Surgical First Assistant

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced Theatre Scrub Practitioner with a recognised Surgical First Assistant qualification to join our Operating Theatres team. Based in Main Theatres, you will work a mix of early and late shifts and participate in the on-call rota. This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to a busy and highly skilled theatre department, where you will play an important part in delivering safe, personalised care and maintaining excellent clinical standards.

Main duties of the job

At least three years' post registration experience within operating theatres Extensive scrub experience and strong knowledge within your clinical speciality

About us

As the UK's largest independent charitable hospital, we care for over 120,000 patients each year. What makes us different is what we do with that success - we reinvest it back into our services, our technology, and, most importantly, our people. From developing, innovative, new ways of delivering care to supporting continuous learning and career progression, we're always looking ahead. Based in our main hospital, you'll be part of a team delivering care across 234 beds, 10 theatres, and a 13-bed intensive care unit - working alongside over 1300 colleagues, in specialist teams, combined with over 700 consultant surgeons and physicians, we are all united by a shared commitment to high-quality, compassionate care.

Details

• Date posted: 31 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: Depending on experience
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: REQ100591
• Job locations: 20 Devonshire Place, West End, W1G 6BW, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Job Title: Surgical First Assistant Department: Main Theatres Location: 20 Devonshire Place, London Salary: Depending on experience Job type: Permanent Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, early and late shifts, plus on-call participation Bring your Surgical First Assistant expertise to our theatre team We are looking for an experienced Theatre Scrub Practitioner with a recognised Surgical First Assistant qualification to join our Operating Theatres team. Based in Main Theatres, you will work a mix of early and late shifts and participate in the on-call rota. This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to a busy and highly skilled theatre department, where you will play an important part in delivering safe, personalised care and maintaining excellent clinical standards. A little about the role As an experienced Surgical First Assistant, you will work closely with our consultants and wider theatre team to deliver safe, high-quality care throughout each patient's surgical journey. Based in Main Theatres, you will support a varied range of procedures across specialties including general surgery, vascular, gynaecology and robotic surgery. You will bring strong clinical expertise to a busy and highly skilled department, helping operating lists run smoothly while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues. You will be part of a collaborative team where patient safety and personalised care are at the heart of everything we do. What you'll be doing

Undertaking the Surgical First Assistant role and providing a high standard of support to consultants

Using your scrub expertise across a range of procedures, ensuring patients receive consistent and well-coordinated care

Anticipating the needs of the surgeon and wider theatre team to help procedures run safely and efficiently

Completing all required surgical safety checks and maintaining accurate perioperative documentation

Sharing your SFA knowledge and experience with the wider theatre team, helping colleagues develop their clinical skills and confidence

Contributing to quality improvement, clinical governance and infection prevention to help maintain excellent standards across the department

Completing mandatory patient and surgical safety checks throughout the perioperative journey

Coordinating operating lists to support safe and efficient patient flow

Monitoring theatre bookings and ensuring the correct instruments, equipment and implants are available

Supporting quality improvement, clinical governance and infection prevention standards

Acting as a role model and mentor, helping colleagues develop their clinical knowledge and practical skills

Supporting the investigation of clinical incidents and the implementation of improvement plans

Current NMC or HCPC registration

A degree in nursing, operating department practice or another relevant healthcare subject

A recognised Surgical First Assistant qualification

At least three years' post registration experience within operating theatres

Extensive scrub experience and strong knowledge within your clinical speciality

Experience of supporting and leading colleagues within a theatre environment

The ability to work confidently and safely without direct supervision

A strong understanding of clinical governance, patient safety and evidence-based theatre practice

Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills

Life insurance - Get life cover worth four times your salary, whether you're full-time or part-time.

Private medical cover - Once you've passed probation, our employee medical scheme gives you fast-track access to private healthcare.

Pension - Join our matched pension scheme and enjoy up to 10% contributions.

Employee assistance programme - From stress to practical guidance, our counselling service has your back.

Blue light card - Unlock thousands of discounts! From supermarkets to holidays, fashion, tech, and days out, your Blue Light Card makes it all cheaper.

Cycle to work - Pedal your way to a healthier, greener commute! Enjoy tax-free benefits while reducing your carbon footprint.

Electric car scheme - Our Electric Car Scheme makes switching to a cleaner, eco-friendly ride simple and affordable.

Subsidised staff restaurant - Dig into a variety of tasty, healthy meals without denting your wallet.

Recognition programmes - Celebrate wins big and small! Our Recognition Programmes make sure your hard work doesn't go unnoticed.

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