Senior Theatre Practitioner

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Theatre Practitioner is responsible for delivering high-quality, safe, and efficient perioperative care within the Orthopaedic and Spinal specialties in a private healthcare setting. As a senior clinician, the post holder will provide expert clinical practice, leadership on shift, and professional support to the wider theatre team. The role includes responsibility for mentoring, supervising, and appraising junior staff and students, supporting compliance with mandatory training and governance requirements, and contributing to the smooth and effective running of theatre services. The post holder will work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to ensure excellent patient outcomes, efficient use of resources, and a consistently high standard of care in line with organisational values, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The role is professionally accountable in accordance with the NMC / HCPC Code of Professional Conduct.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Responsibilities
• Deliver high-quality, safe perioperative care within Orthopaedic and Spinal theatres in line with evidence-based practice, national guidance, and organisational policies.
• Scrub, circulate, or assist as required, maintaining competence and confidence within scope of practice.
• Ensure all theatre equipment is checked, prepared, and used safely prior to each list, escalating and reporting faults immediately.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous documentation in line with hospital policy and professional standards.
• Uphold the highest standards of infection prevention and control, including aseptic technique, dress code compliance, and maintenance of a clean working environment.
• Safely handle, store, and administer medicines in accordance with hospital policy.
• Participate in the on-call rota and support emergency activity as required.
• Maintain and develop clinical knowledge and skills through ongoing CPD.
• Leadership, Supervision & Appraisal
• Act as a senior practitioner on shift, supporting coordination of theatre activity to ensure safe, efficient operating lists.
• Deputise for the Lead Practitioner when required, ensuring appropriate staffing, skill mix, and equipment availability.
• Provide day-to-day supervision, guidance, and clinical leadership to junior staff, students, bank, and agency colleagues.
• Undertake appraisals for allocated junior staff in line with organisational appraisal frameworks and timelines.
• Act as a mentor / practice assessor, supporting students and new starters to achieve clinical competencies and professional development goals.
• Support staff wellbeing, performance, and development, escalating concerns appropriately.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and professional working environment.
• MDT Working & Team Support
• Work cohesively and collaboratively with surgeons, anaesthetists, recovery staff, ward teams, and other departments to ensure seamless patient pathways.
• Actively support the wider theatre and perioperative team during periods of high activity or service pressure.
• Promote effective communication, mutual respect, and shared accountability within the MDT.
• Contribute to a culture of teamwork, patient‑centred care, and continuous improvement across the service.
• Operational & Resource Management
• Support the effective and efficient use of theatre resources, including consumables and equipment.
• Ensure accurate use of electronic systems for patient management, theatre documentation, and stock capture.
• Assist with stock checks and elevate shortages or issues appropriately.
• Adjust practice in response to emergency cases, staffing shortages, or changes to theatre lists to maintain service delivery.
• Report equipment failures in line with policy and liaise with senior staff to support timely resolution.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance
• Maintain 100% compliance with mandatory training requirements, professional registration, and revalidation.
• Adhere at all times to organisational policies, procedures, and SOPs, and actively promote compliance within the team.
• Work in accordance with NICE guidance, NatSSIPs, LocSSIPs, NCEPOD, and other relevant national standards.
• Ensure incidents, near misses, and concerns are reported promptly and accurately.
• Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and implementation of action plans.
• Contribute to incident investigations and learning reviews as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards in line with GDPR and organisational policy.
• Communication & Professional Practice
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, relatives, and colleagues.
• Ensure clear, timely handovers and documentation to support continuity and safety of care.
• Escalate clinical, operational, or staffing concerns appropriately.
• Act as a professional role model, demonstrating accountability, integrity, and leadership by example.
• Participate fully in appraisal, supervision, and professional development processes.

Essential

• Registered Practitioner with NMC or HCPC registration.
• Minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience within an operating theatre environment.
• Significant experience within Orthopaedic and/or Spinal theatres.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proven ability to act as a senior clinician and support coordination of theatre activity.
• Experience supervising and supporting junior staff, students, and new starters.
• Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
• ILS qualification.
• Commitment to full compliance with mandatory training, policies, and SOPs.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

• Qualified Surgical First Assistant.
• Mentorship / Practice Assessor qualification.
• Experience undertaking staff appraisals.
• Experience contributing to service or quality improvement initiatives within theatres.