Job summary
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced orthopaedic scrub practitioner to progress into a senior clinical specialist role within a high-complexity elective orthopaedic service.
The Orthopaedic Specialist Theatre Practitioner is a clinically focused Band 6 role for practitioners seeking recognition for advanced orthopaedic scrub expertise while remaining hands-on in theatre practice. The role offers regular exposure to complex and specialist surgery, including upper and lower limb procedures, shoulder arthroplasty, complex primary and revision arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy (new to Trust), and implant-heavy, loan-kit dependent cases.
This post provides a clear step beyond Band 5 practice through increased autonomy, specialist responsibility and recognition as a clinical expert, without operational or managerial duties. The role operates Monday to Friday only, with no routine nights or weekends, supporting sustainable senior clinical practice and work-life balance.
Main duties of the job
The Orthopaedic Specialist Theatre Practitioner will deliver advanced specialist scrub practice within elective orthopaedic theatres, supporting the safe and efficient delivery of complex, high-volume surgery. The post holder will provide expert scrub support across upper and lower limb surgery, hand and foot procedures, complex primary and revision arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy and multi-stage infection surgery. They will scrub independently for implant-heavy cases, manage complex instrumentation and loan kit, and apply advanced procedural knowledge and judgement. Working with a high degree of autonomy, the post holder will act as a clinical expert resource, support equipment governance, mentor Band 5 staff, and contribute to audit and quality improvement. The role operates Monday to Friday only, with no routine nights or weekends.
About us
Why CHFT? Why Now?Join CHFT and be part of a team that's at the forefront of surgical excellence and innovation:o NHS Recognised: Our theatres have been celebrated for their post-pandemic achievements in an NHS Providers case study: "Providers Deliver: Achieving value for money."o National Spotlight: Our proactive approach to waiting list management has been featured by Sky News.o Award-Winning Performance: Shortlisted as a finalist for the 2023 Health Service Journal's Performance Recovery Award for our theatres and elective recovery work.o Pioneering Accreditation: One of the first trusts in England to be accredited as a GIRFT surgical hub.o Cutting-Edge Technology: We've recently launched robotic surgery at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, demonstrating our commitment to advanced surgical techniques.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Orthopaedic Specialist Theatre Practitioner will work as a senior clinical specialist within elective orthopaedic theatres, providing expert scrub practice for complex and specialist orthopaedic surgery. The role is focused on advanced clinical practice, supporting safe, efficient and high-quality patient care through specialist knowledge, technical skill and professional judgement.
Advanced Clinical Scrub Practice
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Provide expert scrub support across a broad range of orthopaedic subspecialties, including upper and lower limb surgery, hand and foot procedures, complex primary joint replacement, revision arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy and multi-stage infection surgery.
-
Scrub independently for implant-heavy and technically demanding procedures, demonstrating advanced anticipation, sequencing and intraoperative awareness.
-
Apply specialist procedural knowledge to support surgical flow and respond effectively to changing intraoperative requirements.
-
Maintain high levels of concentration and resilience during prolonged and complex procedures.
Specialist Instrumentation, Implants and Loan Kit
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Prepare, assemble and quality-check complex orthopaedic instrumentation, implant systems and loan kit, often involving multiple trays and manufacturer-specific equipment.
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Take responsibility for ensuring all specialist equipment, implants and consumables are available, accurate and fit for purpose prior to surgery.
-
Liaise proactively with company representatives, sterile services, EBME and procurement teams to resolve equipment, tray or implant issues.
-
Ensure accurate implant traceability and compliance with Trust policies and regulatory requirements.
Autonomy and Professional Judgement
-
Work with a high degree of clinical autonomy within the scrub role, exercising advanced judgement in complex situations.
-
Identify and resolve equipment or procedural issues in real time, escalating appropriately where required.
-
Act as a clinical expert resource for orthopaedic theatre teams, supporting decision-making and problem-solving.
Education, Supervision and Workforce Development
-
Provide clinical supervision, mentorship and informal teaching to Band 5 practitioners, new starters and rotational staff.
-
Support development of orthopaedic scrub competence and confidence within the team.
-
Act as a positive clinical role model, promoting high standards of specialist practice and professional behaviour.
-
Contribute to maintaining a safe and effective skill mix within orthopaedic theatres.
Quality, Safety and Service Improvement
-
Ensure accurate, timely and comprehensive documentation within electronic theatre systems, including implants, instrumentation and intraoperative events.
-
Uphold compliance with the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, Trust policies and professional standards.
-
Participate in audit, education, quality improvement and service development activities relevant to orthopaedic theatres.
-
Promote safe systems of work and continuous improvement in specialist orthopaedic practice.
Working Pattern
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Orthopaedic Specialist Theatre Practitioner will work as a senior clinical specialist within elective orthopaedic theatres, providing expert scrub practice for complex and specialist orthopaedic surgery. The role is focused on advanced clinical practice, supporting safe, efficient and high-quality patient care through specialist knowledge, technical skill and professional judgement.
Advanced Clinical Scrub Practice
-
Provide expert scrub support across a broad range of orthopaedic subspecialties, including upper and lower limb surgery, hand and foot procedures, complex primary joint replacement, revision arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy and multi-stage infection surgery.
-
Scrub independently for implant-heavy and technically demanding procedures, demonstrating advanced anticipation, sequencing and intraoperative awareness.
-
Apply specialist procedural knowledge to support surgical flow and respond effectively to changing intraoperative requirements.
-
Maintain high levels of concentration and resilience during prolonged and complex procedures.
Specialist Instrumentation, Implants and Loan Kit
-
Prepare, assemble and quality-check complex orthopaedic instrumentation, implant systems and loan kit, often involving multiple trays and manufacturer-specific equipment.
-
Take responsibility for ensuring all specialist equipment, implants and consumables are available, accurate and fit for purpose prior to surgery.
-
Liaise proactively with company representatives, sterile services, EBME and procurement teams to resolve equipment, tray or implant issues.
-
Ensure accurate implant traceability and compliance with Trust policies and regulatory requirements.
Autonomy and Professional Judgement
-
Work with a high degree of clinical autonomy within the scrub role, exercising advanced judgement in complex situations.
-
Identify and resolve equipment or procedural issues in real time, escalating appropriately where required.
-
Act as a clinical expert resource for orthopaedic theatre teams, supporting decision-making and problem-solving.
Education, Supervision and Workforce Development
-
Provide clinical supervision, mentorship and informal teaching to Band 5 practitioners, new starters and rotational staff.
-
Support development of orthopaedic scrub competence and confidence within the team.
-
Act as a positive clinical role model, promoting high standards of specialist practice and professional behaviour.
-
Contribute to maintaining a safe and effective skill mix within orthopaedic theatres.
Quality, Safety and Service Improvement
-
Ensure accurate, timely and comprehensive documentation within electronic theatre systems, including implants, instrumentation and intraoperative events.
-
Uphold compliance with the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, Trust policies and professional standards.
-
Participate in audit, education, quality improvement and service development activities relevant to orthopaedic theatres.
-
Promote safe systems of work and continuous improvement in specialist orthopaedic practice.
Working Pattern
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 1st Level NMC or HCPC Registration
- Diploma/ Degree in Adult nursing
- NVQ/ Diploma in Operating Department Practice
- Evidence of advanced orthopaedic skills training
Desirable
- Post-graduate orthopaedic theatre qualification
- Robotics/navigation training
- Mentorship/ Preceptorship Qualification
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Essential
- Extensive experience as an orthopaedic scrub practitioner
- Evidence of advanced procedural knowledge for complex orthopaedics
- Expert knowledge of implant systems, trays and specialist equipment
- Experience supporting revision arthroplasty, robotics or similar complex procedures
Desirable
- Experience participating in audit or research
COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)
Essential
- Ability to interpret complex clinical situations intraoperatively
- Highly developed technical skills in handling fine instruments and implant systems
- Effective communication skills with surgeons, MDT members and company representatives
- Ability to teach, mentor and clinically support junior staff
- Advanced troubleshooting of specialist equipment
- Proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Commitment to high standards of professional conduct
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 1st Level NMC or HCPC Registration
- Diploma/ Degree in Adult nursing
- NVQ/ Diploma in Operating Department Practice
- Evidence of advanced orthopaedic skills training
Desirable
- Post-graduate orthopaedic theatre qualification
- Robotics/navigation training
- Mentorship/ Preceptorship Qualification
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Essential
- Extensive experience as an orthopaedic scrub practitioner
- Evidence of advanced procedural knowledge for complex orthopaedics
- Expert knowledge of implant systems, trays and specialist equipment
- Experience supporting revision arthroplasty, robotics or similar complex procedures
Desirable
- Experience participating in audit or research
COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)
Essential
- Ability to interpret complex clinical situations intraoperatively
- Highly developed technical skills in handling fine instruments and implant systems
- Effective communication skills with surgeons, MDT members and company representatives
- Ability to teach, mentor and clinically support junior staff
- Advanced troubleshooting of specialist equipment
- Proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Commitment to high standards of professional conduct
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).
