Apprentice HCA Support Worker; Theatres

Apprentice HCA Support Worker (Theatres)

Apprentice Band 2 to Band 3.

An excellent opportunity for a motivated, flexible and dynamic apprentice healthcare assistant to work within cardiothoracic theatres at the Freeman Hospital. The role requires current and relevant clinical skills, experience within cardiothoracic surgery is desirable and having completed the Care Certificate via the Healthcare Academy. If the successful candidate does not possess the Care Certificate, the certificate will be completed while in post as a Band 2 and progression to Band 3 upon successful completion.

• Assist with preparation and setting up of theatres in readiness for the operating list
• Contribute to administrative, clinical, cleaning and housekeeping duties within the theatre department
• Stock management
• Act as a floor circulator within theatres and support the scrub practitioner
• Actively participate in surgical counts and checking of surgical instruments
• Ensure high quality care and a safe environment for patients, ensuring working practices conform to theatre, trust policies and procedures
• Maintain accurate and legible records of care in line with trust policy
• Maintain a culture in which infection control is intrinsic to care delivery and is monitored in line with trust policy

• Be aged 18 or over
• Have the right to work and remain in the UK
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• Provide original evidence of required English and maths qualifications
• Have no equivalent or higher qualification in the same or a very similar subject
• Must not be engaged in any other funded training or education programme
• Cannot sponsor applicants during or after successful completion of the apprenticeship; student visa applicants not accepted

• Essential:
  Basic IT skills, ability to initiate emergency action (e.g., cardiac arrest, fire), ability to plan and prioritise own and delegated work tasks, English and Maths at Level 1, understanding of confidentiality
• Desirable:
  Previous work experience in a healthcare environment, knowledge of cardiothoracic theatres, advanced IT skills, English and Maths at Level 2

Full training will be provided. The successful applicant will remain Band 2 for the duration of the apprenticeship and upon successful completion will progress to Band 3.

• Shift pattern: 24/7 with various shift patterns; may require on-call commitment
• Working hours:
  
  37 hours 30 minutes per week
• Interview date: 19 January 2026

E‑EO statement:
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust promotes equality and diversity and welcomes applications irrespective of race, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and particularly those from under‑represented groups.