Shining a light on the people who make a difference at Nightingale Hospital
For our third Staff Spotlight, we’re delighted to feature our dedicated Theatre Assistants from the South West Ambulatory Orthopaedic Centre (SWAOC). Hannah, Sarah, Slamowira, and Rahul are part of a fantastic team who play a vital role in supporting surgeries and ensuring patients feel safe, comfortable, and cared for throughout their surgical journey.
Meet the Theatre Assistants – SWAOC
Tell us a little about your role:
Theatre Assistants work closely with scrub practitioners, surgeons, and anaesthetists, assisting with everything needed during procedures. This includes collecting patients, helping prepare theatres for operations, supporting colleagues during surgery with sets, supplies and implants, and ensuring everything is cleaned and ready for the next case.
What does a typical day look like?
Their mornings begin with setting up theatres, making sure all necessary equipment is in place for the day’s surgeries. They then collect patients, take them to the anaesthetic room, and play a key role in helping patients feel at ease. Once in theatre, they provide essential support with monitoring, supplies, computer work, and assisting the surgical team. After each procedure, the team cleans and resets the theatre, ready to begin again.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
For Hannah and Sarah, it’s working alongside a great team and experiencing the sense of accomplishment that comes with being part of life-changing operations.
Slamowira enjoys collecting patients: “I like talking to them, calming them down and making sure they are happy and not stressed about anything.”
Rahul says: “What I enjoy the most is nothing but the opportunity to learn a lot of new things every day.”
How does your work contribute to patient care and the wider team?
Slamowira shares: “The patient feels safer and happier knowing that if I am collecting them, I’ll also be in the theatre during their operation. Sometimes I even speak to them afterwards on the ward to see how they are feeling. Because I collect patients regularly, the nurses and I have built good trust—when they hand a patient to me, they are confident that person will be safe and happy.”
Rahul adds: “I’m proud to be part of a wonderful team that makes patients’ lives easier by giving excellent care.”
What might people be surprised to learn about your role?
The job requires a great deal of learning to build the right knowledge and efficiency. This ensures the best outcomes for patients and keeps theatre schedules running smoothly.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
Slamowira explains: “I love looking after and helping people. I had never done this before, so I was looking forward to trying something new—and every day I enjoy it more and more.”
Rahul highlights the opportunities to grow: “Being a Theatre Assistant gives me the chance to learn more about orthopaedic theatre procedures and progress in my career with the help and support of the Trust.”
What advice would you give to someone considering this type of work?
“It’s an extremely rewarding environment to work in, but it does come with challenges—so be prepared. That said, it’s a fantastic team to be part of, and you’ll always have the best support system around you.”
A huge thank you to Hannah, Sarah, Slamowira, Rahul, and the whole Theatre Assistant team at SWAOC. Your teamwork, care, and dedication make a real difference every single day—for both colleagues and patients alike.
If you’re interested in joining our team and exploring a rewarding career in healthcare, visit https://nightingale-exeter.nhs.uk/join-our-team to learn more about current opportunities at the Nightingale.