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Job summary

Main area
Theatres
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
  • Flexible working
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
344-1768SAC
Employer
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Kent & Canterbury Hospital
Town
Canterbury
Salary
£24,937 - £26,598 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
13/02/2026 08:00

Employer heading

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust logo

Theatre Support Worker

Band 3

Job overview

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment providing a high standard of care in our theatre departments. The successful applicant will work as part of a team of theatre support workers under supervision providing assistance to the multidisciplinary team in the provision of a high standard of patient care within the Theatre Departments and Day Surgery Ward and other departments. You must possess excellent communication and Interpersonal skills and demonstrate a caring, supportive and professional attitude.

This vacancy does not offer any sponsorship opportunities for applicant's.

Main duties of the job

The role involves supporting the efficient and effective operation of the department through a range of clerical and patient care duties, including data input, patient note tracking, and collecting patients for theatre. Effective communication skills, empathy, and reassurance are essential when interacting with patients who may have physical impairments or mental health conditions. The role also includes participation in accurate and timely documentation, compliance with mandatory training such as the care certificate, and understanding theatre competencies and specific procedures like laser operations or endoscopy sterilisation.

Key responsibilities include assisting theatre staff in patient transfers and positioning, ensuring patient documentation is accurate, and managing patient belongings. The role also requires preparing theatres and equipment, assisting during procedures, and maintaining a clean and safe environment. Additional tasks involve handling instrumentation, supporting audits, and adhering to Trust policies, health and safety regulations, and infection control standards. The ability to work independently and respond to incidents as needed is crucial, alongside supporting the patient pathway from admission to discharge

Working for our organisation

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in ‘Documents to download’.

If you have further queries please don’t hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential criteria
  • A good level of general education
  • A willingness to undertake Care Certificate
  • A willingness to undertake Apprenticeship Level 2 in Health & Social Care.

Skills and experience

Essential criteria
  • Ability to undertake moderate physical effort safely.
  • Previous experience is not essential although some exposure/involvement in a care setting is desirable
  • The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all members of the health care team as well as patients and their relatives
  • Adhere to the Moving and Handling policy
  • Basic Life Support
  • IT Literate, or acquire relevant skills within one year into post
  • Inputting data onto a computer, tracking, tracing and collection of patients’ notes
  • Welcoming and directing patients to relevant areas
Desirable criteria
  • Previous Health Care experience

Governance

Essential criteria
  • Adheres to all Local and national policies & processes
  • Ability to identify, escalate and mitigate risk to your patients, visitors and colleagues

Persoal Attributes

Essential criteria
  • Upholds the Trust Values & professional behaviours
  • Supports the multidisciplinary working & build professional relationships
  • Act as a role model to the wider workforce
  • Supports equality and values diversity and inclusion
  • Be a team player who supports your colleagues
  • Actively participates in opportunities to support continuous professional development (CPD).
Desirable criteria
  • Ability to apply emotional intelligence and resilience

Other requirements

Essential criteria
  • Aware of and adhere to the Trust’s Vision & strategy
  • Has an understanding of the political agenda within healthcare.
  • Literate and numerate, able to perform tasks to a high standard under supervision
  • Ability to follow written & verbal instructions and able to cope in demanding situation
  • Ability to understand own limitations and seek more senior assistance where required
  • Ability to communicate with the multi -disciplinary team

Employer certification / accreditation badges

NHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardThe Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion is the leading employer network covering all aspects of equality and inclusion in the workplace.Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyMenopause Friendly EmployerAge positiveInvestors in People: GoldDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - BronzeImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerThe Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei) is the UK's leading employer network covering all aspects of equality and inclusion issues in the workplace.Prince's Trust - Proud to support the Prince's trust - Youth can do itStep into healthHappy to Talk Flexible WorkingArmed Forces Covenant

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
James Lawless
Job title
Theatre Matron
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01227 206705