Theatre Practitioner/Scrub

Job summary
We are seeking dedicated and motivated Theatre Practitioners, Nurses, and Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) to join our specialist orthopaedic Elective scrub team. Our department is part of a major trauma centre providing comprehensive care across a broad spectrum of orthopaedic specialties.

While prior theatre experience is desirable, it is not essential. We highly value a strong commitment to learning, professionalism, and a robust work ethic. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a fast-paced, stimulating, and rewarding environment where your skills will be supported and developed through continuous education and mentorship from our expert team.

Main duties of the job
As a Band 5 Theatre Scrub Practitioner within the Theatre Central cluster, you will play a vital role in supporting the surgical team throughout the patient's journey in theatre. Your responsibilities will include assisting in all types of orthopaedic Elective and trauma operations and delivering comprehensive perioperative care to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Our Trust operates as a 24-hour major trauma centre, and as such, scrub practitioners are expected to contribute to a seven-day service rota to meet the demands of this critical service.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

Details
Date posted: 28 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year Per Annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 216-LT-DD8088998
Job locations: University Plymouth Hospital, Brest Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• Act as Practitioner in charge, in the absence of the Team Leader ensuring efficient allocation of staff and resources.
• Demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice and clinical excellence and play an active role in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care.
• To engage and interact with patients and their carers, explaining procedures and treatments to gain co-operation, understanding and allay apprehension.
• Assist with projects to develop and enhance patient care. Participate in the evaluation of patient outcomes, including audit, risk management and infection control.
• Attend relevant meetings and deliver feedback.
• To develop and achieve objectives identified through continuing appraisal of job role.
• To develop appraisal skills and carry out appraisals and personal development plans for Band staff and non-registered assistant in line with Agenda for Change and the knowledge skills framework.
• Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate and initiate appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.
• Maintain and continuously improve in-depth specialist knowledge relevant to the clinical area, which significantly contributes to the Trusts stated aims and objectives.
• Report and manage untoward incidents, such as clinical emergencies, injury or drug administration errors, as detailed in Trust policies and procedures.

Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Competent in anaesthetics, scrub or recovery
• Proven evidence of recent CPD

Desirable

• Competent in anaesthetics, scrub or recovery
• Proven ability to demonstrate managerial or leadership potential

Qualifications
Essential

• Registered with NMC/HCPC
• Diploma/ Degree in related Healthcare subject or demonstrable equivalent experience
• Proven knowledge of and ability to apply proven evidence based practice to patient care

Desirable

• Accredited specialist training
• Mentorship qualification
• NVQ Assessor
• Computer literate

Aptitude & Abilities
Essential

• Proven ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate clinical care and act accordingly
• Effective verbal & non-verbal communication skills
• Effective influencing skills
• Organisational skills, able to work as team leader

Desirable

• Demonstrate awareness of financial constraints
• Methodical and organised
• Enthusiasm for introducing and facilitating change

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.