Sister​/Charge Nurse​/Senior Operating Department Practitioner

Job summary

An excellent opportunity has arisen for motivated, flexible and dynamic Sisters/Charges Nurses/Senior ODPs to work within the Cardiothoracic Theatres Anaesthetic and Recovery Team at Freeman Hospital. Cardiothoracic Theatres is a unit comprised of five operating theatres that undertake all aspects of adult and paediatric cardiothoracic surgery, transplantation, ECMO, ventricular assist devices and cardiothoracic emergencies. The team also staff six cardiac catheterisation laboratories (cath labs) and a 6 bedded recovery area.

Within this area all aspects of cardiac, thoracic and cardiology procedures are undertaken for paediatric and adult patients, including transplantation. The anaesthetic team also cover departments off department in MRI, CT, IR and Radiotherapy. Shortlisted candidates must possess current and relevant anaesthetic practice skills and experience, including recovery skills, intravenous drug administration and mentorship. Nursing team development is an important aspect of this role, and the successful candidate will require effective team management and team development skills.

The posts will be based in Cardiothoracic Theatres at Freeman Hospital providing 24/7 cover for the department, this requires shift rotation, night duty and possible on call commitment.

• Provide skilled anaesthetic and recovery care for a variety of adult, paediatric and congenital cardiothoracic surgical cases
• Ensure high quality care and a safe environment for patients
• Theatre team lead, managing resources effectively for optimal clinical outcomes
• Handle emergencies with skill and expertise
• Serve as a mentor and role model for junior colleagues
• Participate in staff performance management and appraisals
• Drive positive change and foster a culture of flexibility and patient-centred care
• Participate in out of hours service 24/7
• Provide skilled care to patients throughout their perioperative journey
• Act as patient advocate and ensure patient wishes, choices and beliefs are considered in decision-making, in collaboration with the family
• Maintain safe and effective patient care, ensuring working practices conform to theatre and trust policies and procedures
• Maintain accurate and legible records of care in line with Trust policy and NMC/HCPC Codes of Conduct and Standards of Proficiencies
• Actively monitor and promote high standards of care, including audits
• Mentor students as well as new members of the team within the department
• Maintain a culture where infection control is intrinsic to care delivery and is monitored in line with Trust policy

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we aim to accommodate flexible working arrangements where possible. The Trust serves around 2 million patient contacts per year across multiple sites including Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Dental Hospital, Cramlington Manor Walks, Urgent treatment centres, Newcastle Fertility Centre and other services. Details of staff benefits are provided in attached documents.

Date posted 21 January 2026

Pay scheme Agenda for change

Band Band 6

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

Contract Permanent

Working pattern Full-time

Reference number -052

Job locations Freeman Hospital, 317 01 Freeman Hospital, NE7 7DN

• To support the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse / Senior ODP, acting as a deputy when the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse / Senior ODP is absent.
• In areas within the organisation Nurses / ODPs may be banded at 6 by virtue of clinical reasons, for example, critical care.
• Provide effective support and leadership to both staff, patients and carers within the Theatre or Department.
• Act as role model, teacher and supervisor for junior staff and students.
• Ensure systems are in place to provide the continuity of safe and effective care for patients at all times.
• Effective member of the multi-disciplinary team.
• May be required to participate in an on-call rota as required.

• Essential:
  Registered Nurse (appropriate to branch) / Operating Department Practitioner
• Essential:
  Current NMC / HCPC registration
• Essential:
  Diploma in a health related…