Theatre Scrub Practitioner

Job summary
We are looking for a dynamic, highly motivated Scrub ODP or Nurse, to join our Day Surgery & Eyes Theatre Team. You must have sound clinical experience, excellent communication and negotiation skills and be able work flexibly and lead by example. You must be able to work in partnership with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and work closely with the theatre management team in order to provide safe quality care and an excellent patient and staff experience. Experience in Scrub is essential for this role as it is a 12 month fixed term contract, to cover Maternity Leave Ending in October 2027

We undertake a variety of elective day case procedures across our 4 Theatres. Our surgical specialties include General Surgery, Head and Neck, Urology, Breast, Plastics, Eyes and Hand Trauma. There will also be the opportunity for the successful candidate to work in other operating theatres across the Trust to support operational requirements.

Full time is preferable but part time hours will be considered.

Main duties of the job
Scrub ODPs/ Nurses will work closely with Theatre team to ensure that everything the surgeons require each day is ready and available. ODPs/Scrub nurses will then assist in Theatre and make sure the patient has everything they may need peri and post operatively.

You are expected to deliver safe quality care for patients during their peri-operative phase of care. You will be expected to take responsibility

As an ODP / Scrub Nurse you will play an important role in ensuring every operation is as safe and effective as possible. An expectation to commit to out of hours working.

The post holder will work as a member of the theatre team at Northampton General Hospital, supporting the organisation and delivery of theatre services across Main Theatres, Manfield Theatres, Gynae Theatres, Ophthalmology Theatre and Day Surgery. The post holder will participate in delivering a high standard of patient care and safety. They will be expected to demonstrate enthusiasm to help create a suitable patient and an effective learning environment.

About us
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.

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.

Details
Date posted: 26 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year Per Annum / Pro Rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 265-8113612-SUR
Job locations: University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire, Northampton, NN1 5BD, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Supporting Clinical Excellence

• To provide a high standard of care as set out in Theatre Standards and trust guidelines
• Able to assist surgeons in simple to complex operations and willingness to learn
• To maintain accurate completion of theatre records, documentation and care plans.
• Assess the immediate and ongoing needs of the patient and when appropriate in discussion with the patient and or their significant others develop an individualised plan of care.
• Make decisions on the most appropriate method of care for the patients where a variety of options need to be considered as to the most suitable care plan going forward.
• Regular communicate with other team members, including Consultants, nursing staff and other specialties.
• Contribute to and participate in the development of a culture that is committed to innovation and quality improvement through the use of research and audit.
• To assist in the monitoring and maintenance of equipment used in the Units and report any faults that occur to the appropriate person.
• Assist in cleaning schedules, facilitating an agreed level of cleanliness for the units.
• Actively contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of quality care.
• Work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the needs of patients and their families/ carers.
• Actively maintain and promote a safe theatre environment.
• Undertake nursing procedures and techniques in accordance with agreed Trust policies and guidelines.
• Plan, develop and implement approaches to promote health and wellbeing of patients and improve their health status.
• Maintain an awareness of the developments in the care and treatment of patients in order to be able to carry out duties competently and efficiently.
• Responsible for safe supply, storage, administration, checking and disposal of medications including controlled drugs in line with Trust Policy and Nursing Midwifery Council standards.
• Document the condition and progress of patients and report to medical staff and/or senior theatre staff any areas of concern.
• Maintain contemporary detailed theatre documentation.
• Assisting and contributing to the management and organisation of the theatre area.
• Once competent in team management skills, takes charge of the clinical area on a regular basis in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility or his/her deputy.
• Comply with all Trust policies and risk assessments with particular regard to the policies and procedures carried out in the event of maintaining staff and patient safety.

Leadership

• Lead by example with drive and enthusiasm, responding appropriately to the needs of patients, families and carers.
• Responsible for assisting with the management and leadership of the theatre, maintaining an appropriate style that maintains good morale, a team approach to work and a culture which fosters innovation and change.
• Sets high standards of nursing care for the theatre, including theatre cleanliness, etc., are maintained so that the patients experience is excellent.
• Influence people and events through successful communication, negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Constructively challenge practices as necessary, which impact on patients care and/or staff wellbeing.
• Work in partnership with the senior team members to ensure the nursing strategy objectives are achieved.

Supporting Patient Excellence

• In the absence of the Theatre Team Leader act as a first contact point for patients, relatives and staff to address concerns and complaints.
• To be courteous and helpful to patients, families/carers, colleagues and all users to the trust. To act as a positive role model to the tea