Surgical First Assistant in Leeds

Job summary

The Abdominal Medicine and Surgery (AMS) CSU is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Surgical First Assistant to join our dynamic surgical team. Successful candidates will possess a proven track record in surgical assistance, demonstrate a passion for patient care, a commitment to quality improvement, and the ability to lead and mentor junior colleagues.

Main duties of the job

The job holder will provide support within the surgical team, assisting in a wide range of colorectal procedures, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic cases. Working collaboratively with both consultant and junior colleagues, they will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of surgical interventions. The role demands exceptional communication skills to maintain clear and effective communication with all team members, fostering a safe and supportive environment for both patients and staff.

About us

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals is one of the biggest NHS Trusts in the country, offering a range of both general and specialist hospital services with excellent clinical outcomes for patients. We have an international reputation for excellence in specialist care, research and academic training.

Our vision as a Trust is to be the best for specialist and integrated care. This is underpinned by our values - The Leeds Way. The Leeds Way defines who we are, what we believe and how we will work together to deliver the best outcomes for our patients.

AMS is the largest CSU at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, and we aim to deliver the highest quality service for our patients. Leeds has a reputation for clinical excellence as the largest teaching hospital in Europe. We are committed to working in line with the values described in The Leeds Way to make work rewarding as well as challenging.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying \'at risk\' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

05 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-AMS-370

Job locations

St. James\'s University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Job description

Job responsibilities

The colorectal team cover 6 theatres undertaking open, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures. AMS is the largest CSU at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, and we aim to deliver the highest quality service for our patients. Leeds has a reputation for clinical excellence as the largest teaching hospital in Europe. We are committed to working in line with the values described in The Leeds Way to make work rewarding as well as challenging.

Candidates wishing to apply should possess a relevant surgical first assistant qualification, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. A commitment to providing high-quality patient care and continuous professional development is essential to maintain our department\'s high standards.

If you require more information about the role, then please get in touch with Arron Gill, Surgical Care Practitioner via email on

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults at all times. Is familiar with and adheres to, the LTHT safeguarding policies.

Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrong doing by following the LTHT Whistleblowing policy and supporting processes.

Clinical:

Maintain a high standard of patient focused care in accordance with Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust guidelines and policies

Act as a role model for the development of clinical skills and knowledge within the peri-operative team

Maintain and promote a clean, secure and safe working environment

Support the Team Leader in setting and monitoring standards and seek to continuously improve standards and the quality of patient care,

Provide assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of peri-operative care for patients, ensuring written records are kept

Acts in accordance with their professional code of conduct

Maintain professional registration through subscription and revalidation

In conjunction with the Team Leader ensure management of clinical services and efficient deployment of staff according to service needs.

Participate in the theatre on call rota, as required.

To provide skilled assistance to the surgeon throughout surgery in relation to surgical preparation, draping, tissue handling, retraction, haemostasis and wound closure.

To ensure adherence to aseptic technique throughout surgical procedure

Participate in clinical decisions throughout the surgical procedure

Participate in surgical audit as required to evaluate patient outcomes

Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults at all times. Is familiar with and adheres to, the LTHT safeguarding policies

Undertake duties on other wards or departments as and when required by service demands or patient need.

Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrong doing by following the LTHT Whistleblowing policy and supporting processes

Education and Training:

Contribute to the promotion of a positive learning environment within the clinical area

In conjunction with the Team Leader ensure all staff have an individual performance development plan

Participate and contribute to annual appraisals of self and team

Ensure both self and team members achieve mandatory training requirements at appropriate timescales

Participate in Preceptorship and mentorship programmes

Undertake continuous professional and clinical development, seeking opportunities to enhance skills

Participate in training and development of junior medical staff

Managerial:

Working with Team Leader to support leadership within the clinical team.

Support Team Leader in ensuring adequate skill mix

Support Team Leader in Investigating and responding to accidents, complaints, untoward incidents and other significant events with regard to theatre practice

Work with Matron, Team Leader to promote the further development of peri-operative practitioner roles as considered appropriate

Liaise with Speciality surgeon to ensure appropriate skill mix of surgical support

HEALTH AND SAFETY/RISK MANAGEMENT

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.

INFECTION CONTROL

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback.

TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The jobholder must take responsibility, in agreement with his/her line manager, for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous

Professional Development remains a priority. The job holder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

RESPECT FOR PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

The job holder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Theatre Manager/Matron

Theatre Co-ordinator

Team Leader

All grades peri-operative practitioner staff

Ward and department staff

Allied Health Professionals

Sterile Services Department

Theatre list schedulers

Medical staff

Facilities staff

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical effort:

Daily frequent manoeuvring of patients to and from wheelchairs, beds, trolleys, operating tables etc

Frequent manoeuvring of equipment, linen and rubbish

Frequent standing for long periods in difficult positions e.g., holding equipment cameras, retractors, airways.

Wearing lead aprons between 2.5 kilos to 3.5 kilos

Frequent requirement for accurate dexterity when handling items of equipment, use of psychomotor skills.

Mental effort:

Frequent and prolonged periods of concentration which can be a mixture of high volume cases requiring intense concentration plus lengthy complicated procedures between 3 to 8 hours

Frequent requirement to change from one activity to another at the request of a third party which involves adapting to the needs of multiple users/client groups.

Emotional effort:

Regular direct exposure to distressed patients.

Dealing with the unexpected sudden deterioration in patients condition, e.g., cardiac arrest, failed intubation and sudden bleed, sudden death.

Dealing with relatives with bad news e.g. organ consent, post mortem

Occasional direct exposure to severely injured / deceased patients.

Working conditions:

Frequent exposure to unpleasant smells e.g. anaesthetic gases, urine, faeces, diathermy, cement.

Occasional exposure to aggressive patients.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The colorectal team cover 6 theatres undertaking open, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures. AMS is the largest CSU at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, and we aim to deliver the highest quality service for our patients. Leeds has a reputation for clinical excellence as the largest teaching hospital in Europe. We are committed to working in line with the values described in The Leeds Way to make work rewarding as well as challenging.

Candidates wishing to apply should possess a relevant surgical first assistant qualification, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. A commitment to providing high-quality patient care and continuous professional development is essential to maintain our department\'s high standards.

If you require more information about the role, then please get in touch with Arron Gill, Surgical Care Practitioner via email on

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults at all times. Is familiar with and adheres to, the LTHT safeguarding policies.

Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrong doing by following the LTHT Whistleblowing policy and supporting processes.

Clinical:

Maintain a high standard of patient focused care in accordance with Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust guidelines and policies

Act as a role model for the development of clinical skills and knowledge within the peri-operative team

Maintain and promote a clean, secure and safe working environment

Support the Team Leader in setting and monitoring standards and seek to continuously improve standards and the quality of patient care,

Provide assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of peri-operative care for patients, ensuring written records are kept

Acts in accordance with their professional code of conduct

Maintain professional registration through subscription and revalidation

In conjunction with the Team Leader ensure management of clinical services and efficient deployment of staff according to service needs.

Participate in the theatre on call rota, as required.

To provide skilled assistance to the surgeon throughout surgery in relation to surgical preparation, draping, tissue handling, retraction, haemostasis and wound closure.

To ensure adherence to aseptic technique throughout surgical procedure

Participate in clinical decisions throughout the surgical procedure

Participate in surgical audit as required to evaluate patient outcomes

Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults at all times. Is familiar with and adheres to, the LTHT safeguarding policies

Undertake duties on other wards or departments as and when required by service demands or patient need.

Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrong doing by following the LTHT Whistleblowing policy and supporting processes

Education and Training:

Contribute to the promotion of a positive learning environment within the clinical area

In conjunction with the Team Leader ensure all staff have an individual performance development plan

Participate and contribute to annual appraisals of self and team

Ensure both self and team members achieve mandatory training requirements at appropriate timescales

Participate in Preceptorship and mentorship programmes

Undertake continuous professional and clinical development, seeking opportunities to enhance skills

Participate in training and development of junior medical staff

Managerial:

Working with Team Leader to support leadership within the clinical team.

Support Team Leader in ensuring adequate skill mix

Support Team Leader in Investigating and responding to accidents, complaints, untoward incidents and other significant events with regard to theatre practice

Work with Matron, Team Leader to promote the further development of peri-operative practitioner roles as considered appropriate

Liaise with Speciality surgeon to ensure appropriate skill mix of surgical support

HEALTH AND SAFETY/RISK MANAGEMENT

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.

INFECTION CONTROL

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback.

TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The jobholder must take responsibility, in agreement with his/her line manager, for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous

Professional Development remains a priority. The job holder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

RESPECT FOR PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

The job holder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Theatre Manager/Matron

Theatre Co-ordinator

Team Leader

All grades peri-operative practitioner staff

Ward and department staff

Allied Health Professionals

Sterile Services Department

Theatre list schedulers

Medical staff

Facilities staff

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical effort:

Daily frequent manoeuvring of patients to and from wheelchairs, beds, trolleys, operating tables etc

Frequent manoeuvring of equipment, linen and rubbish

Frequent standing for long periods in difficult positions e.g., holding equipment cameras, retractors, airways.

Wearing lead aprons between 2.5 kilos to 3.5 kilos

Frequent requirement for accurate dexterity when handling items of equipment, use of psychomotor skills.

Mental effort:

Frequent and prolonged periods of concentration which can be a mixture of high volume cases requiring intense concentration plus lengthy complicated procedures between 3 to 8 hours

Frequent requirement to change from one activity to another at the request of a third party which involves adapting to the needs of multiple users/client groups.

Emotional effort:

Regular direct exposure to distressed patients.

Dealing with the unexpected sudden deterioration in patients condition, e.g., cardiac arrest, failed intubation and sudden bleed, sudden death.

Dealing with relatives with bad news e.g. organ consent, post mortem

Occasional direct exposure to severely injured / deceased patients.

Working conditions:

Frequent exposure to unpleasant smells e.g. anaesthetic gases, urine, faeces, diathermy, cement.

Occasional exposure to aggressive patients.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Level 1 or 2) or Registered Operating Department Practitioner
• Recognised teaching/assessing qualification
• Relevant post basic clinical course
• Evidence of post registration training and assessment in surgical assistance

Desirable

• Robotic side assistant course

Experience

Essential

• Clinical audit and standard setting
• Experience of the relevant surgical speciality

Desirable

• Use of the Da vinic Robotic Surgery system

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team

Other

Essential

• Professional adaptable and flexible.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Level 1 or 2) or Registered Operating Department Practitioner
• Recognised teaching/assessing qualification
• Relevant post basic clinical course
• Evidence of post registration training and assessment in surgical assistance

Desirable

• Robotic side assistant course

Experience

Essential

• Clinical audit and standard setting
• Experience of the relevant surgical speciality

Desirable

• Use of the Da vinic Robotic Surgery system

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team

Other

Essential

• Professional adaptable and flexible.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James\'s University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Employer\'s website

(Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James\'s University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Employer\'s website

(Opens in a new tab)