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.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
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.
We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Our team is actively engaged in a dynamic programme of continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and enhancing clinical practice and perioperative pathways. These pathways are developed collaboratively, incorporating feedback from patients and service users to ensure the best possible outcomes.
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. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Details
Date posted
18 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year £31,049 - £37,796 Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
216-NB-DD7758735
Job locations
University Plymouth Hospital
Brest Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Job description
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.
For further details please see attached JD & PS.
Job description
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.
For further details please see attached JD & PS.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
* Competent in anaesthetics, scrub or recovery
* Proven evidence of recent CPD
Desirable
* Competent in anaesthetics, scrub or recovery
* 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
* 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
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
* Competent in anaesthetics, scrub or recovery
* Proven evidence of recent CPD
Desirable
* Competent in anaesthetics, scrub or recovery
* 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
* 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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address
University Plymouth Hospital
Brest Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address
University Plymouth Hospital
Brest Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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