Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Surgical Care Practitioner to provide maternity cover to work as part of a dynamic cardiac surgery team.



We are looking for fully trained and experienced SCP to form part of a dynamic surgical and advanced nurse practitioners team in addition to providing advanced level surgical assistance in cardiac theatres. The applicants should be dynamic individuals, with excellent clinical skills, who, working in partnership with the consultant surgeon, are involved in the overall delivery of the highest level of surgical care. This post is to provide maternity leave cover with a contract end date of 10th August 2026.



The individuals will also have the exciting opportunity to participate in a robust Pre-operative Assessment Service, as well as assist with the preparation of in and outpatients for surgery.



Informal visits are encouraged and welcomed. Please contact Joe Omigie, Cardiovascular Service Manager on 0203 299 3349 michael.whitehorne@nhs.net to arrange a suitable time.



Surgical Care Practitioners are registered non-medical healthcare professionals who have extended the scope of their practice by completing an accredited training program. They work as members of the surgical team and perform surgical interventions and post-operative care under the supervision of a senior surgeon.

Overall, the individuals will form part of a new formed SCP team and will work as a member of the cardiac surgical team providing the highest level of patient care alongside the consultant cardiac surgeons at King's College Hospital.

The post holders will develop a strong working relationship with each consultant and be able to fully anticipate and assist according to their individual working style, ensuring their requirements to work at the highest standard are met.

The post holders will always be under the supervision of the consultant surgeon who has overall responsibility for the surgical care received by the patient.

The role combines clinical expertise, educational, research and audit skills with and professional responsibilities. The post holders are predominantly concerned with ensuring the delivery of the highest standard of patient care, assisting the surgeon in maintaining a clear and safe surgical field.

The post holders will be involved in training and teaching skills to team members including junior surgical trainees.

The post holders will ensure that good infection control practice and high standards of nursing care are given.



The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.



We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.



King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.



Specific Duties of the Surgical Care Practitioners



Actively participate in surgical procedures at the direction of the consultant cardiac surgeon

Act as first assistant as required, as directed by the supervising surgeon

Acquire, develop and maintain advanced knowledge and expertise within a specialist area.

Ensure clear, detailed and regular communication within the department and to other departments as required.

Be wholly accountable for one's own practice.

Understand and recognise legal implications and competence levels regarding the SCP lead and as first assistant to the Surgeon

Anticipate the consultant surgeon's requirements before and during the procedure.

Monitoring of relevant data during procedures such as the database for cardiac surgery

Ensure the labelling of specimens is correct and documented as per policy.

Maintain accurate surgical patient records.

Assist other team members to participate in the safe transferring and positioning of the patient.

Assist during emergency situations within appropriate level of training

Ensure faulty equipment is isolated from use, using the appropriate label, and report to a responsible person

Take universal and (self-) hygiene precautions to minimize the risk of infections to the patient, the surgical team, and other staff in any clinical procedures and areas

Actively participate in the pre-operative team brief and ensure that this is documented accordingly.

Ensure team and consultant compliance with the WHO check list and 'time out' before surgery.

Ensure the safe and confidential transit of patient notes from the operating theatre to other departments.

Maintain & monitor legibility and accuracy of nursing records and be aware of the legal implications of these documents.

Document any incidents within quality and safety systems. Actively participate in the investigation and management of reported incidents.

Ensure complaints are managed effectively and in a timely manner.

Maintain a continuing personal development (CPD) portfolio.

Liaise with other hospitals and observe potential new procedures and practices.

Ensure a clean, tidy and risk free workplace.

The post holders are expected to work flexibly with future varying shift patterns (nights/days/weekends/on calls) and is expected to work full-time

This job description is a general guide to the scope of the post but is not exhaustive and may change in line with the needs of the department or at the request of the consultant cardiothoracic surgeon