Job overview
The Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre at Colchester Hospital is one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe.
As a Senior Theatre Practitioner (Scrub) / Surgical First Assistant, you will be a key member of the theatre team, delivering high-quality peri-operative care across the patient pathway. You will act as a vital communication link between members of the multidisciplinary team, supporting the safe and effective delivery of patient care.
You will support Consultant Surgeons and the theatre team to facilitate the smooth and efficient running of the orthopaedic surgical programme, including undertaking a senior scrub role and working as a Surgical First Assistant, contributing across both elective and trauma orthopaedic surgery.
As a senior practitioner, you will demonstrate strong clinical skills and leadership, supporting junior staff, maintaining high standards of practice, and contributing to the ongoing development of the service.
The Dame Clare Marx Building houses our elective orthopaedic centre (ESEOC), with a focus on elective orthopaedic surgery and day cases. The centre includes eight laminar flow theatres, three wards, recovery facilities, and support services such as radiology and EBME. Our two trauma theatres are based in Constable Theatre within the main hospital.
Please note, the minimum working hours for this role is 19 hours per week.
Main duties of the job
- You will be expected to perform these duties with a high degree of clinical skills and knowledge to achieve effective patient care.
- You will work collaboratively with the Consultant Surgeons to ensure that the full potential of this role is utilised.
- To act as a patient advocate to ensure the multidisciplinary team gives high quality co-ordinated care.
- To work under the direct supervision of the medical staff.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstration of professional development and ability to cope with responsibilities of leadership
- Demonstration of regular updating of professional knowledge
- Evidence of experience of managing a team
- Implement and interpret policies and procedures
- Has a working knowledge of NHS and social care structures systems and processes
- I.T Skills
- Experience and understanding of clinical audit / research
Desirable
- Experience in implementing policy and procedures
- Evidence of developing nursing / AHP practice
Experience
Essential
- Experience of collaborative patient-centred working with statutory and voluntary agencies
- Proven experience in either Orthopaedic theatre/ward setting
Desirable
- Specialist qualification in one of the following: Orthopaedics, Theatres, Critical Care
Qualifications
Essential
- First Assistant training course
- Registered Nurse with current registration on part 1 or 12 of the NMC Register or registered AHP
- Student supervision and assessment training
- Evidence of professional development
Desirable
- Degree in Specialist Practice
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Surgical First Assistant/Senior Scrub Practitioner with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust in Colchester, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 18 Jun 2026.
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