West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Band 5 - Operating Department Practitioner / Anaesthetic Nurse, Theatres
The closing date is 11 November 2025
You must have a valid UK HCPC PN Registration OR NMC PIN Registration with a postgraduate UK recognised anaesthetic qualification to apply for this role or you will not be moved to the shortlisting stage. Candidates must have current anaesthetic experience.
We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic, and dynamic practitioners to join our friendly multi‑disciplinary team.
The shift pattern is three long days a week, from Monday to Sunday or three‑night shifts per week. There will be a mixture of nights and days on a four‑week template. We have been known to offer rotational opportunities for staff to develop and/or maintain their skills.
Main duties of the job
* Responsible as one of the Band 5 anaesthetic practitioners at Watford General Hospital.
* Practice anaesthetics in a variety of surgical specialties including Obstetrics, Paediatrics, ENT, Urology, Trauma & Orthopaedics, Gynaecology, Urology, Oral & maxilla Facial, Colorectal, and Robotics.
* Cover outlying areas such as the cardiac catheter lab and rotate on the emergency bleep covering cardiac arrests, trauma call and any other airway intervention calls.
* Adapt to change and remain calm and focused under pressure as well as be a great team player.
* Stock rotation and ordering.
* Preparation and organisation of anaesthetic clinical area.
* Preparation of anaesthetic equipment.
* Checking and administering blood products and fluids.
* Assist the anaesthetist in the clinical area.
* Support the team and be an effective team player.
* Maintain patients confidentiality and dignity.
* Ensure Trust policies and guidelines for correct ordering, storage and use of all drugs are adhered to.
* Ensure that Trust policies and guidelines for correct clinical practices are followed.
* Be aware of Risk Management and Clinical Governance and the implications this has on clinical practice.
* Ensure the theatre staff and multidisciplinary team are aware of policies and procedures relating to Fire, Health & Safety, COSHH and Infection control.
* Report to Team Leader and/or Theatre Manager any accidents, untoward incidents and complaints as soon as possible, including completion of the relevant documentation and dispatch to the appropriate department.
Education and qualifications
* First level registration with the NMC and recognised anaesthetic qualification.
* ODP registration.
* Evidence of professional development.
* Degree.
Knowledge
* Up to date knowledge of relevant political and professional issues in health care.
* Understanding of the theatre department.
* Knowledge of developing care pathways.
Experience
* Theatre experience as part of training or rotation on a programme.
* Commitment to clinical effectiveness and evidence‑based care.
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.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work‑life balance.
Contact: westherts.recruitment@nhs.net. If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick “Member of the Armed Forces Community” on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
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