Job summary
Senior
Theatre Support Workers (Band 3) Worcestershire Royal Hospital
Worcester Royal Hospital are looking to recruit highly
motivated, experienced and dedicated personnel for the position of Senior Theatre
Support Worker. Candidates will need to demonstrate 12 months experience in the
peri-operative setting and have completed the care certificate course.
We provide a wide range of surgical specialities including Emergency
Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Vascular, ENT, Gynaecology, Obstetrics and
Paediatric specialities. Candidates will need to have a flexible attitude to
work, have a great team focus and be a positive and supportive role model for new
and junior members of staff.
Your role will be in supporting the theatre teams and
providing patient centred care throughout the perioperative journey. You will be
experienced in circulating for the scrub team, safely handling specimens,
organising, preparing equipment and escorting patients.
Worcester Royal Hospital has 10 theatres, and the
department provides a 7-day, 24-hour service. The role requires you work earlys,
lates, nights, weekends and on-calls. Part-time and flexible working will be
considered dependant on experience.
We have a genuine desire to support staff development and
have great opportunities for career progression.
Main duties of the job
A Band 3 Senior Support Worker in theatres plays a vital role in delivering safe, efficient, and compassionate perioperative care. Their responsibilities include escorting patients to and from theatre, preparing them for anaesthesia, and providing reassurance throughout their surgical journey. In the circulating role, they act as the essential bridge between the sterile surgical team and the wider theatre. This includes preparing and positioning equipment, ensuring all necessary instruments and consumables are available, maintaining a safe environment and responding promptly to the needs of the scrub team.
They also assist in cleaning and preparing the operating theatre before and after procedures, upholding infection control and hygiene standards. Managing and replenishing stock is essential to ensure theatres are always ready for upcoming procedures. The role involves verifying patient documentation, participating in WHO surgical safety checklists, and escalating any concerns to senior staff to ensure patient safety.
Working cohesively with nurses, ODPs, anaesthetists, and surgeons is vital to support smooth and efficient theatre operations. Additionally, they may contribute to the training and supervision of junior staff, students, and new team members to help develop a skilled and confident workforce.
About us
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large
acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute
services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a
larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.
The Trust operates hospital-based services from
three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester
Our workforce is more than 7,000 strong, and our
caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred
care. You could be one of them.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to
work with us. Our values, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our
everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.
Being open and honest
Ensuring people feel cared for
Showing respect to everyone
We are proud to have achieved Timewise
accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working
within our organisation as a flex positive employer.
DBS Checks and Costs
Any applicants who are offered posts requiring a
DBS check as part of their employment check will have the cost of this check
(at the current rate) deducted from their salary. Please see link in Supporting
Information section for more details on DBS checks and costs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB
DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Senior Theatre
Support Worker
Pay Band:
Band 3
Hours:
Full Time/ Part Time
Contract:
Permanent
Location /
Department:
Trustwide Theatres
Accountable to:
Senior Theatre Matron
Reports to:
Team Leader
Ref: 2025
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Patients, theatre
personnel, anaesthetists, surgeons and surgical teams.
External: Visitors to theatres,
relatives, ward personnel, housekeeping, portering and estates Teams.
Liaises With: Theatre team leaders,
theatre nurses/ODPs and senior theatre support workers.
Risk Assessment: This post involves manual handling activities and a
risk of exposure to bodily fluids and chemicals, will involve some computer
screen work and individuals may be required to work under pressure in emergency
situations.
Job Purpose:
Support
qualified staff in delivering high-quality patient care and maintaining a safe,
effective environment, working under their guidance and supervision.
Participate
as a team member in various clinical and non-clinical tasks within the theatre
support worker role.
Guide
and support less experienced support workers, students, and newly qualified
theatre staff within the scope of the Theatre Support Worker role.
Key Duties:
Complete
required documentation, including theatre records, cleaning logs, and specimen
records.
Prepare
the operating environment for clinical activities under professional direction.
Facilitate
communication with patients, relatives, colleagues, and visitors.
Assist
with patient transfers, ensuring safety, dignity, and comfort.
Monitor
and report patient conditions to the appropriate team members.
Support
stock rotation, equipment care, and efficient resource use.
Assist
with applying tourniquets, diathermy ground plates, and other equipment.
Respond
promptly to clinical emergencies as directed.
Support
the Scrub Practitioner with swab, sharps and instrument counts.
Maintain
a clean and safe clinical environment, adhering to infection control protocols.
Dispose
of waste following trust policies and report faults to the team leader.
Greet
and direct visitors, answer bleeps, and answer telephone calls professionally.
Participate
in meetings, training, and development activities.
Report
incidents, accidents, or complaints to the manager and via the Datix system.
Adhere
to all trust policies to ensure a safe and effective work environment.
General duties:
Follow
IT policies regarding email and internet usage.
Take
responsibility for personal health and safety and that of others.
Participate
in appraisals, training, and personal development activities.
Contribute
to continuous improvement of services and team performance.
Engage
in learning from incidents, complaints, and successes to enhance care quality.
Senior
theatre support workers will be expected to take key link roles within the
department and ensure that all skills and relevant information are communicated
to the theatre team.
Assist in the care of theatre
equipment, table fittings etc. reporting any faults to the team leader
To assist with the personal care and
comfort of the patients and to maintain the patients safety, dignity and
privacy at all times acting as the patients advocate during perioperative care
To act
always in a manner which promotes positive working relationships and maintains
the professional image of the trust
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB
DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Senior Theatre
Support Worker
Pay Band:
Band 3
Hours:
Full Time/ Part Time
Contract:
Permanent
Location /
Department:
Trustwide Theatres
Accountable to:
Senior Theatre Matron
Reports to:
Team Leader
Ref: 2025
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Patients, theatre
personnel, anaesthetists, surgeons and surgical teams.
External: Visitors to theatres,
relatives, ward personnel, housekeeping, portering and estates Teams.
Liaises With: Theatre team leaders,
theatre nurses/ODPs and senior theatre support workers.
Risk Assessment: This post involves manual handling activities and a
risk of exposure to bodily fluids and chemicals, will involve some computer
screen work and individuals may be required to work under pressure in emergency
situations.
Job Purpose:
Support
qualified staff in delivering high-quality patient care and maintaining a safe,
effective environment, working under their guidance and supervision.
Participate
as a team member in various clinical and non-clinical tasks within the theatre
support worker role.
Guide
and support less experienced support workers, students, and newly qualified
theatre staff within the scope of the Theatre Support Worker role.
Key Duties:
Complete
required documentation, including theatre records, cleaning logs, and specimen
records.
Prepare
the operating environment for clinical activities under professional direction.
Facilitate
communication with patients, relatives, colleagues, and visitors.
Assist
with patient transfers, ensuring safety, dignity, and comfort.
Monitor
and report patient conditions to the appropriate team members.
Support
stock rotation, equipment care, and efficient resource use.
Assist
with applying tourniquets, diathermy ground plates, and other equipment.
Respond
promptly to clinical emergencies as directed.
Support
the Scrub Practitioner with swab, sharps and instrument counts.
Maintain
a clean and safe clinical environment, adhering to infection control protocols.
Dispose
of waste following trust policies and report faults to the team leader.
Greet
and direct visitors, answer bleeps, and answer telephone calls professionally.
Participate
in meetings, training, and development activities.
Report
incidents, accidents, or complaints to the manager and via the Datix system.
Adhere
to all trust policies to ensure a safe and effective work environment.
General duties:
Follow
IT policies regarding email and internet usage.
Take
responsibility for personal health and safety and that of others.
Participate
in appraisals, training, and personal development activities.
Contribute
to continuous improvement of services and team performance.
Engage
in learning from incidents, complaints, and successes to enhance care quality.
Senior
theatre support workers will be expected to take key link roles within the
department and ensure that all skills and relevant information are communicated
to the theatre team.
Assist in the care of theatre
equipment, table fittings etc. reporting any faults to the team leader
To assist with the personal care and
comfort of the patients and to maintain the patients safety, dignity and
privacy at all times acting as the patients advocate during perioperative care
To act
always in a manner which promotes positive working relationships and maintains
the professional image of the trust
Person Specification
Skills/ Knowledge
Essential
- Good verbal, literacy and communication skills
- Ability to maintain accurate and legible records
- Computer literate (use of IT software packages e.g. Word, Email)
- Understanding of manual handling practices and policies
- Awareness of Health and Safety
Desirable
- Ability to anticipate the needs of the perioperative team
- Competence in handling and preparing surgical instruments
- Understanding of instrument sterilisation and de-contamination
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic standard of education including Maths and English Grade C GCSE or equivalent or willingness to complete Functional Skills Level 2 on appointment
- Good Mandatory training record e.g BLS and Manual Handling
- Completed National Care Certificate for healthcare workers
Desirable
- Healthcare related qualification
Other Job Requirements
Essential
- Enhanced disclosure clearance
- Excellent attendance and time keeping
- Willing to work across hospital sites within scope of practice as and when required
- Able to work and cope with rotating shift patterns - early, late, night shifts over seven days of the week and on-call as necessary
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with a team
- Effective communication skills written and verbal
- Self-confidence with an approachable persona
- Self-awareness in assessing own knowledge, competence and boundaries
- Respectful of diversity and inclusion in care
Desirable
- Ability to identify own personal development needs
- Flexible and adaptable to a change in clinical demands.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within the peri-operative setting
Desirable
- Experience of shift working
- Experience of supporting junior members of staff
- Participating in audit, stock control or quality improvement initiative.
Person Specification
Skills/ Knowledge
Essential
- Good verbal, literacy and communication skills
- Ability to maintain accurate and legible records
- Computer literate (use of IT software packages e.g. Word, Email)
- Understanding of manual handling practices and policies
- Awareness of Health and Safety
Desirable
- Ability to anticipate the needs of the perioperative team
- Competence in handling and preparing surgical instruments
- Understanding of instrument sterilisation and de-contamination
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic standard of education including Maths and English Grade C GCSE or equivalent or willingness to complete Functional Skills Level 2 on appointment
- Good Mandatory training record e.g BLS and Manual Handling
- Completed National Care Certificate for healthcare workers
Desirable
- Healthcare related qualification
Other Job Requirements
Essential
- Enhanced disclosure clearance
- Excellent attendance and time keeping
- Willing to work across hospital sites within scope of practice as and when required
- Able to work and cope with rotating shift patterns - early, late, night shifts over seven days of the week and on-call as necessary
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with a team
- Effective communication skills written and verbal
- Self-confidence with an approachable persona
- Self-awareness in assessing own knowledge, competence and boundaries
- Respectful of diversity and inclusion in care
Desirable
- Ability to identify own personal development needs
- Flexible and adaptable to a change in clinical demands.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within the peri-operative setting
Desirable
- Experience of shift working
- Experience of supporting junior members of staff
- Participating in audit, stock control or quality improvement initiative.
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.
