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Salary for this roleNot listed

Health and Care route minimum£25,000 a year

Pay basisNational pay scales (NHS bands)

NHS roles fall under the Health and Care Worker route. Salaries set by national pay scales (NHS bands) at or above the relevant band rate typically meet the occupation's requirement.

Individual eligibility depends on personal circumstances. These figures are public reference information, not advice or a verdict on this job.

Role description

Job summary

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

Job Title: Ophthalmology Theatre Practitioner - Scrub / AnaestheticsContract Type: Fixed Term ContractFixed Term Contract End Date: 05 December 2027Purpose for Fixed Term: Maternity Cover

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team, 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). We have a full time 37.5 hrs 12 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

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising 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.

Date posted

07 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

Depending on experience £32,073 - £39,043 per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

188-NM140926

Job locations

Southampton General Hospital

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

A detailed job description and person specification is attached.

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

Trust Values

Essential

Patients First
Always Improving
Working Together

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

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.

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.