Lead Theatre Practitioner / Sister / Charge Nurse

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Theatres & Anaesthesia Division as a Lead Theatre Practitioner on a 6-month secondment. This role offers the chance to lead our theatre team, delivering high standards of clinical care while supporting, advising, and developing staff across the perioperative environment.

The post holder will provide strong clinical and operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and evidence-based practice. Responsibilities include overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of care programmes, as well as promoting continuous improvement within the theatre and anaesthesia setting.

A key aspect of the role is maintaining a visible clinical presence, undertaking direct patient care for at least 50% of contracted hours, while coordinating and supporting day-to-day operational activity. You will be responsible for the management of staff and resources, contributing to workforce planning, service delivery, and budget management alongside senior nurses and the Matron.

Experience in leading teams, mentoring staff, and managing clinical areas is essential. Applicants must be a Registered Nurse (NMC) or Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC) with demonstrable leadership experience within a busy operating theatre environment. You will possess excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills, alongside a strong commitment to clinical excellence and service improvement.

The post holder will provide proactive clinical and professional leadership to nursing and theatre practitioners across the Theatre and Anaesthetic Division, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective patient care. They will play a key role in managing nursing resources efficiently while fostering strong collaborative working across multidisciplinary teams and departments.

Working closely with Unit Managers, the post holder will support the safe, timely, and effective running of operating lists, contributing to optimal service delivery and patient flow. They will actively participate in clinical supervision and act as a mentor, preceptor, and facilitator to junior staff, supporting their ongoing development and professional growth.

A key responsibility will include supporting divisional training and development initiatives to maximise staff potential, promote evidence-based practice, and enhance workforce capability. The post holder will also drive improvements in patient pathways, including admission, transfer, and discharge processes, ensuring efficient use of clinical resources.

In partnership with Senior Nurses and the Matron, the post holder will contribute to the strategic development of the division, supporting service improvement, policy development, and governance frameworks aligned with Trust objectives.

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Applicants must be a Registered Nurse (NMC) or Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC) with extensive perioperative experience, proven leadership capability, and experience in managing change. A strong understanding of CQC standards, along with experience supporting education and training, is essential.