Overview
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for you to join a highly motivated multidisciplinary team delivering patient-centred care, with emphasis on quality and patient safety. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and staff willing to learn a wide range of skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required along with the ability to work as part of a team.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a willingness and capability to learn new skills and work in a wide range of theatres.
Responsibilities
Main duties of the job
* We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated staff to join our highly skilled team as a band 3 theatre assistant who will work predominantly in theatres as a circulating practitioner.
* We have 8 cardiac/thoracic theatres, a pacing theatre, endoscopy room and a recovery unit. We are an incredibly busy unit with both elective and emergency pathways and cover various specialities including Cardiac, Thoracic, Aortic, Vascular, ACHD, etc. Candidates who apply must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and be able to communicate and work with all members of MDT.
* With support from the Registered Nurse/ODP, participate fully in the delivery of planned nursing care, inc all aspects of nursing care as part of the operating theatre team.
* Rotate through all areas of theatre including Cardiac, Thoracic, pacing, Endoscopy room and various specialities (vascular, aortic, ACHD).
* Participate in assessment of health care needs through the completion and interpretation of assessment tools and documentation.
* Undertake general patient observations (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, general appearance, fluid balance) and report anything untoward to Registered Nursing Staff/ODP.
* Wear appropriate safety attire (e.g., lead apron, FFP3 masks) as required.
* Undertake a range of clinical duties under direction of the Registered Nurse/ODP (including safe positioning of patients, preparation of surgical/anaesthetic equipment, swab/needle/instrument counts, collection of patient specimens, preparation and assistance in clinical procedures such as IV lines and urinary catheter).
* Participate in the decontamination and reprocessing of surgical instruments/equipment.
* Assist in the evaluation of care and ensure entries in patient records are countersigned by the Registered Practitioner.
* Involve patients and carers/relatives in the delivery of care and provide reassurance and support to patients.
* Work collaboratively with others in the Operating Theatre to ensure patients’ needs are met and recognise/respond to urgent and emergency situations.
* Undertake transfer and escort of patients with moderate dependency to theatres, catheter labs and other clinical departments.
* Ensure safe disposal of waste and sharps as per Trust policy and care of patients’ property and valuables in accordance with Trust policy.
* Ensure theatres are cleaned and stock maintained after each case to ensure safety and cleanliness for next case.
* Partake in all stages of the WHO Checklist.
About us
As the largest single site specialist heart and chest hospital in the UK, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital has a clear vision to be the best cardiothoracic integrated healthcare organisation.
We provide specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, and respiratory medicine both in the hospital and out in the community. We serve a catchment area of 2.8 million people, spanning Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, and increasingly receive referrals from outside these areas for highly specialised services such as aortics. Our reputation for strong performance underpins high quality clinical services and a culture of research and innovation, delivered in a modern estate with encouragement of flexible working.
Please visit our website: lhch.nhs.uk
Details
Date posted: 11 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 410-SUR-7460949
Job locations: Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Theatres, Thomas Drive, Liverpool, L14 3PE
Person Specification
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
* Care Certificate
* Demonstrate proficiency in numeracy and literacy skills at level one or above
Desirable
* Any relevant theatre course
Experience
* Experience as a nursing assistant in an acute health care setting or experience of working in an operating theatre
Skills and Attributes
* Understanding of quality and change in the clinical setting
* Ability to communicate with patients of varying levels of understanding
* Able to present factual information and refer questions to others where appropriate
* Able to deal with sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy
* Understanding of organisation of operating theatre practice and nursing care
* Able to prioritise and organise workload and respond to sudden changes
* Able to demonstrate teamwork
* Basic IT skills in email
* Basic understanding of NHS issues
* Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues
* Able to work in emergency and fast-paced environments
Physical Requirements
* Able to perform duties in a wide range of theatres and procedures with PPE as required (e.g., FFP3 masks, visors, lead aprons)
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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
Address: Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Theatres, Thomas Drive, Liverpool, L14 3PE
Website: lhch.nhs.uk
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