NHSCloses in 7 days

Surgical First Assistant

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust

Kendal, LA9 7RGView on map(opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Salary

Negotiable

Contract

Permanent

Hours

Not specified

Closing date

7 October 2026

7 days left

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experiencedSurgical First Assistant (SFA) to join our dynamic Theatre Team. This is an exciting opportunity for ...

Provide competent and safe surgical first assistance during operative procedures.
Assist the operating surgeon with tissue handling, haemostasis, wound closure, and other delegated tasks within your scope of practice.
Maintain and promote high standards of patient care and safety within the operating theatre environment.
Work collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team to support efficient theatre utilisation.
Ensure compliance with professional, organisational, and national standards, policies, and guidelines.
Contribute to teaching, mentoring, and supporting junior team members and learners.
Participate in clinical governance, audit, quality improvement, and service development activities.

For further details on the advertised position and the principal job duties/responsibilities, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification found under the supporting documents section. Additional information about the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay can be accessed on our website.

We operatefrom three main hospitals-Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, andUlverstonCommunity Health Centre.

FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.

WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.

All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies,daycase and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.

Our Community Service for adults are provided in people's homes ,community centres, clinics, GP Practices, community hospitals. Our aim is to work with people to help them remain independent , improve their health and manage their conditions through high quality care , advice and support.

Education and qualifications

Essential

1st level Registered Nurse or Registered ODP.
Completion of the First Assistant Course Level 1
Post qualification experience working as a scrub practitioner
Teaching / mentoring qualification / assessors qualification or equivalent (or willingness to undertake).
Evidence of recent professional development in relevant clinical speciality

Desirable

Recent leadership development or willingness towards a leadership qualification
Royal College of Surgeons Basic Surgical Skills Course (or willingness to undertake)

Experience

Essential

Experience as a scrub practitioner within perioperative care.
Able to assume a lead clinical role as appropriate
Experience of implementing change management.
Experience of Clinical skills and competent in required surgical skills as defined by the Perioperative Care Collaboration Surgical First Assistant scope of practice (2018).
Experience of being able to work autonomously and as part of a team with a proven ability to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of own and others

Desirable: - Experience in leading clinical teams and coordinating resources; - Proven experience of working as a Surgical First Assistant in the theatre environment.