The Assistant Theatre Scheduler supports the delivery of a high-quality and efficient surgical scheduling service within paediatric surgical specialties. The role focuses on ensuring patients are scheduled for procedures within appropriate clinical timeframes, in line with Trust priorities and national waiting time targets.
Working under the direction of the Administration Manager for Theatre Scheduling, the post holder assists in coordinating surgical bookings, pre-operative processes, and anaesthetic services. The role involves using the HIVE system to manage patient data, support elective procedure listings, and maintain accurate, timely records.
The position also serves as a key point of contact for patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams, handling enquiries, supporting appointment coordination, and ensuring clear communication across services. The post holder contributes to maintaining efficient theatre utilisation, supporting scheduling meetings, and assisting with last-minute changes to operating lists.
In addition, the role includes administrative and departmental support duties such as booking appointments, conducting pre-operative health checks, ensuring compliance with Trust policies (including confidentiality and waiting time standards), and providing cover across the wider team when required.
Overall, the Assistant Theatre Scheduler plays an important role in supporting safe, timely, and well-coordinated surgical care for paediatric patients.
Support the delivery of efficient and timely paediatric theatre scheduling in line with clinical need and Trust priorities
Use the HIVE system to input, update, and manage patient information
Assist in listing patients for elective surgical procedures
Ensure patient data is accurately recorded and available ahead of surgery dates
Monitor and work in line with Trust policies and national waiting time targets (RTT, elective, diagnostic), escalating issues when needed
Handle patient and staff telephone enquiries, including complex queries, escalating where appropriate
Support coordination of pre-operative, anaesthetic, and theatre scheduling services
Book pre- and post-operative appointments and complete health questionnaire checks
Identify and report patients unfit for surgery, ensuring appropriate removal from waiting lists
Communicate any changes to theatre lists promptly and according to protocol
Assist with surgery confirmation calls to maximise theatre utilisation
Maintain accurate and up-to-date scheduling records and speciality diaries
Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to support patient flow and admissions
Ensure confidentiality and secure handling of patient records at all times
Attend scheduling meetings and escalate any issues to senior staff
Provide administrative cover, including reception duties, and support the wider team as needed
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe – a great place to shape your career.
With a workforce of over 30,000 colleagues, we work together to deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year.
Behind every patient cared for are people like you - keeping services running smoothly, supporting clinical teams, and helping create safe, welcoming environments for patients and our people alike.
At MFT, we believe in the power of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to making MFT a place where everyone feels they belong, where your ideas are heard, and your contribution is truly valued. Join us and work smarter with our digital technology and thrive in a collaborative culture that empowers you to deliver your best to ensure that your work behind the scenes creates seamless, high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, we offer clear pathways for development and a culture that supports your wellbeing, ambition, and success. Everything you do makes a real difference to the lives of others.
At MFT, your role matters, your impact is real, and you’re part of something bigger from day one.
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the ‘ Documents to download’ heading.
Explore ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place . This welcoming one‑stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. You’ll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access ‘ Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’ , simply click on the relevant PDF document under the ‘ Documents to download’ heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.
As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.
What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:
Standard DBS : Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
Enhanced DBS : Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role.
Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists.
Who Needs a DBS Check
Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.
The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.
For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december
DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.
