Surgical First Assistant - General Surgery & ColorectalinLiverpoolinLiverpoolPUBLISHED FRI 7 MAR 2025

Surgical First Assistant - Colorectal Surgery UnitLiverpool University Hospital

Liverpool University Hospital offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced theatre practitioner to apply for the role of Surgical First Assistant in the Colorectal Surgery Unit. The role involves working across both Royal Liverpool Hospital and University Hospital Aintree sites.

The inpatient wards are based at both hospitals--Royal Liverpool Hospital with 28 beds for colorectal patients and Aintree with 8 beds. Both hospitals also offer day case and outpatient services.

The unit treats conditions such as colorectal cancers, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and complex pelvic surgeries. It manages numerous complex cases annually with a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with oncology, dieticians, stoma care specialists, and more. The colorectal team also works with other surgical departments, offering advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgeries.

Core activities include trauma, emergency, and elective colorectal surgeries. The Surgical First Assistant will support the surgical teams and work closely with consultants to ensure high-quality care.

The unit has regular access to three robotic lists at Royal Liverpool and one robotic list at Aintree with the da Vinci single-port robot, the first of its kind in the NHS.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic, fast-paced team.

• Assist scrub staff in setting up specialized equipment for colorectal surgeries.
• Ensure the safe positioning of patients for optimal surgical access and comfort.
• Support the operating surgeon with tasks such as cutting sutures, ligatures, inserting drains, securing hemostasis, and retracting tissues to the highest standards.
• Correctly handle and operate specialized colorectal surgical equipment, including laparoscopic instruments, endoscopes, diathermy units, staplers, and other tools.
• Understand wound healing principles and perform skin closure using sutures or stapling techniques as directed by the surgeon.
• Follow sterile procedures and theatre protocols to maintain a sterile environment.
• Demonstrate safe patient handling and positioning, using appropriate aids and equipment during colorectal surgeries.
• Take responsibility for the care and maintenance of surgical equipment, ensuring its safe and effective use.
• Perform peri-operative catheterization when required.
• Practice proper draping techniques to ensure patient privacy and prevent contamination.
• Contribute to creating a safe, patient-centered environment that prioritizes well-being throughout the surgical process.

About us

• Assist scrub staff in setting up specialized equipment for colorectal surgeries.
• Ensure the safe positioning of patients for optimal surgical access and comfort.
• Support the operating surgeon with tasks such as cutting sutures, ligatures, inserting drains, securing hemostasis, and retracting tissues to the highest standards.
• Correctly handle and operate specialized colorectal surgical equipment, including laparoscopic instruments, endoscopes, diathermy units, staplers, and other tools.
• Understand wound healing principles and perform skin closure using sutures or stapling techniques as directed by the surgeon.
• Follow sterile procedures and theatre protocols to maintain a sterile environment.
• Demonstrate safe patient handling and positioning, using appropriate aids and equipment during colorectal surgeries.
• Take responsibility for the care and maintenance of surgical equipment, ensuring its safe and effective use.
• Perform peri-operative catheterization when required.
• Practice proper draping techniques to ensure patient privacy and prevent contamination.
• Contribute to creating a safe, patient-centered environment that prioritizes well-being throughout the surgical process.