Surgical First Assistant / Trainee Surgical First Assistant
The closing date is 23 February 2026
Job summary
Applicant will be appointed to either Band 5/Band 6 dependent upon skills/experience (please read both Job descriptions attached to the vacancy)
This is an exciting opportunity for any experienced registered practitioner, either from a nursing, operating department, or other allied health professional background who wishes to develop their clinical skills in a structured, supportive and innovative direction. We are looking for enthusiastic and dynamic staff to join our Orthopaedic team.
Main duties of the job
The practitioner will be required to assist during surgery performing a variety of surgical / nursing skills.
Ability to take direction, recognise limitations and work on instruction.
Ability to be flexible and draws upon transferable skills and knowledge across a range of sub-specialities.
The practitioner will also provide assistance and support to other staff whilst improving clinical practice, enhancing service provision and streamlining patient focused care.
Act as a senior member of the surgical team always promoting and advocating patient safety. Participate in the preparation of surgical instruments, medical devices and implants.
Liaise with nursing and medical teams to ensure necessary equipment is available.
Prepare patients preoperatively for their surgical procedure.
Utilise enhanced clinical intra-operative skills to assist during surgical procedures under the direct supervision of the medical team.
About us
We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offers leadership and improvement training to all new staff. This training programme has been designed to support our leaders in developing their understanding of leadership and management skills. You will be expected to attend the following training sessions:
Your Leadership Impact
Leading your Team to Success
Leading Into the Future
Service Improvement for Beginners
Developing your Service Improvement Skills
Lean Practitioner
The leadership and improvement programme aims to:
Explore leadership within the NHS
Promote Trust values and behaviours
Develop your leadership effectiveness and skills
Equip staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead and complete service improvements within the scope of your role.
After you complete these six and a half days of training you will be able to explore further leadership and improvement training opportunities. We also offer a range of additional in-house and externally provided courses and bitesize programmes through our Leadership and Improvement Team.
Details
Date posted
10 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £46,580 a year per annum (pro rata)
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
328-TOR-7727479
Job locations
The James Cook University Hospital
Marton Road
Middlesbrough
TS4 3BW
Employer details
Employer name
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
The James Cook University Hospital
Marton Road
Middlesbrough
TS4 3BW
Employer's website
https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
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