Ophthalmology Theatre Practitioner - Scrub/Anaesthetics

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

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) to join the team. We have a part time 28.5 hrs permanent role and a full time 37.5 hrs 6 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.

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

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

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
  
  

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

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
• Specialist theatre work-based learning course, or mentorship course, post-qualification
  
  

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Working Together
• Always Improving