Purpose of the Role
The Theatre Practitioner (Scrub & Circulating) is responsible for delivering safe, high-quality perioperative care within Orthopaedic and Spinal specialties in a private healthcare setting.
The post holder will perform both scrub and circulating duties, as well as Surgical first assisting, if qualified, supporting the surgical team throughout procedures, maintaining sterile technique, and ensuring the smooth and efficient running of theatre lists. They will work closely with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to ensure excellent patient outcomes, effective workflow, and adherence to professional standards, organisational policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The post holder is professionally accountable in accordance with the NMC / HCPC Code of Professional Conduct.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities – Scrub
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Act as a scrub practitioner, maintaining a sterile field and anticipating the needs of the surgeon.
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Prepare, check, and set up instruments, implants, and surgical equipment.
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Perform surgical counts according to policy, escalating any discrepancies immediately.
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Maintain awareness of patient safety during procedures and escalate concerns as required.
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Assist in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of perioperative care.
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Ensure all instruments and equipment are checked prior to use and report any faults promptly.
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Maintain accurate and timely documentation related to scrub duties.
Clinical Responsibilities – Circulating
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Act as a circulating practitioner, managing the theatre environment, supporting patient positioning, and monitoring sterile fields.
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Ensure patient safety and comfort throughout the perioperative process.
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Manage theatre flow, anticipate and respond to the needs of the surgical team, and coordinate equipment and consumables during procedures.
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Communicate with other departments as required to support smooth patient pathways.
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Maintain infection prevention and control standards, adhering to aseptic techniques and organisational policies.
Teamwork & MDT Collaboration
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Work collaboratively with surgeons, anaesthetists, recovery staff, ward teams, and other departments to ensure seamless theatre operations.
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Support colleagues during high activity periods or service pressures.
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Contribute to a positive, professional, and inclusive team culture.
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Support the induction, mentoring, and supervision of new staff, bank, agency staff, and students.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
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Maintain 100% compliance with mandatory training, professional registration, and local competency requirements.
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Practice in accordance with organisational policies, SOPs, and NICE guidance, NatSSIPs, LocSSIPs, and NCEPOD recommendations.
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Report incidents, near misses, and safety concerns promptly using the local incident reporting system.
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Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and service reviews relevant to scrub and circulating practice.
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Maintain confidentiality and data protection in accordance with GDPR and organisational policy.
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Identify and escalate risks in the theatre environment to support safe practice.
Professional Practice
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Practice in accordance with the NMC / HCPC Code of Professional Conduct.
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Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and integrity in all aspects of work.
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Use sound clinical judgement and escalate situations outside competence to senior staff.
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Actively participate in appraisal, supervision, and development processes.
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Engage in continuous professional development to maintain and enhance skills in both scrub and circulating practice.
Communication
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Communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally with all members of the MDT.
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Provide accurate handovers to support continuity and safety of care.
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Raise concerns, suggestions, or observations appropriately to senior staff.
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Ensure open and respectful communication with patients and relatives as required.
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Registered Practitioner with NMC or HCPC registration.
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Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in operating theatre environments.
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Experience in both scrub and circulating roles within Orthopaedic and/or Spinal surgery.
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Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification.
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Knowledge of surgical instrumentation, sterile technique, and perioperative care principles
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Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
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Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
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Evidence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
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ILS qualification (or willingness to complete within an agreed timeframe).
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Commitment to full compliance with mandatory training, policies, and SOPs.
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Qualified Surgical First Assist (SFA)
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Experience mentoring or supporting students and new starters.
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Experience participating in clinical audits or service improvement initiatives
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Advanced Life Support (ALS) Qualification
