Surgical First Assistant
St Edmunds Hospital
37.5 Hours & Permanent
Salary: Competitive
St Edmunds Hospital in Bury St Edmunds is part of Circle Health Group, Britain's leading provider of independent healthcare with a nationwide network of hospitals & clinics, performing more complex surgery than any other private healthcare provider in the country.
We have an opportunity for a Surgical First Assistant to join their team of staff in the Theatres department.
This is a full‑time role for 37.5 hours a week. The role holder will be required to cover a flexible shift pattern.
Duties of this role include:
* Provide skilled assistance to the surgeon during operations, including tissue retraction, haemostasis, suctioning, and wound management where trained and competent.
* Support safe patient positioning prior to the surgical procedure in accordance with the surgeon’s requirements and patient safety protocols.
* Assist with the application of sterile drapes and ensure the surgical field is maintained throughout the procedure.
* Support patients by promoting dignity, empathy, and respect throughout their theatre experience.
* Communicate effectively with patients and their families pre‑ and post‑operatively to ensure comfort and reassurance, where appropriate.
* Demonstrate sensitivity to patients’ needs, concerns, and cultural preferences, contributing to a safe and compassionate environment.
* Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team, including anaesthetists, surgeons, theatre practitioners, and recovery staff to support seamless, coordinated care.
* Participate in team briefings and debriefings to promote safety and continuous learning.
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
* Registered healthcare professional (e.g. NMC or HCPC) with post‑registration qualification as a Surgical First Assistant.
* Demonstrable perioperative experience, with competence in surgical assistance tasks and aseptic technique.
* Good understanding of surgical anatomy, patient positioning, and safety protocols.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a team‑oriented, patient‑focused approach.
* Commitment to delivering safe, high‑quality, and compassionate care.
* ILS
* Experience working across multiple surgical specialities.
* Basic Life Support (BLS) and Manual Handling training.
* Familiarity with theatre scheduling systems and electronic documentation.
* Participation in clinical audit, teaching, or quality improvement projects.
Salary & Benefits
Circle Health Group is committed to offering competitive starting salaries and access to a wide range of employee benefits, including:
* 25 days holiday per year + bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with service
* Private Healthcare Scheme for treatment at our hospitals, covering pre‑existing medical conditions
* Friends & Family Hospital Discounts
* Family Friendly policies, including enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption pay
* Non‑contributory life insurance
* Staff engagement hub with access to discounts and extensive rewards and voluntary benefits
* Access to resources, tools and services to support your wellbeing
* Employee recognition programmes
* Industry leading training and development opportunities
…and much more!
Circle Health Group is committed to creating a diverse workforce offering inclusive opportunities for all our colleagues. Our definition of diversity goes beyond the established characteristics protected by the Equality Act, as we strive to attract candidates with diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities or expressions, skills, work styles…and more.
We’re passionate about creating an environment where our people can thrive, grow and develop professionally and personally. Our principles and values guide our colleagues to be selfless, compassionate, committed, collaborative, brave, agile, tenacious and creative and are at the core of our purpose and culture.
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