient care and surgical outcomes. Strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills are essential to succeed in this rewarding and progressive role.

Main duties of the job

See atSkilled in endoscopic vein harvesting and endoscopic radial artery harvesting. • Conduct thorough preoperative assessments, including evaluation of conduit harvesting sites, while considering the patient’s medical history. • Provide clear communication, information, and reassurance to patients and their carers. • Arrange and interpret investigations such as angiograms, chest X-rays, ECGs, and blood tests. • Educate patients and carers with accurate information to support informed decisions and healthy lifestyle choices. • Ensure patients and carers clearly understand all information provided, including risks and benefits of care.tached Job description See more information on the Post job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See attached Job Description

Details can be seen in attachment

Possess the required qualification and competency to provide skilled and consistent assistance within the operating theatre.

• Act as first or second assistant.
• Undertake the surgical procedure of conduit harvesting vein/radial/mammary, median sternotomy, sternal wound closure and any other surgical procedures as detailed by the Consultant Surgeon but acting within their scope of professional practice.
• The Practice development SCP will train and support SCP’s and trainee SCP’s.
• Display skill and dexterity in surgical technique and the use of surgical instruments.
• Enable the correct positioning, preparation and draping of the surgical patient including urinary catheterisation and patient hair removal.
• Development of surgical skills in accordance with continuing professional developments and developments in surgical practice within agreed protocols.dd