Job summary
- Main area
- Trauma and Orthopaedics
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 374-LL0050
- Employer
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Conquest
- Town
- St Leonards on Sea
- Salary
- £24,937 - £26,598 per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 26/09/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Assistant Theatre Practitioner
NHS AfC: Band 3
We are proud to provide ‘Outstanding’ care and be a great place to work.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area.
We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £568 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex.
Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people’s own homes.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated ‘Outstanding’ and Eastbourne DGH was rated ‘Good’ Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
Job overview
Conquest theatre complex consists of 8 theatres with an obstetric theatre located on delivery suite. At the conquest site surgery includes general/gynaecology/obstetrics/ENT/Trauma and orthopaedics and Breast surgery. Emergency out of hours work is also covered 24/7.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Assistant Theatre practitioner or Clinical support worker to join our theatre team at the Conquest Hospital. Working in theatres offers an unique experience and suitable for those with a passion for patient care and able to adapt to working in a fast paced theatre environment.
Main duties of the job
The assistant Theatre practitioner undertakes a broad range of activities to support the smooth running of theatre activity on a daily basis. Key duties will include; setting up of theatres, assisting in the collection and positioning and transfer of patients. Involved in specimen handling, labelling and transportation. Patient care under the direction of the registered practitioner and surgical team.
Working for our organisation
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.
Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The assistant Theatre practitioner undertakes a broad range of activities to support the smooth running of theatre activity on a daily basis. Key duties will include; setting up of theatres, assisting in the collection and positioning and transfer of patients. Involved in specimen handling, labelling and transportation. Patient care under the direction of the registered practitioner and surgical team. They will be part of a busy theatre team within the Trauma and orthopaedic team.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- GCSE English and Maths grade C or 4 or Functional skills for English/Maths
- Care Certificate (or willing to work towards)
Desirable criteria
- 5 GCSE grade 4 or C and above or equivalent
- Evidence of mandatory and statutory essential training skills, for example, Basic Life Support, manual handling, infection control, fire etc
- Education and training to NVQ level 3/Work based diploma or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
- Relevant experience of working in Health or Social Care Environment delivering personal care or health care experience gained through an education programme
Desirable criteria
- Relevant experience working in the NHS
Skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to work under instruction from a Registered Professional without direct supervision and support
- Digital Skills, use of systems and ability to use physiological recording equipment and record findings
- Ability to undertake vital observations and recognise any concerns that require escalation to a registered professional
Desirable criteria
- Evidence of development of knowledge and skills relevant to role
- Training and competence in clinical tasks relevant to role ie. Cannulation, wound care, ECG
Other
Essential criteria
- Able to manage the physical and emotional demands of the role, including moving and handling of patients, able to concentrate to provide clinical care
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle (for domiciliary community role)
Applicant requirements
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.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Anna Lawrence
- Job title
- Matron
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01424755255
- Additional information
Application telephone
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