Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Anaesthetic and Recovery practitioner AGH

The closing date is 30 September 2025

Job summary

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) and Registered Nurses to join our Anaesthetics and Recovery team at the Alexandra Hospital. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive, forward-thinking perioperative environment.

Our theatres cover a wide range of specialities and are part of the GIRFT Surgical Accreditation Scheme, demonstrating our commitment to safe, effective and high-quality care. As part of a countywide service, you may be required to support across sites, gaining exposure to a variety of surgical settings and teams.

We welcome applications from HCPC-registered ODPs and NMC-registered nurses, whether newly qualified or experienced, with a genuine interest in perioperative care. Strong communication and adaptability are essential for this fast-paced environment.

We offer structured induction, development opportunities and access to specialist training to help you progress your career. We also value worklife balance and are open to flexible working discussions.

If you are passionate about delivering high-quality perioperative care and want to be part of our countywide, GIRFT-accredited theatre service, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

As a Band 5 Anaesthetics and Recovery Practitioner you will be part of a skilled, multidisciplinary theatre team delivering safe and effective perioperative care. Your duties will include preparing and checking anaesthetic equipment, supporting the anaesthetist during procedures, and ensuring all required resources are available. In recovery, you will provide close monitoring, pain management and holistic care, ensuring patients are safe and comfortable before transfer or discharge.

You will work flexibly across theatre areas and may be required to support services countywide, gaining experience in a range of specialities. You will contribute to maintaining a safe environment, escalating concerns appropriately, and adhering to infection prevention, medicines management and Trust policies.

Teamwork, communication and professionalism are essential. You will support colleagues, contribute to continuous improvement, and uphold the Trust values of openness, care and respect. You will also be expected to engage in ongoing learning and development to enhance your skills and support service excellence.

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.

Details

Date posted

09 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Agenda For Change Band 5

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9365-25-0799

Job locations

The Alexandra Hospital

Woodrow Drive

Redditch

Worcestershire

B98 7UB


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose:

Ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care through the effective management of staff, resources, and theatre operations.

Act as the patients advocate, prioritising their needs and well-being throughout the peri-operative journey.

Facilitate effective communication with the multi-disciplinary team to deliver high quality patient care across the theatre pathway.

Accept responsibility for infection prevention and control practices within the team and the theatre environment.

To provide supervision and support to staff and students.

Deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care that is tailored to each patients individual needs.

The role may require working across all Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sites.

Key Duties:

Anaesthetics and Recovery Specific Duties

  • To assist with the anaesthetic and recovery patient journey ensuring safe, efficient, and compassionate care.
  • Ensure patient care is delivered safely and in line with best practice.
  • To support anaesthetists and the multi-disciplinary team to maintain high standards of patient care and escalate any concerns.
  • Oversee the preparation, use, and maintenance of anaesthetic equipment and consumables to ensure safety and compliance.
  • Manage post-operative complications, including airway management, pain control, and vital sign monitoring.
  • Ensure the recovery area is prepared and fully equipped to handle emergency situations, including resuscitation and post-operative emergencies.
  • Monitor and review recovery plans and discharge criteria, ensuring safe, effective patient handover to the ward teams post-recovery.
  • Maintain accurate anaesthetic and recovery records in line with legal and Trust policies.

Management

To deputise in the absence of team leaders in managing staff within the team, ensuring high standards of performance and teamwork.

Ensure that all safety measures are in place, reporting accidents, incidents, and near misses to the theatre coordinator and/or senior team leader and reported on the electronic reporting system.

Contribute to risk management by identifying and mitigating risks within the department.

To ensure resources are used efficiently and participate in stock rotation.

Stay informed on Trust policies and procedures, and participate in their development when necessary.

Foster a supportive, team-focused culture that encourages learning, development, and a no-blame approach.

Ensure equipment is used safely and is maintained to a high standard.

Ensure the health and safety of all staff, patients and visitors.

Manage controlled drugs in line with legal procedures, including ordering, checking, and administering according to policy.

Education and Training:

  • Work closely with the recruitment and development team to ensure your professional development is maintained.
  • Act as a student assessor, supporting students throughout their clinical placements and evaluating their progress.
  • Supervise, mentor, and support new staff, ensuring they are introduced to relevant clinical practices and procedures.
  • Ensure you are up-to-date with the latest practices, guidelines, and equipment.
  • Participate in the delivery of in house training including medical device management and link roles.
  • Provide feedback from training courses to share emerging practices and knowledge with colleagues.
  • Encourage a culture of continuous professional development by supporting staff participation in competency assessments and reflective practice.

To be responsible for attending training sessions for the safe use of medical devices and to ensure that all equipment is safely maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

Professional:

  • Keep up to date with current clinical practices, Trust policies and developments in equipment and technology.
  • Maintain a high standard of professionalism at all times, serving as a role model to staff and adhering to best practice.
  • Take responsibility for own professional development.
  • Promote clear and effective communication within the multidisciplinary team, ensuring seamless collaboration and patient care.
  • Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control practices at all times.

General Duties:

  • Participate in the on-call rota or out-of-hours duties as required for emergency surgery and respond effectively to critical incidents.
  • Collaborate with other departments, including ward teams and clinical staff, to ensure effective communication and patient care transitions.
  • Adhere to the Trusts IT policies regarding email and internet usage, maintaining confidentiality and data protection standards.
  • Ensure all Trust standards are maintained, with active participation in audits and quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.
  • Every employee has a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others and to cooperate with the Trust to ensure statutory and Trust regulations are complied with.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose:

Ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care through the effective management of staff, resources, and theatre operations.

Act as the patients advocate, prioritising their needs and well-being throughout the peri-operative journey.

Facilitate effective communication with the multi-disciplinary team to deliver high quality patient care across the theatre pathway.

Accept responsibility for infection prevention and control practices within the team and the theatre environment.

To provide supervision and support to staff and students.

Deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care that is tailored to each patients individual needs.

The role may require working across all Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sites.

Key Duties:

Anaesthetics and Recovery Specific Duties

  • To assist with the anaesthetic and recovery patient journey ensuring safe, efficient, and compassionate care.
  • Ensure patient care is delivered safely and in line with best practice.
  • To support anaesthetists and the multi-disciplinary team to maintain high standards of patient care and escalate any concerns.
  • Oversee the preparation, use, and maintenance of anaesthetic equipment and consumables to ensure safety and compliance.
  • Manage post-operative complications, including airway management, pain control, and vital sign monitoring.
  • Ensure the recovery area is prepared and fully equipped to handle emergency situations, including resuscitation and post-operative emergencies.
  • Monitor and review recovery plans and discharge criteria, ensuring safe, effective patient handover to the ward teams post-recovery.
  • Maintain accurate anaesthetic and recovery records in line with legal and Trust policies.

Management

To deputise in the absence of team leaders in managing staff within the team, ensuring high standards of performance and teamwork.

Ensure that all safety measures are in place, reporting accidents, incidents, and near misses to the theatre coordinator and/or senior team leader and reported on the electronic reporting system.

Contribute to risk management by identifying and mitigating risks within the department.

To ensure resources are used efficiently and participate in stock rotation.

Stay informed on Trust policies and procedures, and participate in their development when necessary.

Foster a supportive, team-focused culture that encourages learning, development, and a no-blame approach.

Ensure equipment is used safely and is maintained to a high standard.

Ensure the health and safety of all staff, patients and visitors.

Manage controlled drugs in line with legal procedures, including ordering, checking, and administering according to policy.

Education and Training:

  • Work closely with the recruitment and development team to ensure your professional development is maintained.
  • Act as a student assessor, supporting students throughout their clinical placements and evaluating their progress.
  • Supervise, mentor, and support new staff, ensuring they are introduced to relevant clinical practices and procedures.
  • Ensure you are up-to-date with the latest practices, guidelines, and equipment.
  • Participate in the delivery of in house training including medical device management and link roles.
  • Provide feedback from training courses to share emerging practices and knowledge with colleagues.
  • Encourage a culture of continuous professional development by supporting staff participation in competency assessments and reflective practice.

To be responsible for attending training sessions for the safe use of medical devices and to ensure that all equipment is safely maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

Professional:

  • Keep up to date with current clinical practices, Trust policies and developments in equipment and technology.
  • Maintain a high standard of professionalism at all times, serving as a role model to staff and adhering to best practice.
  • Take responsibility for own professional development.
  • Promote clear and effective communication within the multidisciplinary team, ensuring seamless collaboration and patient care.
  • Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control practices at all times.

General Duties:

  • Participate in the on-call rota or out-of-hours duties as required for emergency surgery and respond effectively to critical incidents.
  • Collaborate with other departments, including ward teams and clinical staff, to ensure effective communication and patient care transitions.
  • Adhere to the Trusts IT policies regarding email and internet usage, maintaining confidentiality and data protection standards.
  • Ensure all Trust standards are maintained, with active participation in audits and quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.
  • Every employee has a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others and to cooperate with the Trust to ensure statutory and Trust regulations are complied with.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Awareness of current peri-operative practice.
  • Reporting incidents using datix or similar reporting system.
  • Knowledge of anatomy/physiology knowledge relevant to role.
  • Good verbal, literacy and communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain accurate and legible patient 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

  • Clinical Governance.
  • Budget awareness.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse Level 1 (currently registered with NMC or Registered ODP (currently registered with HCPC),
  • Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

  • Assessor Qualification,
  • Perioperative Diploma or Degree,
  • Relevant post-basic qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working as part of a team,
  • Experience working in the perioperative environment.
  • Competent anaesthetic assistant/ recovery for a wide range of elective and emergency patients

Desirable

  • Experience of clinical supervision.
  • Competent to scrub for a wide range of procedures.
Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Awareness of current peri-operative practice.
  • Reporting incidents using datix or similar reporting system.
  • Knowledge of anatomy/physiology knowledge relevant to role.
  • Good verbal, literacy and communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain accurate and legible patient 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

  • Clinical Governance.
  • Budget awareness.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse Level 1 (currently registered with NMC or Registered ODP (currently registered with HCPC),
  • Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

  • Assessor Qualification,
  • Perioperative Diploma or Degree,
  • Relevant post-basic qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working as part of a team,
  • Experience working in the perioperative environment.
  • Competent anaesthetic assistant/ recovery for a wide range of elective and emergency patients

Desirable

  • Experience of clinical supervision.
  • Competent to scrub for a wide range of procedures.

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.

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.

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

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

The Alexandra Hospital

Woodrow Drive

Redditch

Worcestershire

B98 7UB


Employer's website

https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

The Alexandra Hospital

Woodrow Drive

Redditch

Worcestershire

B98 7UB


Employer's website

https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Countywide Recruitment and Development Lead

Holly Foxall

holly.foxall@nhs.net

07379128798

Details

Date posted

09 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Agenda For Change Band 5

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9365-25-0799

Job locations

The Alexandra Hospital

Woodrow Drive

Redditch

Worcestershire

B98 7UB


Supporting documents

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