Job overview
Senior Operating Department Practitioner (Surgical First Assistant) to assist consultants with the scheduled operations at Fordcombe, whilst being a fully supportive member of the Theatre team.
Main duties of the job
To attend the morning safety brief at 08:00.
Support the Consultant with anaesthetic delivery and post Op recovery.
Where needed circulate in theatre supporting the scrub team.
Adhere to MTW policies and procedures.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Please note that the Fordcombe Site is located in a rural area with limited access via public transport. You will need to ensure you are available to attend the time during the day and evenings. Access to a vehicle is advantageous.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. Registered Clinical Practitioner with NMC or HCPC registration
6. Relevant post-registration Theatre / Anaesthetic / Recovery qualification
7. Evidence of substantial CPD in management and other clinically related and relevant subjects
Desirable criteria
8. Management or supervisory qualification.
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
9. Previous experience as a Registered Anaesthetic practitoner within a Theatre Environment.
10. Substantial perioperative experience.
Desirable criteria
11. Previous experience as a Senior Theatre Practitioner.
12. Previous experience of managing clinical audits
Skills
Essential criteria
13. Ability to manage, motivate, support, develop and lead the department.
14. Expert knowledge of clinical practice.
15. Competent across a range of clinical skills supported by professional competence and knowledge.
16. Evidence of success in working in partnership with Consultants to explore and challenge existing practices while maintaining and enhancing services and standards.
17. Demonstrable skills of financial awareness and management with the need to balance the provision of quality care while maintaining a business focus.
18. Knowledge of appropriate standards and external bodies, such as the Care Quality Commission.
19. Auditing skills across clinical standards and departments.
20. Ability to implement continuous improvement initiatives