Theatre Practitioner/Surgical First Assistant with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Visa Note
Nuffield Health offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates seeking to work in the UK. However, applicants must verify their specific visa eligibility requirements directly with the employer, as immigration regulations can change and individual circumstances may affect eligibility. Having a certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval.
Job Details
Company: Nuffield Health
Job Title: Theatre Practitioner/Surgical First Assistant
Location: Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA, United Kingdom
Salary: Up to £39,750 per annum depending on experience, with uplift for existing Surgical First Assistant qualifications
Schedule: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Employment Type: Permanent
Language: English
Application Deadline: 11 June 2026
Reference Number: JR0098258
About Nuffield Health
Nuffield Health is the UK’s largest Healthcare Charity, committed to building a healthier nation through innovative healthcare and leisure facilities, along with community access programmes. Nuffield Health York Hospital, opened in 2004, provides comprehensive private healthcare services with specialties in cosmetic surgery, male and female health, and spinal care. The hospital has received a “Good” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), reflecting its high standards of care and making it one of the leading providers of private healthcare in the area.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Theatre Practitioner/Surgical First Assistant to join our team at York Hospital. This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, which includes weekend work and on-call responsibilities. The role offers competitive remuneration up to £39,750 per annum, with potential uplift for candidates who already possess Surgical First Assistant qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
As a Theatre Practitioner or Theatre Practitioner (ODP), you will play a crucial role in our multidisciplinary team. Your responsibilities will include:
• Working in a multi-disciplinary team covering a varied patient caseload
• Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and facilities
• Supervising, supporting, and developing junior members of the team
• Providing high-quality perioperative care in a multidisciplinary team setting
• Creating high-quality care and patient experiences that are clinically effective and evidence-based
• Having ample opportunities for continuous growth and personal development, including Surgical First Assist training if not already trained
About York Hospital
Nuffield Health York Hospital is a modern facility that opened in 2004 and provides a comprehensive range of private healthcare services. Our hospital specializes in cosmetic surgery, male and female health, and spinal care. The facilities and high standards of care have established Nuffield Health York Hospital as one of the leading providers of private healthcare in the region. We pride ourselves on maintaining excellent patient care standards, as evidenced by our “Good” rating from the CQC.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential: You must be registered with the appropriate governing body, bringing qualifications and experience relevant to your registration, including NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) or HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registration. You should be a focused, detail-oriented individual who is empathetic with great communication skills.
Experience
Essential: You must have post-registration experience in Scrub and Surgical First Assistant (SFA) roles within a Theatre environment. You should be a team player with a passion for exceptional patient care.
Desirable: Experience in anaesthetics and recovery is desirable but not essential.
Benefits Package
At Nuffield Health, we want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy, and valued. We have developed a comprehensive benefits package with you in mind. Here, you can choose from a range of fitness, lifestyle, health, and wellbeing rewards, including free gym membership, health assessments, retail discounts, and pension options. We take care of what’s important to you and support your overall wellbeing.
Certificate of Sponsorship Information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. If you are an international candidate, we encourage you to apply. For further information regarding UK visa requirements, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Additional Visa Requirements
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found on the UK government website regarding criminal record checks for overseas applicants.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. As such, it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This is a standard requirement for all healthcare positions to ensure patient safety and trust.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration to be considered for this position. For overseas healthcare professionals, additional information about UK registration requirements can be found on the NHS Careers website. Our recruitment team can provide guidance on the registration process for qualified candidates from outside the UK.
How to Apply
Please apply via the NHS Jobs website. For international candidates specifically:
1. Verify your eligibility for UK skilled worker sponsorship with Nuffield Health
2. Prepare your UK professional registration documentation
3. Ensure you have all required criminal record certificates from relevant countries
4. Contact People Services (Talent Acquisition) with any questions about the application process
5. Submit your application through the NHS Jobs website before the closing date of 11 June 2026
Contact Information
For questions about the job, please contact:
Department: People Services (Talent Acquisition)
Email: peopleservices@nuffieldhealth.com
Phone: 03001235080
Equal Opportunities
Nuffield Health is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, or age. We value diversity in our workforce and believe it contributes to the high-quality care we provide to our patients.
Continuing Professional Development
We are committed to supporting your professional development throughout your career with us. As part of this role, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities, including Surgical First Assist training if you are not already qualified. We support attendance at relevant conferences, workshops, and provide opportunities for further education to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Join Our Team
If you are a dedicated Theatre Practitioner/Surgical First Assistant looking for a rewarding career in a supportive environment, we encourage you to apply. At Nuffield Health, we believe that exceptional care starts with exceptional people. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in patients’ lives while advancing your career in a leading healthcare organization.
Why Choose Nuffield Health?
Nuffield Health offers a unique work environment that combines the resources of a large healthcare organization with the personal touch of local care. Our commitment to staff wellbeing, professional development, and high-quality patient care makes us an employer of choice in the healthcare sector. Join us in our mission to build a healthier nation while achieving your career aspirations.
Further Information
For more information about Nuffield Health York Hospital or this specific role, please visit our employer website at https://www.nuffieldhealthcareers.com. You can also find additional information about our benefits, working environment, and career development opportunities on our careers portal.
Privacy Notice
Please note that Nuffield Health values your privacy. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with our privacy notice, which can be found on our website at https://www.nuffieldhealthcareers.com/legal/transparency. We only collect and use personal information for recruitment purposes and will not share it with third parties without your consent.
Application Process Timeline
Applications for this position will be considered as they are received, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive an unprecedented high volume of applications. We recommend applying as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, and successful candidates will receive a formal offer of employment subject to reference checks and pre-employment screening.