Scrub Nurse / ODP -Theatres

The Band 5 Staff Nurse / Theatre Nurse is a key member of the Planned Care Division, working within the Day Surgery Unit to provide safe, effective and high-quality perioperative care. As part of the multidisciplinary theatre team, the post holder upholds excellent clinical standards, supports colleagues, and ensures compassionate, patient-centred care throughout each surgical pathway.

The nurse primarily works in the Day Surgery Unit but may be required to undertake weekend shifts or cross-site duties depending on service needs

Although positioned at Band 5, the post holder is expected to demonstrate reliability, professionalism and growing clinical autonomy. They contribute to theatre efficiency by supporting the coordination of care, maintaining smooth theatre flow, and communicating effectively with patients, families and the wider clinical team. Trust values must be consistently demonstrated in all aspects of practice.

The role may also involve acting as a deputy to more senior staff, such as a Junior Theatre Sister, taking responsibility for delegated clinical and educational tasks, and supporting team development.

Working both independently and as part of a team, the nurse helps maintain a safe surgical environment through strong infection control practice, safeguarding awareness, and evidence-based clinical care., The Band 5 Scrub Nurse is responsible for delivering safe, high-quality intraoperative care by maintaining a sterile environment, preparing theatres appropriately, and ensuring all instruments and equipment are ready for each procedure. They scrub for a range of surgeries, anticipate the needs of the surgical team, manage instruments and devices throughout operations, and complete all required surgical counts accurately in line with Trust policy. They are also responsible for the safe disposal and handling of sharps, swabs, and instruments.

The post holder supports efficient theatre flow by assisting with case turnaround, coordinating with the wider multidisciplinary team, and engaging in all required safety processes, including the WHO Surgical Checklist.

Professional practice must align with NMC/HCPC standards, Trust guidelines, infection control requirements, and local policies. The Scrub Nurse maintains high standards of documentation and patient safety, escalating equipment issues, near-misses, and incidents appropriately, and contributing to clinical governance activity.

They play a key role in education by supporting learners and junior staff, demonstrating best practice, and engaging in continuous professional development to maintain and expand their own skills. The role also includes responsibility for equipment checks, safe operation of specialist devices, and supporting stock management to ensure cost-effective and reliable service delivery.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.