The first three surgical care practitioners have been appointed at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH).
The role is designed to offer increased assistance to surgeons and boost the capacity of theatre teams.
Experienced theatre nurses Zheila Mago, Dolly Dowsett and Joana Fuentes will now undertake supervised training and a two year postgraduate course with Anglia Ruskin University.
Richard Wharton, consultant surgeon, said: 'The Royal College of Surgeons has encouraged hospitals to set up these new roles as part of an extended surgical team and we are delighted to welcome such experienced nurses as the first cohort of Surgical Care Practitioners.
'In terms of the workforce, we will be able to retain experienced nurses who can develop their careers with us and for patients we will be able to offer quicker initial appointments, and follow up appointments after their surgery.'
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