About this role
Job summary
Please note that this is a fixed-term post with a set end date of 31/12/26.This role is not eligible for sponsorship.This post forms part of a service currently subject to a service improvement and redesign programme.Service delivery models, roles and structures will be reviewed as part of the improvement process, which may result in changes and a consultation process in line with the Trust's Organisational Change Policy. LSCFT is seeking a motivated individual to join the Bed Management Team. Working with inpatient and community services across adult and older adult mental health pathways, you will help ensure patients are placed appropriately and in a timely manner while supporting effective patient flow and bed utilisation. This busy and varied role is integral to the team. You will be expected to work collaboratively, use initiative and contribute positively to service delivery.The Bed Management Team operates in a fast-paced environment. You must be organised, able to prioritise competing demands and manage multiple tasks effectively. A proactive and solution-focused approach is essential. Strong communication skills are required when liaising with a range of staff and services, maintaining professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential information.
Main duties of the job
Communication and Relationship Skills
Support the Bed Management & Patient Flow Team.Act as the first contact for bed availability enquiries from LSCFT services, NHS Trusts and partner agencies.Liaise with wards, matrons, medical staff, managers to provide accurate bed information and support admissions and transfers.Participate in huddles and teleconferences, ensuring bed state information is accurately maintained.Assist in sourcing and allocating beds within LSCFT, neighbouring Trusts and independent providers.Escalate capacity issues and work with senior staff to identify solutions.Communicate sensitive information effectively and maintain planning systems.Attend team and service meetings, supporting integrated working.
Analytical and Judgement Skills
Assess, prioritise and escalate information appropriately while maintaining confidentiality.Monitor patient flow and support colleagues with operational activities.Manage workload and meet service deadlines.Support bed utilisation monitoring and provide feedback to management teams.Ensure data accuracy through validation and cross-checking.Assist with bed management reporting and analysis.
Planning and Organisational Skills
Prioritise workload effectively and demonstrate strong organisational skills.Supervise and support Band 3 Bed Management Administrators.Maintain systems, dashboards and operational documentation.Coordinate patient transfers to maximise capacity, ensure safe placements and meet service requirements.
About us
LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you'd like to discuss your application, please ask.
We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.
LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.
The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.
Explore our full wellbeing offer here: Keeping our workforce well
Job description Job responsibilities
For further information about the role, please see the attached recruitment pack which includes a detailed job description and person specification, or visit our website via Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Business Administration NVQ 3/RSA 3 or equivalent Business Administration NVQ 4 or willingness to work towards
Knowledge Essential
Ability/willingness to undergo further training as necessary Undertake all mandatory training as required
Experience Essential
Administration of meetings - organising, minute taking, document management Previous secretarial experience Experience/knowledge of people experiencing mental health problems
Skills Essential
Work independently or part of a team Audio typing skills Organisational and time management skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Address Sceptre Point
Preston
PR5 6UP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)