University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Ophthalmology Theatre Practitioner - Scrub / Anaesthetics

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Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Ophthalmology Theatre Practitioner - Scrub / Anaesthetics
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Fixed Term Contract End Date: 05 December 2027
Purpose for Fixed Term: Maternity Cover
Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.
Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity to join our team, Eye Unit Theatres at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for Anaesthetic Theatre Practitioners (RN and ODP). We have a full time 37.5 hrs 12 month fixed/secondment post. If you are flexible, dependable, and enthusiastic, and looking to further develop your career and clinical skills in a supportive working environment then we would like to hear from you
Previous anaesthetic experience is essential; ophthalmology experience is desirable but not essential.
Our department is based at a large university teaching hospital and covers a broad footprint including our three operating rooms and Medical Retina Injection Suite.
Southampton Eye Unit staff have been recognised as leaders in the field of Ophthalmology, and our consultant group includes world authorities in Medical Retina Disease and Corneal Surgery.
Eye Theatre staff work a shift pattern which compares favourably with many clinical areas, with on-call evening- and weekend cover and exemption from night duties.
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We are committed to supporting staff when personal circumstances change, and we are proud to treat our colleagues as an extended family.
Working for our organisation
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.
We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
A detailed job description and person specification is attached.
What you’ll do
- Prepare a wide range of specialist equipment and drugs, including ophthalmic blocks, anaesthetic machines, intravenous equipment and devices that safely secure the patient's airway during anaesthesia
- Provide essential support between the surgical team and other parts of the operating theatre
- Responsible for the preparation and safe transfer of the patient to the Recovery area


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What we’re looking for
- Professional registration - ODP/RN (HCPC/NMC) - RN must show evidence of completed anaesthetic qualification
- Evidence of working with adults and children
- Willingness to learn and adapt to changing environment
- Positive attitude and team player
Person specification
Trust Values
Essential criteria
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Essential criteria
- Registered nurse or ODP on relevant part of the register
- Degree or equivalent experience
- Has the ability to assist in carrying out the transfer of a patient through the intraoperative phase of perioperative care, giving concise accurate handover
- Demonstrate knowledge of the skills required to support learners in practice and to create a positive learning environment.
- Practices and promotes the use of evidence-based practice
- Knowledge of current issues within acute health service.
- Understanding of personal accountability
- Aptitude for caring for the anaesthetised and/or acutely unwell patient.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of teaching and supporting learners in practice.
- Relevant resus qualification, ie Immediate Life Support
- Experience of working within relevant care setting
- Specialist theatre work-based learning course, or mentorship course, post-qualification.
- Interest in research to promote good practice
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