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An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Scrub Practitioner specialising in Orthopaedics and Spine to join a high-performing theatre team in North West England.

This role is ideal for a senior theatre practitioner ready to lead from the front, delivering high-quality perioperative care while supporting team development and service excellence. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring patient safety, operational efficiency, and clinical excellence within orthopaedic and spinal surgical services.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership within theatres, ensuring high standards of perioperative care.
• Lead, support, and guide scrub staff, including effective duty allocation and workforce planning.
• Work collaboratively with consultants, anaesthetists, and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver seamless patient care.
• Ensure safe, efficient intraoperative practices and maintain the highest standards of patient safety.
• Promote effective communication, teamwork, and a positive working environment within the department.
• Monitor and ensure the cost-effective use of resources, maintaining awareness of budgetary considerations.
• Support training, mentoring, and professional development of theatre staff.
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement, and implementation of best practices.
• Maintain high standards of clinical governance, audit, and compliance within theatre services.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Registration

Essential

• Registered Nurse (NMC) or Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC registered).

Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience in Orthopaedic and Spinal theatre practice.
• Substantial post-graduate experience in theatres in a senior role.
• Experience in leading or supervising theatre teams.
• Experience working within the NHS or similar healthcare settings.
• Minimum 1 year of NHS experience.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Lead Scrub Practitioner or similar leadership role.
• Experience managing paediatric caseloads.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage complex theatre environments.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure in surgical settings.

Professional Attributes

Essential

• Commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
• Ability to motivate teams and maintain high staff morale.
• Proactive approach to service improvement and clinical excellence.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety standards.