About this role
Job summary
University Hospitals Dorset is looking to recruit motivated people, to join our expanding Theatre Department delivering a 24 hr service as a Theatre Care Assistant (TCA) in our Day Surgery Unit.
We offer great opportunities with an extensive educational programme, including level 3 apprenticeships in Perioperative Care and Operative Department Practitioner Apprenticeships.
We pride ourselves on our friendly working environment and our desire to lead on best practice in the perioperative setting. If you have the drive, then this is the place for you.
We offer a range of specialities across both sites where you will become a valued member of our team. Full training and support will be given for you to learn new skills and to expand your practice. After which, you will progress to a band 3 TCA on completion of a care certificate.
Please be aware that this is a support workers role and not a healthcare assistant. It has limited patient contact and limited direct patient care responsibilities. It will involve supporting the theatre team and daily running of the theatre environment.
Informal visits are strongly encouraged.
Base Location: UHD - Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Interview Date: 19th August 2026
Main duties of the job
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
About us
UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.
This service has a planned move from Bournemouth site to Poole site in March/April 2027.
If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.
UHD has active networks including Women's, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.
AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.
Job description Job responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Willingness to undertake additional training and education in relation to theatre skills
Desirable
Qualification in Maths and English
Experience Essential
Experience of working with the public
Desirable
Experience of working in a theatre environment Experience of working in a caring environment
Personal Attributes Essential
Ability to work under pressure and during emotionally draining situations.
Language Requirement Essential
Be able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role
Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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.
Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address UHD - Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Castle Lane East
Bournemouth
BH7 7DW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)