Job summary
- Main area
- Theatres
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Days, Nights, Weekends and Oncall.)
- Job ref
- 265-7620136-SUR
- Employer
- Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Northampton General Hospital
- Town
- Northampton
- Salary
- £38,682 - £46,580 Per annum / Pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 13/01/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Senior Anaesthetic / Scrub (Vascular) Practitioner
Band 6
Job overview
We are seeking for a dynamic, highly motivated individual as a Senior Anaesthetic Practitioner and Senior Vascular Scrub Practitioner in Main Theatre, Northampton General Hospital, of which six theatres in Main Theatre and four peripheral areas covering various speciality theatres like General Surgery, Urology, Breast, Gynaecology, Vascular, Emergency Theatre, Robotic cases, Max Fax, ENT, Paediatric, Interventional Radiology, etc.
They must have sound Anaesthetic experience as the person will be working clinically across multiple specialities and will be expected to take up management responsibilities depending on the operational needs and deputise for the managers in their absence. When working in theatre, they will be required to lead by example, driving the list to ensure good utilisation, whilst offering guidance and support to junior members of the team.
The candidate will also be expected to have good Vascular Scrub experience as they will be expected to work mainly in Vascular theatre and perform major cases like EVAR, Angioplasty / Angiography, Wire works, open procedures including AAA. The candidate will be expected to scrub for longer cases and be able to wear lead gowns. In addition, they will still be expected to work in all other theatre specialities when required, including emergency, irrespective of anaesthetics or surgical side.
Main duties of the job
The person will have management and leadership responsibilities where they will assist the management team in implementing change projects within the departments to enhance patient care and positive patient experiences.
They will be responsible for supporting the Theatre managers in all aspects of their role, including deputising in their absence, appraisals, the management of sickness absence, mandatory training, audits and staff deployment. They will be expected to coordinate the theatre as and when required and should be flexible with their management responsibilities.
They must have excellent communication and negotiation skills and be able to lead by example. The successful individual will have a pivotal role in delivering Trust Objectives and ensure that the care delivered within this specialty reflects the Trust Vision and Values. The post holder will also play an integral part in proving positive mentoring, development and training of junior staff and students.
They will be expected to be a role model for other members of staff and contribute towards the training and development of others. They should be able to recognise their own limitations and seek advice and support from senior members of staff.
The staff will be expected to work, Day shifts, Long days, Nights, Weekends and On-call shifts and on a fulltime employment.
Working for our organisation
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Respect
- Integrity
- Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Supporting Clinical Excellence
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Ensure delivery of highest standard of patient care, while assisting anaesthetist being as anaesthetic staff or assisting surgeon during surgical procedures as scrub.
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Take responsibility for the availability of surgical equipment from SSD or when it is processed off site.
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Assisting and contributing to the management and organisation of the clinical area.
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Actively contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of quality care.
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To work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the needs of patients and their families.
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To maintain accountability for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating programmes of care.
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Consider new ways of working which enhance and improve patient care.
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Consider new ways of working which are cost saving.
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To co-ordinate the patient’s discharge from in accordance with NGH discharge policy.
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To educate patients and their carers as required, where a need has been identified.
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Adhere to appropriate safety precautions, as established within the theatres/Clinic to minimize the risks of fire, explosion, electrical shock, contamination, accident and equipment malfunction.
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Assist in cleaning schedules, facilitating an agreed level of cleanliness for the department.
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Complete patient documentation correctly.
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To maintain a safe ward environment.
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Responsible for safe supply, storage, administration, checking and disposal of medications including controlled drugs.
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Adopt an open learning culture from patient experience and action plan improvements as necessary.
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To undertake any expanded roles deemed necessary for the role following the Trust policy “Expansion of Professional Practice for Registered Healthcare Professionals”.
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Actively participate in the education, development and supervision of other staff members.
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Assess and support students and learners on placement within the clinical area.
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Promote and maintain effective communication, both written and verbal.
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To act as a role model for staff.
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Ensure patient and staff confidentiality.
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To supervise junior staff in the delivery of care.
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To participate in the safe movement and handling of patients within the operating department, and between other departments within the Trust.
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Always maintain patient privacy and dignity.
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Provide support and reassurance to all patients undergoing regional or local anaesthesia.
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Safe and sensitive escorting of patients, relatives and carers.
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Help maintain high standards of cleanliness expected within a surgical environment.
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Participate in stock control/rotation and order. Restocking of theatres and other adjoining areas as required.
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Facilitate junior members and students with their CPD, setting goals, facilitating training opportunities, and mentoring as appropriate.
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Assist with the maintenance of equipment and report any faults to senior members of staff or report to clinical engineering.
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Carry out errands when requested.
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This job description is not a rigid/inflexible document but acts to provide the post holder with guidance as to the expectations of the role. Whilst in post, these expectations may change to meet service needs.
Communication
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Recognise and maintain confidentiality of information relating to patients/clients and their records.
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Maintain accurate documentation of any clinical notes or IT systems used in theatre.
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Ensure clarity in communicating with patients, relatives and carers as well as other team members. Answer questions within the sphere of one’s own knowledge.
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Answer the telephone on a clear, friendly, helpful and professional manner. Take any messages accurately and refer as necessary.
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Demonstrate a caring approach to patients/clients, their families and visitors and to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
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To attend and participate in departmental meetings, helping to implement change as and when required.
Leadership
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Lead by example with drive and enthusiasm, responding appropriately to the needs of patients, families and carers.
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Act as a supportive professional role model for nursing and midwifery / HCPC, providing quality care in accordance with the NMC/HCPC rules and codes of practice.
Management
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Support the promotion and maintenance of a departmental culture which promotes an open and honest approach to professional decision making and problem solving.
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Support departmental management, acting as lead / coordinator when required.
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Participate in the development of the department, implementing change to improve services.
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Provide junior staff mentorship as required and facilitate regular staff appraisal and professional development support.
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Assist in the management of sickness absence.
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Coordinate and proactively lead main theatre teams.
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Have an awareness of departmental budget and equipment maintenance programs.
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Demonstrate commitment to patient safety and risk management strategy within the department.
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Take all possible action to minimise clinical risk to patients, utilising all available resources.
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Support preceptee in clinical practice during and after their preceptorship programme.
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Support the implementation of preceptorship and education programmes for newly qualified nurses and midwives.
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Support and promote clinical audit and quality improvement.
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Assist in the facilitation approach to decision making.
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Assist in administrative tasks as required.
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Work closely with management and to take up management assignments or responsibilities as and when required depending on the departmental needs.
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Conduct local induction when introducing new members / bank staff / agency staff to their duties and the theatre policies.
People/Management Excellence
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Have the ability and knowledge to competently deal with an emergency.
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Manage his/her time effectively and perform allocated tasks within a reasonable time frame, knowing when to seek support, assistance and advice from other team members.
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Assist in the maintenance of department equipment and stock levels, e.g. equipment, linen, catering supplies, sterile services, consumables etc.
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Awareness about staff roster and allocation of staff, including skill mix.
Professional Responsibilities
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Adhere to Trust values and behaviours at all times.
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To participate in regular performance reviews.
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Maintain own statutory, role specific, mandatory training, and divisional /directorate specific essential training.
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Be self-motivated and seek ways to flexibly extend own knowledge skills.
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To be responsible for your own professional development, maintain a professional portfolio and keep up to date on current perioperative care and health service issues.
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To take full responsibility for your own actions and to abide by the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Conduct / Health Professions Council Code of Conduct.
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Maintain own knowledge and clinical skills demonstrating competence in delivering a high standard of care.
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To have an awareness of Trust policies and procedures.
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Identify learning needs in self, negotiating a Personal Development Plan recognising own limitations.
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Understand own limitations and know where to find advice and assistance.
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Act as a role model for new starters and junior staff in the area.
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Will seek out ‘Best Practices’ to generate new ideas and generate change.
Quality Assurance and Monitoring
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Assist the management team with the undertaking of audits within theatres.
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To participate in developing working guidelines, protocols and practices which enhance the patient experience in line with national and Trust policies.
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Actively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area.
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Assist the theatre manager in the acquisition, maintenance and repairs of surgical equipment.
Corporate Responsibilities
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Act as a role model in customer service towards visitors to the hospital.
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Facilitate any measures to help achieve directorate/divisional and Trust targets and agendas.
Person specification
Educations, Training and Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Educated to diploma or degree level or equivalent level of education
- Registered Anaesthetic Nurse or Operating Department Practitioner
- Evidence of continuing professional education / development
- Possess a mentorship qualification
Desirable criteria
- Undergone ILS & PILS training
- Evidence of specific theatre training.
- Management training / equivalent qualification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- Be an experienced anaesthetic nurse or ODP
- More than 2 years post qualification experience in perioperative care
- Experience of mentoring and assessing in clinical practice
- Awareness of infection prevention
- Previous experience anaesthetic experience of working with shared airways, paediatrics and emergencies
- Ability to work effectively in a team and autonomously
- Experience as Vascular scrub staff particularly in major I.R operations including EVAR
- Experience in Stock ordering and Management
Desirable criteria
- Experience in theatres at band 6 level
Skills
Essential criteria
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Able to prioritise workload and plan ahead and time management
- Excellent of interpersonal skills displaying tact and sensitivity
- Able to work in stressful situation
- Can assess, plan and implement and evaluate effective patient care
- Demonstrate the ability to recognise, prioritise, and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations
- Competent and confident in using medical equipment and Can take their own initiative with learning needs and appraisal and help staff with appraisalquipment
- Able to undertake new staff and students and guide them through procedures / surgeries
- Previous experience in ordering and arranging kits and instruments for theatres in an orderly manner
- Ability to work and advocate for the patient's rights and safety
Desirable criteria
- Experience in conducting training/development programme
Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential criteria
- Excellent leadership qualities
- Team player
- Assertive, confident and approachable
- Innovative and creative
- Ability to lead by example, motivate and inspire others
- Dedicated to excellence in values
- Equality, diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
- Motivated
- Taking initiative and remain positive during service changes and challenges
- Able to maintain professional relation with colleagues and management.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
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.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Sojan Varghese
- Job title
- Manager, Main Theatre
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01604 543532
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