Job overview
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Qualified / Trainee General Surgery Surgical Care Practitioner (SCP) within the General Surgery Division at University Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust has a team of 16 SCP's covering various specialities, which is led by a Lead SCP and committed Consultant body. The General Surgery Division is committed to expanding and developing the role of the SCP within the hospitals, delivering excellent patient care, and up to date practice, in an environment which encourages personal and professional development
The trainee SCP will be supported to complete the accredited 3 year Msc Surgical practice
The successful candidate will be an important member of the surgical team within the General Surgery Division. They will work closely with the existing Surgical Care Practitioners, Junior Doctors and consultants.
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will need to have completed or working towards completing a University programme at Masters level to become fully qualified in Surgical Care Practice.
This course is fully funded by the University Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
You will be expected to demonstrate skills in communication, co-ordination of care and an ability to work flexibly within a multi-disciplinary team. Providing excellent patient experience is critical for all our patients and you will play a key role in ensuring that experience is optimized through accessible and effective communication with compassion and empathy
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Participate with the surgical team in the management of General Surgical patients in the in-patient and out-patient settings. This includes daily ward rounds with junior doctors, documenting in notes and coordinating treatment plans.
2. Act as first or second assistant to the operating surgeon during elective & emergency, General Surgical cases
3. Once deemed competent Independently undertake Surgical procedures under the direction of a Consultant Surgeon
4. Perform and assist with wound closure, suturing, ensuring haemostasis and asepsis
5. Assist the surgical team in assessment and preparation of the pre-operative patients in clinic and run wound care clinics.
6. Request and follow-up appropriate patient investigations.
7. Actively involved in audit and participate in MDT’s to ensure current and up to date practice.
8. Provide specialist, technical and clinical advice to patients and relevant colleagues in the perioperative setting.
9. Involvement in creating an environment for learning, where clinical practice is developed and disseminated to all members of staff. Engage in CPD
Please see attached job description and person specification for full details.
Person specification
Experience / Qualifications
Essential criteria
10. Registered Nurse or Registered Operating Department Practitioner
11. Highly developed specialist knowledge, underpinned by theory and experience
12. Professional knowledge acquired through degree supplemented by post graduate diploma specialist training, experience, short courses plus further specialist training to masters equivalent level Qualified Surgical Care Practitioner.
13. Holds the Non-Medical prescriber qualification. Recognised teaching/ mentorship course.
14. Certificate in good clinical practice Participation in audit and research.
Desirable criteria
15. Level 6 or above
16. Experience - ward/theatre/OPD
17. ALS provider
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
18. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
19. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications