Surgical First Assistant

Overview

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS FT

The closing date is 04 February 2026

Join Our Team at DBTH as a Surgical First Assistant

Are you a registered practitioner with a passion for surgery? Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) invites you to apply for the position of Surgical First Assistant (SFA).

In this role, you will provide continuous, competent, and dedicated surgical assistance to the operating surgeon throughout procedures, working closely as an essential member of the surgical team under direct supervision.

Make a real impact in patient care and advance your surgical career with DBTH.

• Perform skin preparation and draping prior to surgery.
• Retract superficial tissue and cut superficial sutures.
• Handle tissue and manipulate organs for exposure and access.
• Use nerve and deep tissue retractors under surgeon supervision.
• Cut sutures and ligatures under supervision.
• Assist with haemostasis to maintain a clear operating field, including indirect diathermy application.
• Operate suction as directed by the surgeon.
• Manipulate camera for minimally invasive surgery.
• Apply dressings as required.
• Maintain knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment, and laparoscopic systems.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, aseptic technique, and infection control.
• Gown and glove using open or closed techniques.
• Comply with Trust policies, best practice guidelines, and legislation to deliver safe, evidence-based surgery within scope of practice.

DBTH is one of Yorkshire's leading acute trusts, serving a population of more than 440,000. Our services are based across three main hospital sites and several additional services employing over 7,000 colleagues.

At DBTH we have a comprehensive framework of behaviours that guide us in our daily working lives, forming the DBTH Way. We pride ourselves on our commitment to the values of We Care, and the DBTH Way builds upon these foundations, guiding everyday interactions.

As an organisation that supports flexible working, we aim to accommodate flexible arrangements where possible. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applicants from all sectors of the community, particularly from under-represented groups including those with disabilities, members of our ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ communities.

• Extensive range of learning opportunities
• NHS Pension Scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement in line with Terms & Conditions
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing support
• NHS Car Lease schemes and a range of salary sacrifice schemes
• Discounts on restaurants, getaways, shopping and finance through external providers

Please see attached to the advert a job description and person specification for further details. Please read this document carefully. Please note, if your application is successful you will be required to present original certificates of qualifications that are listed in the person specification under essential.

Certificate of sponsorship

For individuals who may require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health & Care visa route please use the link below to check your eligibility:  – Check if you need a UK visa

Please note that from 9th April 2025, band 2 & 3 entry roles are no longer eligible for sponsorship.

• Understanding of WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
• Maintain sterile field and ensure compliance with safety protocols
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
• Commitment to patient safety and clinical governance

• Minimum 12 months perioperative experience in scrub role
• Demonstrated experience assisting in surgical procedures
• Experience in Breast speciality

• Current registration with NMC or HCPC
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience
• Completion of accredited Surgical First Assistant course (AfPP/RCS/CODP)

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and 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.

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS FT

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year, pro rata per annum