University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Ophthalmology Theatre Practitioner - Scrub/Anaesthetics

The closing date is 19 March 2026

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

Eye Unit Theatres at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for Anaesthetic Theatre Practitioners (RN and ODP) to join the team. We have a part time 28.5 hrs permanent role and a full time 37.5 hrs 6 month fixed/secondment post. If you are flexible, dependable, and enthusiastic, and looking to further develop your career and clinical skills in a supportive working environment then we would like to hear from you.

Previous anaesthetic experience is essential; ophthalmology experience is desirable but not essential.Our department is based at a large university teaching hospital and covers a broad footprint including our three operating rooms and Medical Retina Injection Suite.

Southampton Eye Unit staff have been recognised as leaders in the field of Ophthalmology, and our consultant group includes world authorities in Medical Retina Disease and Corneal Surgery.

Eye Theatre staff work a shift pattern which compares favourably with many clinical areas, with on-call evening- and weekend cover and exemption from night duties.

We are committed to supporting staff when personal circumstances change, and we are proud to treat our colleagues as an extended family.

About us

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Details

Date posted

06 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Per annum - Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

188-NM060326

Job locations

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Job description

Job responsibilities

What youll do

Prepare a wide range of specialist equipment and drugs, including ophthalmic blocks, anaesthetic machines, intravenous equipment and devices that safely secure the patient's airway during anaesthesia Provide essential support between the surgical team and other parts of the operating theatre Responsible for the preparation and safe transfer of the patient to the Recovery area

What were looking for

Professional registration - ODP/RN (HCPC/NMC) - RN must show evidence of completed anaesthetic qualification Evidence of working with adults and children Willingness to learn and adapt to changing environment Positive attitude and team player

Job description

Job responsibilities

What youll do

Prepare a wide range of specialist equipment and drugs, including ophthalmic blocks, anaesthetic machines, intravenous equipment and devices that safely secure the patient's airway during anaesthesia Provide essential support between the surgical team and other parts of the operating theatre Responsible for the preparation and safe transfer of the patient to the Recovery area

What were looking for

Professional registration - ODP/RN (HCPC/NMC) - RN must show evidence of completed anaesthetic qualification Evidence of working with adults and children Willingness to learn and adapt to changing environment Positive attitude and team player

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Registered nurse or ODP on relevant part of the register
  • Degree or equivalent experience
  • Has the ability to assist in carrying out the transfer of a patient through the intraoperative phase of perioperative care, giving concise accurate handover
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the skills required to support learners in practice and to create a positive learning environment.
  • Practices and promotes the use of evidence-based practice
  • Knowledge of current issues within acute health service.
  • Understanding of personal accountability.
  • Aptitude for caring for the anaesthetised and/or acutely unwell patient.

Desirable

  • Experience of teaching and supporting learners in practice.
  • Relevant resus qualification, ie Immediate Life Support
  • Experience of working within relevant care setting
  • Specialist theatre work-based learning course, or mentorship course, post-qualification.
  • Interest in research to promote good practice

Trust Values

Essential

  • Patient First
  • Working Together
  • Always Improving
Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Registered nurse or ODP on relevant part of the register
  • Degree or equivalent experience
  • Has the ability to assist in carrying out the transfer of a patient through the intraoperative phase of perioperative care, giving concise accurate handover
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the skills required to support learners in practice and to create a positive learning environment.
  • Practices and promotes the use of evidence-based practice
  • Knowledge of current issues within acute health service.
  • Understanding of personal accountability.
  • Aptitude for caring for the anaesthetised and/or acutely unwell patient.

Desirable

  • Experience of teaching and supporting learners in practice.
  • Relevant resus qualification, ie Immediate Life Support
  • Experience of working within relevant care setting
  • Specialist theatre work-based learning course, or mentorship course, post-qualification.
  • Interest in research to promote good practice

Trust Values

Essential

  • Patient First
  • Working Together
  • Always Improving

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Employer's website

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Employer's website

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Team leader

Lauren Tremblay

lauren.tremblay@uhs.nhs.uk

02381204865

Details

Date posted

06 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Per annum - Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

188-NM060326

Job locations

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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