Surgical First Assistant/Senior Scrub Practitioner
At a glance
- Band
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time, Part-time
- Posted
- 28/08/2026
- Closes
- 06/09/2026
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Role summary
This role is for a Senior Theatre Practitioner (Scrub) / Surgical First Assistant at the Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre. You will provide high-quality peri-operative care, support Consultant Surgeons, and facilitate the smooth running of the orthopaedic surgical programme. The position involves undertaking a senior scrub role and working as a Surgical First Assistant in both elective and trauma orthopaedic surgery. You will also demonstrate strong clinical skills and leadership, supporting junior staff and contributing to service development.
Essential criteria
- 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 criteria
- Degree in Specialist Practice
- Experience of collaborative patient-centred working with statutory and voluntary agencies
- Proven experience in either Orthopaedic theatre/ward setting
- Specialist qualification in one of the following: Orthopaedics, Theatres, Critical Care
- 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
- Experience in implementing policy and procedures
- Evidence of developing nursing / AHP practice
- 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
- Degree in Specialist Practice
- Experience of collaborative patient-centred working with statutory and voluntary agencies
- Proven experience in either Orthopaedic theatre/ward setting
- Specialist qualification in one of the following: Orthopaedics, Theatres, Critical Care
- 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
- Experience in implementing policy and procedures
- Evidence of developing nursing / AHP practice
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 6 at £37,338 – £44,962 a year, across England.
This advert: £39,959 – £48,117 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 10d ago · Closes in 0d
Applications close soon — apply now if this is a fit.
Full advert · preview
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Surgical First Assistant/Senior Scrub Practitioner
The closing date is 06 September 2026
Job summary
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 EBM
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