NHS Scotland
Surgical First Assistant - Inpatient Adult Theatres - Annex 21/B7
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC)
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The Role
You need to have a live NMC UK pin in order to be considered for this post.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Clyde Theatres to advertise for a Surgical First Assistant to support the Clyde Robotic initiative. The successful applicant will either have previously undertaken the Surgical First Assistant training, or be willing to undertake this as a trainee position.
All other roles will be assessed for sponsorship eligibility in line with current Home Office requirements. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) can only issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) where these are met.
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
- Location based in Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Full-time position (36 hours per week)
- Permanent Contract
- Shift pattern for this post are Monday - Sunday, 24/7. Early, late, night.-potentially.
Key Responsibilities
- Train and act as First Assistant in Robotic Surgery.
- Have a remit which will include, but not limited to, supervised assisting e.g. urology prostate procedures, urology renal procedures, insertion of laparoscopic/robotic ports, docking and undocking robotic arms, providing surgeon with appropriate instruments, clipping of structures including vessels and closure of wounds.
- Supervised assisting in Colorectal/Urology procedures, including but not limited to; anterior resection, sigmoid colectomy, right hemicolectomy, Abdominoperineal resections, subtotal colectomy and completion proctectomy, Prostate and Kidney surgery.
- The post holder will be expected to insert laparoscopic/robotic ports, docking and undocking of robotic arms, providing surgeon with appropriate instruments, assisting by retracting and applying controlled traction on organs and closure of wounds.
- Assist in open pelvic oncological surgery whenever feasible, as this would enhance understanding of key autonomic structures and further aid assisting the surgeon in the unlikely event of conversion from robotic to open surgery.
- Practice independently and be self-directed - will assess, inform and educate patients pre and post operatively. Educate junior medical and nursing staff, development and disseminate knowledge and skills to others.
- Have continuing responsibility and accountability for the organisation, management and delivery of specialist nursing care to patients undergoing colorectal / urology surgeries; the assessment of care needs; the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care and the setting of standards of care.
- Actively seek and participate in peer review of their own practice.
- Appropriately define the borders of their practice in accordance with policies and procedures developed and agreed with post holder.
- Promote and participate in the implementation of the Nursing & Midwifery Strategy and Core Standards and contribute to achieving the GG&C’s objectives.
- Works as a core member of the multidisciplinary team ensuring the seamless continuity of care for Robotic Patients.
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Knowledge, Training, Qualifications and/or Experience Required to Do the Job:
- Registered nurse on the NMC register, or have previously undertaken the SFA training and hold a valid training record.
- Significant comprehensive post registration experience within a theatre setting some of which must be at a senior practitioner level.
- Completion of relevant courses in Advanced Scrub Practitioner parts 1 & 2.
- Understanding of the manifestations and implications of colorectal disease.
- Undertaking ‘in house’ training in laparoscopic port insertion and using haem-o-lok clipping device.
- Completion of these competencies is through formal sign off by senior colleagues who will continue to support the development of these skills beyond the minimal criteria. There is no formal time period and is dependent on completion of competencies.
- Evidence of education and training.
- Effective listening and interpersonal skills.
- Competent in standard IT packages e.g. Microsoft Word & Excel.
- A commitment to lifelong learning and demonstrates evidence of continuing professional development.
What We Offer
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
- A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
- Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
- Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
- Enhanced pay for working public holidays
- NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
- Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
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Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For An Informal Discussion, Please Contact
Gillian Kelly, Surgical First Assistant, On 01413146727 or email Gillian.kelly4@nhs.scot
Details on How to Contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process:
This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.
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Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically. Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers. Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
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