Job overview
Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading robotic surgery centres, performing over 1,500 robotic operations annually. We have six theatres dedicated for Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) and are equipped with six surgical robots from Intuitive Surgical (Da Vinci X and Xi). As pioneers in robotic innovation, we were among the first to adopt the Hugo RAS system from Medtronic and the Versius System from Cambridge Medical Robotics (CMR). Exciting plans for further expansion are already underway.
We are now seeking a Trainee Surgical Care Practitioner to join our team. Ideal candidates must have a robust clinical background in surgical services with a strong aptitude for developing and refining technical and non-technical bedside assisting skills to support the growth of RAS program.
Successful candidates must be eligible to enrol in the MSc in Surgical Care Practice as part of their training curriculum. Enrollment will be arranged upon appointment, with the course commencing annually in January which runs for three years.
In addition to academic studies, trainees will receive hands-on technical training and develop surgical skills under the guidance of our experienced Robotic SCP team, consultant surgeons, and the wider surgical team. The trainee will be assigned an SCP mentor and a Clinical Supervisor to provide tailored support and ensure progress through training milestones.
Main duties of the job
The primary focus of this clinical role is to provide skilled bedside assistance to Consultant Surgeons performing Robotic-Assisted Surgical procedures in the operating theatre. Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), the post holder will play a role in developing, implementing, and evaluating a seamless robotic surgical service, ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care.
As an integral part of this specialist team, the Surgical Care Practitioner (SCP) will cultivate and demonstrate advanced expertise within the service. They will offer specialist advice, education, and clinical support to both healthcare professionals and patients. The role extends beyond the operating theatre, encompassing pre-operative contributions in the Preassessment Clinic, involvement in early post-operative inpatient care with a focus on Enhanced Recovery Pathways, and ongoing support in outpatient clinics following discharge.
The post holder will also contribute to the continuous improvement of clinical practice, research, and care standards within the service, working in partnership with multidisciplinary colleagues. They will ensure the safety and well-being of patients while promoting dignity, human rights, and person-centred care principles in all aspects of their work.
Working for our organisation
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust encompasses five of the UK’s most renowned hospitals—Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton, and Harefield—alongside community services in Lambeth and Southwark. These institutions are celebrated for their legacy of high-quality care, clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and innovation.
With a strong tradition of clinical and scientific achievement, the Trust is part of King’s Health Partners, one of England’s eight Academic Health Science Centres. This partnership integrates world-class clinical services, education, and research. We also host one of the National Institute for Health Research’s Biomedical Research Centres, established in collaboration with King’s College London in 2007, alongside state-of-the-art clinical research facilities.
As a trainee, you will benefit from the guidance of a skilled and diverse Surgical Care Practitioner (SCP) team. A tailored training programme will support your professional growth, supplemented by an SCP mentor and Clinical Supervisor who will guide your clinical practice. In addition to completing a Master’s Degree, you will have access to in-house study days and workshops designed to enhance your education and refine your skills.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• Work with a team of RAS consultant surgeons and wider MDT of robotic-assisted surgery delivering personalised patient care. Further, contribute to effective communication throughout the pre-operative process by liaising with the MDT regarding any specific patient requirements, including facilitating necessary investigations.
• Participate in promoting patient-centred care, and establish and maintain a supportive relationship with the patient and their family during assessment, treatment and aftercare.
• Support and enable patients and carers to make informed decisions regarding their treatment and management as appropriate to their role.
• Assist in the preparation of the patient for surgery such as venepuncture, male and female urinary catheterisation, correct positioning of the patient, displaying X-rays and preoperative assessment processes including clinical examination.
• Have an understanding of the principles of the Mental Capacity Act regarding consent and the consent process in line with GMC and local trust guidance.
• Develop towards participating in robotic-assisted procedures as the first bedside assistant by providing proficient and reliable support in the operating theatre, working under the guidance and supervision of a consultant surgeon.
• Demonstrate expertise and precision in surgical techniques, including the proficient use of surgical instruments and robotic equipment.
• Arrange appropriate pre and post-operative investigations as part of the multidisciplinary team to enhance patient safety, facilitate patient-centred care and contribute to the smooth running of the operating lists
•Provide specialist knowledge and guidance to support, encourage, and advise the clinical team in delivering excellent patient care before, during, and after surgery.
• Be responsible for assessing and recognising emergencies in the speciality. To interpret information, take appropriate action and lead others.
• Act as an advocate for patients within the department, to ensure a patient-orientated approach in the delivery of care and to meet standards within the NHS plan and other relevant guidelines.
• Ensure that all the hospital policies are adhered to in particular providing a safe, healthy environment for staff and patients.
• Ensure that patients receive high-quality clinical care and a good patient experience, having regard for their customs, religious beliefs and doctrines.
• Recognise and avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of the individuals.
• Liaise with medical, theatre, ward and clerical staff on relevant issues including theatre lists to support coherent service provision and smooth patient journey.
Person specification
Education and Qualification
Essential criteria
1. BSc or equivalent
2. RN1 or RN2 Registered Nurse
3. Mentorship Course or equivalent
4. Level 6 CPD
Desirable criteria
5. Surgical First Assistant Qualification
6. Master's Degree or Equivalent
Knowledge, Skills and Ability
Essential criteria
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Desirable criteria
8. Advanced clinical, management and leadership skills in speciality
Previous Experience
Essential criteria
9. Extensive experience in operating theatres
10. Significant experience in RAS operating theatres
Desirable criteria
11. Experience as surgical first assistant in RAS
Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership.