Search for more NHS jobs in London
Job summary
UNLOCK YOUR BEST WORK LIFE
+ MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR EVERY PATIENT
We're looking for a skilled and motivated Surgical First Assistant to join our theatre team, where you'll play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality peri-operative care. Working closely with surgeons, anaesthetists and the wider theatre team, you'll provide dedicated, hands-on support throughout the surgical journey, helping to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a modern, supportive environment where teamwork, clinical excellence and patient safety are at the heart of everything we do.
Main duties of the job
As our SFA, you will be:
- Providing continuous support to the operating surgeon throughout surgical procedures
- Assisting with patient positioning, skin preparation and draping
- Handling tissues, providing retraction and assisting with haemostasis
- Supporting minimal access surgery through accurate camera manipulation
- Assisting with suturing, wound closure and application of dressings
- Leading or contributing to the WHO surgical safety checklist
- Ensuring accurate documentation and safe handling of specimens and equipment
- Acting as a patient advocate throughout the intra-operative phase
- Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary theatre team
- Supporting audit, education and service improvement initiatives
About us
As a registered nurse or operating department practitioner (ODP), you will also have:
- Recognised Surgical First Assistant qualification
- At least 2 years experience as a scrub practitioner
- Strong knowledge of theatre practice, clinical governance and patient safety
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work independently and prioritise workload in a busy theatre environment
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and high standards of care
- A flexible, positive approach and a strong focus on patient experience
What you can expect in return;
- A salary of £54,351.03 per annum
- An extensive range of wellbeing and lifestyle benefits
- 25 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
- The support you need to grow in your role
To apply for the role, click on the link below. If you have any questions, contactsarah.melder@practiceplusgroup.comin our friendly resourcing team.
Details
- Date posted: 30 June 2026
- Pay scheme: Other
- Salary: Depending on experience up to £54,351.03 per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
- Reference number: 14027-1
- Job locations: Barley Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG3 8YY, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
For more information, please request a copy of the full job description from sarah.melder@practiceplusgroup.com
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered nurse or operating department practitioner (ODP)
- Recognised Surgical First Assistant qualification
- At least 2 years experience as a scrub practitioner
- Strong knowledge of theatre practice, clinical governance and patient safety
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work independently and prioritise workload in a busy theatre environment
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and high standards of care
- A flexible, positive approach and a strong focus on patient experience
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Dietetic Assistant roles in London
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 Surgical First Assistant with Practice Plus Group in London, South East, England. It is listed as a Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is Depends on experience. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 31 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 (30 Jun 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.