Surgical First Assistant(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Summary

Are you a registered practitioner passionate about surgery? DBTH is seeking a Surgical First Assistant (SFA) to join our dynamic operating theatre team.

As an SFA, you will provide dedicated and competent assistance to surgeons throughout procedures, supporting both elective and emergency surgery. You will work as an integral member of the surgical team, ensuring patient safety, high-quality care, and efficiency in the operating theatre.

This is an exciting opportunity to enhance your surgical career, gain hands-on experience, and make a real difference in patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare the surgical field: skin prep, draping, and maintaining sterility.
• Retract superficial and deep tissues; manipulate organs for optimal surgical access.
• Assist with haemostasis, suture cutting, ligatures, and indirect diathermy application under supervision.
• Operate surgical suction, cameras for minimally invasive procedures, and other instruments.
• Apply post-operative dressings.
• Maintain knowledge of surgical instruments, laparoscopic systems, and best practice.
• Adhere to departmental policies, clinical governance standards, and safety protocols.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, aseptic technique, and infection control.
• Actively contribute to the training and development of junior staff.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing environments.
• Commitment to patient safety and clinical governance.
• Maintain sterile field and follow safety protocols during surgery.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 12 months perioperative scrub experience.
• Experience assisting in surgical procedures.
• Current registration with NMC or HCPC
• Completion of an accredited Surgical First Assistant course (AfPP / RCS / CODP).
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent clinical experience.

Desirable:

Experience in breast surgery or specialty surgical areas.

Additional Requirements

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check:
This post requires a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Visa and Skilled Worker Sponsorship:
Applications from overseas candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are considered. Guidance for eligibility:

Overseas applicants must provide criminal record certificates for countries they’ve lived in for 12+ months over the last 10 years

Professional Registration:
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration to practice safely.

Employment Rights & Benefits:
Employees enjoy NHS benefits including pension scheme, generous leave, health & wellbeing support, salary sacrifice schemes, and access to leisure/discount schemes.
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About Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS FT

DBTH serves a population of over 440,000, across three main hospital sites and additional services. We employ more than 7,000 colleagues, committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and patient-focused care.

We pride ourselves on flexible working arrangements, inclusivity, and fostering professional development. As an equal opportunities employer, we particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups, including ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals with disabilities.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted before 4 February 2026 via the NHS Jobs portal.

For informal enquiries, please contact the recruitment team at DBTH. Ensure that you have original certificates of essential qualifications available if your application is successful.