Surgical First Assistant (Registered Nurse or ODP)

Job summary
OHG PLC is seeking an experienced and motivated Surgical First Assistant (SFA) to join our brand-new Elective Surgery Hub in Scunthorpe.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality elective orthopaedic and spinal surgery in a modern, purpose-built facility.

As a Surgical First Assistant, you will work alongside Consultant Surgeons, Anaesthetists and Theatre Practitioners, providing expert intra-operative assistance while contributing to safe, effective and efficient patient care.

Main Responsibilities

• Act as the Surgical First Assistant during elective orthopaedic and spinal procedures within the scope of your training, competence and local policies.
• Assist Consultant Surgeons during major orthopaedic procedures, including primary hip and knee replacements.
• Assist during elective spinal procedures, including anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical and lumbar decompressions, spinal fusions, discectomies and other spinal procedures undertaken at the Surgical Hub.
• Maintain patient safety throughout the perioperative pathway.
• Prepare the operating theatre, instruments, equipment and implants for surgical procedures.
• Assist with patient positioning, skin preparation and draping in accordance with best practice.
• Provide intra-operative assistance including tissue retraction, suction, haemostasis, wound irrigation and wound closure where competent and authorised.
• Ensure accurate completion of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist.
• Maintain accurate implant traceability and documentation.
• Work closely with Scrub Practitioners, Anaesthetic Practitioners and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Report equipment faults or patient safety concerns promptly.
• Participate in clinical audits, governance activities and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain professional registration and Surgical First Assistant competence.
• Participate in the on-call rota if introduced in the future (where applicable).

Essential Requirements

• Registered Nurse (NMC) or Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC).
• Recognised Surgical First Assistant qualification.
• Current professional registration without restrictions.
• Significant experience working within an operating theatre environment.
• Experience assisting in major orthopaedic surgery.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and infection prevention.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to delivering safe, patient-centred care.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience assisting with elective spinal surgery, including ACDF, spinal decompression, spinal fusion and discectomy procedures.
• Immediate Life Support (ILS) certification.
• Advanced knowledge of orthopaedic instrumentation and implants.
• Experience participating in clinical audit and quality improvement.
• Understanding of CQC standards and clinical governance.
• Teaching or mentoring experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Supportive and friendly multidisciplinary team.
• Modern purpose-built elective surgical environment.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Funded mandatory training.
• Company pension.
• Generous annual leave.
• Paid 30-minute break on every shift.
• Free onsite parking.
• Employee wellbeing support.
• Opportunity to help develop a new specialist elective surgical service.

Why Join OHG?
At OHG PLC, patient safety and clinical excellence are at the heart of everything we do. As a Surgical First Assistant, you will play an integral role in supporting Consultant Surgeons and the theatre team to deliver outstanding outcomes for patients undergoing elective orthopaedic and spinal surgery.

If you are an experienced Surgical First Assistant looking to join an ambitious new elective surgical service, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the future of the OHG PLC Elective Surgery Hub.

Location: Scunthorpe
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time

Apply through our website.