Job requirements
Essential
25 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Other
Flexible approach to working pattern (including evening and weekend working)
- Skills
Excellent clinical skills
- Skills
Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Skills
Excellent communication skills
- Skills
Presentation skills
- Skills
Leadership and management skills
- Skills
Ability to prioritise effectively
- Skills
Ability to research outcomes to Clinical and Surgical problems
- Skills
Ability to work as autonomously using own initiative, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Skills
Computer literate
- Skills
Ability to identify own learning needs and professional development in liaison with SCP/Directorate Manager
- Skills
Ability to assist in facilitating a learning environment conductive to the acquisition of further knowledge and skills
- Skills
Ability to share knowledge and expertise with other areas
- Skills
Ability to contribute to the development of teaching strategies appropriate to the learning needs of junior medical staff/colleagues
- Skills
Excellent problem solving/conflict resolution skills
- Qualifications
Registered General Nurse or Operating Department Practitioner
- Qualifications
Surgical First Assistant Course (Part 1, Part 2 & Enhanced Surgical Skills Course)
- Qualifications
Educated to degree level or equivalent theatre experience
- Qualifications
Evidence of continued professional development
- Knowledge & Experience
Substantial years post registration experience in Orthopaedic Surgical Environment
- Knowledge & Experience
Clinical supervision and clinical education experience
- Knowledge & Experience
Advanced clinical knowledge in field of Orthopaedics
- Knowledge & Experience
Knowledge of legal and ethical issues surrounding extended roles
- Knowledge & Experience
Knowledge of strategic issues which influence area of practice at a local/national level
- Knowledge & Experience
Knowledge of change management
Desirable
4 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Qualifications
Mentorship Course
- Qualifications
Leadership Course
- Qualifications
Advanced or Intermediate Life Support Training
- Qualifications
Enhanced Orthopaedic Surgical Skills course, or working towards
Job overview
Surgical First Assistant
Full time (including evenings and weekends) - 37.5 hours per week
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Surgical First Assistant to join the Trauma and Orthopaedic Team at Mersey & West Lancashire NHS Teaching Hospitals.
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate skills in communication, co-ordination of care and an ability to work flexibly within a multi-disciplinary team. Providing excellent patient experience is critical for all our patients and you will play a key role in ensuring that experience is optimised through accessible and effective communication with compassion and empathy.
Self-motivation is essential along with a passion, drive, adaptability and resilience to cope with change within the Trust and wider NHS.
This role will include evening and potentially weekend working as well as assisting on theatre lists across all MWL Hospital sites depending on service need.
An Enhanced DBS with barred lists for both Adults & Children is required for the post.
Please note the JD and PS are sbuject to AfC review
Main duties of the job
The post holder will assist in all aspects of Trauma and Orthopaedics and provide specialist perioperative expertise in the Surgical First Assistant role, facilitating evidence based patient centred care for patients undergoing surgery.
You will assist with the co-ordination and smooth running of the Trauma and Orthopaedic operating sessions by liaising with theatre and other personnel as appropriate to maintain safe levels of patient care throughout the surgical procedure.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please ensure you have read through the attached Job Description and Person Specification before submitting your application.
Advertising date: 20th October 2026
Closing date: 28th October 2026
Shortlisting date: 30th October 2026
Proposed Interview date: 15th November 2026
Please note, this post may close earlier than advertised if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Surgical First Assistant - Trauma & Orthopaedics with Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in Prescot, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Assistant role. The advertised salary is £49387.00 to £56515.00. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 28 Oct 2026.
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