Careers in theatres

Our highly skilled theatre professionals enjoy cutting-edge technology and modern facilities.

Working in Theatres and ACU

Our theatres are well staffed by a team of appropriately trained and competent personnel who are equipped with the skills and abilities to administer high quality patient care throughout the perioperative journey. We follow the Association for Perioperative practice (AfPP) staffing guidance.

We're the first independent private hospital in the country to have gained anaesthetic accreditation and our endoscopy service is JAG accredited. The patient services director is very supportive of annual in-house training days and in-situ team emergency training scenarios.

Our management structure is open and visible, and all staff are actively encouraged to contribute to continuous improvement via Bright Ideas. Our consultants are accessible and have great relationships with ODPs and nurses and our non-clinical patient support services are very responsive.

Video transcript

The opportunity arose for me to apply for the fixed term contract position as Deputy Theatre Manager. I was encouraged by all my colleagues to apply for the role, I made an internal application and then, following a successful interview, I took up post this year and hope to continue in the future.

The team here are great, and we all work together to provide first class quality patient care. There is an ethos, and they encourage staff wellness. No matter what role or department you work for, we all get on like one big family.

Current theatre department roles

Theatre Practitioner (Newly Qualified)

£32,000

Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Join Our Outstanding Theatre Team

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Theatre Practitioner to join our perioperative team. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) to play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality patient care across the perioperative pathway.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to creating a positive patient experience while ensuring the highest standards of clinical practice, safety, and professionalism.

We know that great Theatre Practitioners bring different strengths, experiences and perspectives. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including people who are neurodivergent.

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and working environment. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or throughout your employment, we'll work with you to provide the support you need to thrive.

Senior Theatre Practitioner with SFA

£47,810 - £50,273 per annum

Permanent Contract, Full time (37.5 hours)

Are you an experienced Theatre Practitioner looking for your next opportunity?

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Theatre Practitioner with an SFA qualification to join our Theatre team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished Scrub Practitioner who is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while supporting the effective running of theatre services. You will bring strong clinical expertise, excellent organisational skills and a positive approach to teamwork, helping us maintain a professional, safe and supportive theatre environment.

We know that great Senior Theatre Practitioners bring different strengths, experiences and perspectives. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including people who are neurodivergent.

I have a question about working in the theatres team

What qualifications are required to work as a theatre practitioner?

To become a theatre practitioner, you’ll need to be an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) or First Level Registered Nurse, having undertaken specialist (anaesthetic / scrub) post-registration training.

What training and development is on offer to theatre staff?

Every Benenden Hospital employee gets a personalised career development plan. If you are a senior theatre practitioner, we can support you to develop into a leadership role or become a Surgical First Assistant (SFA).

Whatever your grade, we have excellent in-house coaching and training available to ensure that your clinical skills are kept up to date.

We also send staff on external training courses annually (i.e. difficult airway management training, transfer of the critically ill patient, etc) and support staff representation at national and local conferences relevant to their area of work (infection control, pain management, AfPP, etc).

Applying for a position

We’re committed to providing good quality, compassionate care. Everyone who works with us plays an important role in supporting this, whether patient‑facing or not, and we value the experience, behaviours, and perspectives our people bring.

We want to understand why you want to work in a hospital environment and how your knowledge, skills, qualifications, and experience align with the role you’re applying for, and how they support a caring and respectful culture. These qualities are best shown through your own experience rather than AI‑generated content. While AI tools may be used for general support, we ask that applications are written in your own words and reflect your true abilities and values.

Taking the time to complete your application carefully and honestly helps us understand your suitability for the role and ensures a fair, open, and values‑based recruitment process.

To apply for a position, please complete our online application form.

For general vacancy enquiries, please contact kentcareers@benenden.org.uk.

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