Theatre Care Assistant - General Surgery

Job summary

University Hospitals Dorset is looking to recruit motivated people, to join our expanding Theatre Department delivering a 24 hr service as a Theatre Care Assistant (TCA) in our Day Surgery Unit.

We offer great opportunities with an extensive educational programme, including level 3 apprenticeships in Perioperative Care and Operative Department Practitioner Apprenticeships.

We pride ourselves on our friendly working environment and our desire to lead on best practice in the perioperative setting. If you have the drive, then this is the place for you.

We offer a range of specialities across both sites where you will become a valued member of our team. Full training and support will be given for you to learn new skills and to expand your practice. After which, you will progress to a band 3 TCA on completion of a care certificate.

Please be aware that this is a support workers role and not a healthcare assistant. It has limited patient contact and limited direct patient care responsibilities. It will involve supporting the theatre team and daily running of the theatre environment.

Informal visits are strongly encouraged.

Base Location: UHD - Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Interview Date: 1st April 2026

Main duties of the job

To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.

About us

UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.

This service has a planned move from Bournemouthsite to Poolesite in July 2026.

If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.

UHD has active networks including Women's, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.

AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.