This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced orthopaedic scrub practitioner to progress into a senior clinical specialist role within a high-complexity elective orthopaedic service.
The Orthopaedic Specialist Theatre Practitioner is a clinically focused Band 6 role for practitioners seeking recognition for advanced orthopaedic scrub expertise while remaining hands-on in theatre practice. The role offers regular exposure to complex and specialist surgery, including upper and lower limb procedures, shoulder arthroplasty, complex primary and revision arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy (new to Trust), and implant-heavy, loan-kit dependent cases.
This post provides a clear step beyond Band 5 practice through increased autonomy, specialist responsibility and recognition as a clinical expert, without operational or managerial duties. The role operates Monday to Friday only, with no routine nights or weekends, supporting sustainable senior clinical practice and work–life balance.
The Orthopaedic Specialist Theatre Practitioner will deliver advanced specialist scrub practice within elective orthopaedic theatres, supporting the safe and efficient delivery of complex, high-volume surgery. The post holder will provide expert scrub support across upper and lower limb surgery, hand and foot procedures, complex primary and revision arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy and multi-stage infection surgery. They will scrub independently for implant-heavy cases, manage complex instrumentation and loan kit, and apply advanced procedural knowledge and judgement. Working with a high degree of autonomy, the post holder will act as a clinical expert resource, support equipment governance, mentor Band 5 staff, and contribute to audit and quality improvement. The role operates Monday to Friday only, with no routine nights or weekends.
Why CHFT? Why Now?
Join CHFT and be part of a team that's at the forefront of surgical excellence and innovation:
* NHS Recognised: Our theatres have been celebrated for their post-pandemic achievements in an NHS Providers case study: "Providers Deliver: Achieving value for money."
* National Spotlight: Our proactive approach to waiting list management has been featured by Sky News.
* Award-Winning Performance: Shortlisted as a finalist for the 2023 Health Service Journal's Performance Recovery Award for our theatres and elective recovery work.
* Pioneering Accreditation: One of the first trusts in England to be accredited as a GIRFT surgical hub.
* Cutting-Edge Technology: We've recently launched robotic surgery at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, demonstrating our commitment to advanced surgical techniques.
The Orthopaedic Specialist Theatre Practitioner will work as a senior clinical specialist within elective orthopaedic theatres, providing expert scrub practice for complex and specialist orthopaedic surgery. The role is focused on advanced clinical practice, supporting safe, efficient and high-quality patient care through specialist knowledge, technical skill and professional judgement.
Advanced Clinical Scrub Practice
Provide expert scrub support across a broad range of orthopaedic subspecialties, including upper and lower limb surgery, hand and foot procedures, complex primary joint replacement, revision arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy and multi-stage infection surgery.
Scrub independently for implant-heavy and technically demanding procedures, demonstrating advanced anticipation, sequencing and intraoperative awareness.
Apply specialist procedural knowledge to support surgical flow and respond effectively to changing intraoperative requirements.
Maintain high levels of concentration and resilience during prolonged and complex procedures.
Specialist Instrumentation, Implants and Loan Kit
Prepare, assemble and quality-check complex orthopaedic instrumentation, implant systems and loan kit, often involving multiple trays and manufacturer-specific equipment.
Take responsibility for ensuring all specialist equipment, implants and consumables are available, accurate and fit for purpose prior to surgery.
Liaise proactively with company representatives, sterile services, EBME and procurement teams to resolve equipment, tray or implant issues.
Ensure accurate implant traceability and compliance with Trust policies and regulatory requirements.
Autonomy and Professional Judgement
Work with a high degree of clinical autonomy within the scrub role, exercising advanced judgement in complex situations.
Identify and resolve equipment or procedural issues in real time, escalating appropriately where required.
Act as a clinical expert resource for orthopaedic theatre teams, supporting decision-making and problem-solving.
Education, Supervision and Workforce Development
Provide clinical supervision, mentorship and informal teaching to Band 5 practitioners, new starters and rotational staff.
Support development of orthopaedic scrub competence and confidence within the team.
Act as a positive clinical role model, promoting high standards of specialist practice and professional behaviour.
Contribute to maintaining a safe and effective skill mix within orthopaedic theatres.
Quality, Safety and Service Improvement
Ensure accurate, timely and comprehensive documentation within electronic theatre systems, including implants, instrumentation and intraoperative events.
Uphold compliance with the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, Trust policies and professional standards.
Participate in audit, education, quality improvement and service development activities relevant to orthopaedic theatres.
Promote safe systems of work and continuous improvement in specialist orthopaedic practice.
Working Pattern
The role operates within an elective orthopaedic service delivered Monday to Friday, with no routine night or weekend working, supporting sustainable senior clinical practice and work–life balance.