Job Description

We have a number of vacancies for experienced theatre Senior HCSWs, in our Bristol Adults, St Michaels's and Children's Hospitals.
If you are an experienced SHCSW, have you thought of working in theatres?
Working as an SHCSW in the operating department, you will be supporting our patients at their most vulnerable, before, during and after their operations. Teamwork and flexibility are essential requirements for the role, alongside a caring and compassionate nature.
You will be expected to work a variety of shifts, including days, nights and weekends.
Should you wish to take your career further; there are plenty of opportunities available to you, with apprenticeships available for either Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) or Registered Nursing Associate roles.
Please note, this role does not currently meet the salary requirement for certificate of sponsorship. From the 9th April 2025, the minimum salary required for a Skilled Worker visa became 25,000 per year. While this role may be offered at a higher point on the pay scale depending on relevant NHS experience, most new starters are appointed at the bottom of the band, which does not meet the new salary threshold.
Main duties of the job
You will be working with a team of healthcare professionals caring for our patients in the operating theatres. Your responsibilities will include

• Patient support both physical and emotional
• Preparing equipment and setting out instruments for surgery
• Keeping theatres fully stocked
• Circulating duties during the operation including counting swabs or other instruments
• Tidying up and cleaning after each case, disposing of waste correctly
• Monitor and record patient's vital signs, reporting and escalating findings in a timely manner

This is physically demanding role, where you will be helping to move patients on trolleys as well as on and off the operating table.
About us
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a combined workforce of over 15,000 staff and over 100 different clinical services across 10 different sites, serving a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as 'Good' overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward-thinking multi-award winning Trust and a digital exemplar committed to improving patient care, our world-leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we're meeting our pledge.
Details
Date posted
27 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,937 to 26,598 a year pa pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
387-SHCSW-Theatres-NOV-GW
Job locations
Bristol - Adults & Childrens
Upper Maudlin St
Bristol
BS2 8BJ
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy. Job description
Job responsibilities
For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential

• Level 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 NVQ 3 BTEC National Diploma
• Level 2 Functional skills in English and Math's, or equivalent
• Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker)

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
• Be able to work as a member of a team
• Experience of time management and prioritising work
• Understands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives

Desirable

• Experience of working in a theatre environment

Skills, Abilities and Aptitudes
Essential

• Effective communication skills, verbally and written
• Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
• Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures
• Committed to providing high quality patient care
• IT skills, basic word, Email, keyboard skills
• Ability to work with minimum supervision to a high standard
• Ability and willingness to undertake appropriate training within given time frames
• Flexible and adaptable to change, able to work a range of shifts and moving across wards/unit dependent on clinical need
• Able to demonstrate calm, caring patient manner / attitude
• Enthusiasm and commitment to working within the healthcare setting
• The role is physically demanding and can include standing for prolonged periods, moving and handling patients and equipment and other healthcare related tasks. We welcome applications from all candidates and will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your working life experience with the organisation

Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential

• Level 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 NVQ 3 BTEC National Diploma
• Level 2 Functional skills in English and Math's, or equivalent
• Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker)

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
• Be able to work as a member of a team
• Experience of time management and prioritising work
• Understands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives

Desirable

• Experience of working in a theatre environment

Skills, Abilities and Aptitudes
Essential

• Effective communication skills, verbally and written
• Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
• Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures
• Committed to providing high quality patient care
• IT skills, basic word, Email, keyboard skills
• Ability to work with minimum supervision to a high standard
• Ability and willingness to undertake appropriate training within given time frames
• Flexible and adaptable to change, able to work a range of shifts and moving across wards/unit dependent on clinical need
• Able to demonstrate calm, caring patient manner / attitude
• Enthusiasm and commitment to working within the healthcare setting
• The role is physically demanding and can include standing for prolonged periods, moving and handling patients and equipment and other healthcare related tasks. We welcome applications from all candidates and will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your working life experience with the organisation

Skills Required