Theatre Practitioner (Orthopaedics)

To provide high-quality, patient-centred care as a senior member of the Operating Department Team, assessing, planning, delivering, and evaluating care to meet the individual needs of each patient and ensure the best possible clinical outcomes and patient experience.

The post holder will supervise and support staff within the Operating Department Team, contributing to the delivery of a high-quality, safe, and efficient service for patients, clinicians, and other service users, responsive to the needs of the service.

Working as a senior member of the team, the post holder will deputise for the Team Leader and take managerial responsibility for the clinical area in their absence, maintaining high standards of patient care and departmental performance.

To ensure that all practices and activities are undertaken in accordance with Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust policies, procedures, and professional standards, while actively promoting the Trust's Vision, Values, and Nursing Strategy

Main duties of the job

To work in accordance with the NMC Code (Registered Nurse) or HCPC Standards (Registered ODP), Trust policies and professional guidelines to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care within the Operating Department.

To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care tailored to individual patient needs, working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective and evidence-based practice. They will act as a patient advocate, promoting dignity, privacy and respect at all times.

As a senior member of the theatre team, you will provide expert support in scrub and circulating roles and may be required to work in other clinical areas to meet service needs. They will maintain a safe clinical environment and comply with Health and Safety, Infection Prevention and Control, and equipment management policies.

The post holder will maintain accurate patient records, utilise Trust IT systems effectively, and keep up to date with developments in theatre practice. They will act as a role model for junior staff and learners, supporting supervision, teaching and development.

The role includes deputising for the Team Leader, coordinating theatre activities, promoting efficient patient flow, supporting service improvement, and contributing to workforce development through appraisals, induction, mentoring and training. The post holder will maintain their own professional development and foster a positive learning environment that supports excellence in clinical practice.

Working for our organisation

There’s never been a more exciting time to join TeamQEH. We’re working on a once in a generation opportunity to build a new state‑of‑the‑art hospital due to open in 2031/32 and we are also carrying out on one of the biggest pieces of digital transformation work we’ve ever undertaken.

Our new electronic patient record (EPR) will replace paper‑based patient records from 2026 and will lead to better, safer, joined‑up care at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and beyond.

At The QEH we provide a comprehensive range of specialist, acute, obstetrics and community‑based services to around 331,000 people across west and north Norfolk, North Cambs and South Lincs.

We are an ambitious organisation that upholds our values of kindness, wellness and fairness. We strive for continuous quality improvement, recently demonstrated in our 2024 CQC maternity inspection rating our services as ‘Good’, and we are proud to be a place to learn and grow through recognised learning and apprenticeships.

We recognise and reward our 4,000 staff and volunteers, priding ourselves on a community atmosphere and positive team spirit. We have approx. 530 beds across 33 wards and have newly built education and training facilities, a range of modern award‑winning centres alongside a talented team of people ready to give you a warm welcome. We love working here and think you will too.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further details about this vacancy, please see the attached job description and person specification.

Person specification

Qualifications/training and professional development

• Registered Nurse or ODP
• Member of the UK NMC or HCPC
• Evidence of further continued professional development

Experience

• Experience at band 5 theatre practitioner with relevant clinical experience pertinent to the role.
• Teaching and staff development.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Self‑motivated and able to motivate others
• Proven clinical skills and related knowledge in relevant area
• Ability to work under pressure

Applications are welcome from anyone who meets the criteria specified in the person specification regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. Only those applicants who demonstrate in the application form how they meet the criteria in the person specification will be shortlisted for interview. We not only recruit employees based on their qualifications and experience, but we also recruit individuals who possess and can demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our core values (attached).

By applying for this post, you are agreeing to the transfer of information in the application form to Trac jobs & if you are offered a job your personal information will be transferred into the NHS Electronic Staff Records (ESR) system. Please check your email account including your junk folder, regularly for communication regarding this vacancy.

We offer our staff a wide range of benefits and support including:

• Flexible working opportunities
• Free counselling service
• Access to Stream - an app‑based service that provides instant earned wage access*
• Support and advice for staff affected by either Perimenopause or Menopause
• Opportunity to join our Staff Networks which include Armed Forces, REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Culture Heritage), Disability and LGBTQ+ networks.

We are committed to being a menopause friendly employer.

Please note due to high volume of applications for some posts, this post may close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role asap.

Certificates of Sponsorship / Visa and Immigration

Although the salary for Band 3+posts is expected to meet the applicable UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) salary threshold from December 2026 and may therefore be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, (subject to the immigration rules in force at the time of application) applicants are responsible for checking their own eligibility against the relevant immigration requirements. The availability of sponsorship and any visa application remain subject to UKVI rules and approval. If you are not eligible, any offer of employment already made may be withdrawn.

Please note that all Nursing and Healthcare Assistant (HCA) vacancies require a face‑to‑face interview.

If you require sponsorship to work in this role including where you are currently sponsored, and wish to change employer, please review the Skilled Worker visa eligibility criteria before applying. Further information is available on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Applications

We encourage applicants to ensure that applications accurately reflect their own skills, experience, achievements and motivations. While AI and other digital tools can support drafting and proofreading, applications should be written in a way that genuinely represents the individual applicant.

During our assessment process, we are looking to understand your personal knowledge, experience and suitability for the role. Applications that rely on AI‑generated content may not provide an accurate reflection of your capabilities and could make it more difficult for us to assess your suitability fairly or accurately during the interview process.

We encourage candidates to take the time to prepare accurate applications using their own examples and experiences, enabling a fair and transparent recruitment process for all applicants.

Important Notice for Applicants

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust is committed to safe and fair recruitment practices. We do not charge any fees for applications, recruitment processes, sponsorship arrangements or offers of employment. All vacancies are advertised through our official recruitment channels and all recruitment communications will come from authorised Trust representatives using official contact details. If you are asked to make a payment, provide banking information, or have concerns about the authenticity of a recruitment communication, please contact our Recruitment Team for verification before taking any action.

The Trust reserves the right to review applications from former employees and may take previous employment history into account as part of the selection process.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.