Theatre Practitioner

Job summary

PEOC Theatres

Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre (PEOC) Theatres is part of the Critical Care Cluster within the Surgical Services Division. We have five operating theatres two of which have laminar flow facilities.

The department caters for the following elective orthopaedic specialities:

• Hips
• Knees
• Sports Injuries
• Spinal
• Shoulders Upper Limb
• Hand and Wrist
• Foot and Ankle
• Childrens Orthopaedics

Our Department is served by the PEOC Recovery which provides patients with immediate post-operative care following g

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Details

• Date posted: 12 June 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 5
• Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year pro rata
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 12 months
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 185-33543-13388
• Job locations: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

We have a fixed term vacancy to cover maternity leave for a Dual Role or Anaesthetic Theatre Practitioner to work in a dynamic and modern Orthopaedic Department with a strong history in Orthopaedic research and the development of new technologies. This department was instrumental in the development of the world renowned Exeter Total Hip Replacement system and now participates in studies involving cutting edge orthopaedic technology including robotics, patient-specific instruments and implants, and the very latest in biologics. A Clinical Trials Unit has recently been launched here in Exeter in conjunction with agencies such as the NIHR and the University of Exeter, placing it at the forefront for research opportunities within the South West region and the nation as a whole. As a regional hub for revision knee and hip arthroplasty, we get to see and treat some of the most complex cases in the region and work with surgeons of the highest calibre and regard both nationally and internationally.

The unit has a friendly atmosphere based on encouragement and development, operating to the highest of standards. Patient satisfaction rates for our hip and knee arthroplasty patients are amongst the highest in the country and we intend to keep it this way and better ourselves at every opportunity!

A successful applicant can expect to be part of a busy but rewarding elective orthopaedic service exposed to a variety of experiences and development opportunities. Appropriate to their existing theatre experience an individualised development plan will be designed to enable them to quickly become a key member of the team. The department currently hosts a number of orthopaedic sub-specialties including hip, knee, spinal, shoulder, elbow, hand, foot and ankle teams and paediatrics. Trauma surgery is also performed within the unit from time to time as the need dictates. Rotation around the teams will usually occur every few months, depending on a successful applicants existing knowledge and experience. Supervision and training will be provided by a named mentor.

This post is for a Dual Role or Anaesthetic Theatre Practitioner in PEOC theatres, to rotate between Scrub and Anaesthetics or work solely as an Anaesthetic practitioner. As part of the anaesthetic team you will be involved in an on-call rota all year around, working late shifts and weekends. The on-call rota is to cover general theatres, including all specialities. There will be an expectation of competency in several areas including, paediatrics, difficult airways and regional anaesthesia. There will be opportunities to partake in training to develop individuals in areas such as BLS, ILS and PILS.

Working Pattern: 4 days a week, 37.5 hours. Early shifts 8am - 6pm and late shifts 10:30pm - 8am or 11:30pm - 9pm plus on call provision. We also work Saturdays, and provide 24/7 on call provision for General Theatres, including weekends and bank holidays.

Interview Date: To be confirmed

For further information please contact: Suby Thomas Clinical Nurse Manager, Angela Willis Clinical Nurse Manager or Karl Ramos on 01392 403582, or email suby.thomas@nhs.net, angela.willis1@nhs.net or k.ramos1@nhs.net

These are fixed term contracts until 15/03/2027 (0.61 WTE) and 26/07/2027 (1 WTE). For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.