Job overview
Band 7 Senior Theatre Practitioner- Ophthalmology Theatre- 6 months fixed term contract
We are seeking an experienced Ophthalmology Scrub Nurse to lead and support our Theatre team for the next 6 months.
If you are you looking to progress your career in a vibrant, fast-moving high achieving Perioperative team in Theatres to lead our Ophthalmology Scrub team, this exciting new opportunity could be exactly what you are looking for.
The chosen candidate will also be instrumental in supporting our GIRFT Action Plan and leading the implementation of ambitious targets. This will also include increasing our Theatre list productivity, reviewing our processes and allocated roles and provide the best and safest care to our patients coming to Theatres
There's never been a better time to join Bedfordshire Hospitals. Our hospitals are facing a bright and busy future and our staff have a proven track record in providing high quality, compassionate care for our patients. Boasting incredible staff benefits and dedicated training schemes, working for us will not only take your career forward but could help transform the lives of our patients and visitors.
We welcome applicants to make an informal visit and for more information please contact Clive Underwood (Acting Head of Theatres) on 07878583949
Main duties of the job
Support the Senior Theatre Team in regards to staffing considerations, operational management, resource use (including supplies & equipment)), staff compliance to policies & procedures, teaching & induction of new staff/students, clinical practice and safety, risk, governance and quality initiatives. Lead, promote & uphold principles of the Hygiene Code, including putting safety principles in place for infection control, cleaning, risk assessment, allocation of responsibilities, following policies & procedures, maintaining standards, surveillance/monitoring & remedying deficiencies.
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas at our hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
It is an exciting time at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital as maternity, neonatal, critical care and theatre services have been moving to the brand new Acute Services Block (ASB) and New Ward Block since October 2025. Care is now being delivered in modern, uplifting and fit for purpose environments and will enhance the patient experience.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high-quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting-edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to JD for main role and responsibilities, covering:
Clinical Practice
Line Management
Communication
Education & Training
1. To maintain and extend knowledge base as an expert Theatre Practitioner
2. Support the learning environment in Theatres with the Practice Educator Team.
Please refer to Person Specification covering:
Qualifications
Experience
Communication
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
3. RGN or ODP with NMC or HCPC Registration
4. Educated to Degree Level
5. Teaching qualification/course- ENB 998, MSPP, A1 or V1/Practice Supervisor or Assessor
6. Specialist Theatre Course
Desirable criteria
7. management qualification or relevant training/courses
Experience
Essential criteria
8. Currently working at least as a Band 6 in Ophthalmology Theatre
9. Significant clinical experience in scrubbing for a range of cases in Ophthalmology Theatres
10. Experience in an acute NHS trust or comparable experience
11. Being able to lead a team
12. Built up good working relationships and communication with Surgeons, Anaesthetists and the rest of the MDT (including Ophthalmology Outpatient team), within Ophthalmogy
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
13. being able to lead and motivate Theatre colleagues
14. Specialist scrub, recovery or anaesthetic skills
15. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work collaboratively with times both inside and outside of Theatres.
16. Staff and resource management
17. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills- written and spoken
18. Ability to work under pressure, adaptable, flexible and can meet deadlines
19. Caring and compassionate
20. IT skills and knowledge of trust information systems
21. An interest in transformation, redevelopment work and change
22. Working knowledge of risk and governance pertaining to Theatres
23. Problem solving and analytical skills
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.