About this role
Job summary
Are you an experienced oncology nursing leader looking to make a lasting impact on patient care, service development, and team performance?
At The Wellington Hospital, one of London's leading private hospitals, we are seeking an exceptional Oncology Ward Manager to lead our 28-bedded specialist oncology unit. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a highly regarded service while working alongside expert multidisciplinary teams delivering some of the most advanced cancer treatments available today.
Our ward cares for patients across gastrointestinal, breast, and neuroendocrine pathways, providing specialist treatments including PRRT, PSMA therapy, SIRT, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, IVIG, and other pioneering oncology therapies.
As Ward Manager, you will lead and develop a dedicated team of 23 colleagues, driving clinical excellence, patient safety, operational performance, and outstanding patient experience. You'll have the autonomy to influence service improvement, support innovation, and help maintain the highest standards of care.
This is a visible leadership role that combines strategic oversight with clinical practice, allowing you to remain connected to patients and colleagues while developing your leadership career within a world-class healthcare organisation.
Main duties of the job
As Oncology Ward Manager, you will provide visible and effective leadership to a specialist oncology ward, ensuring the highest standards of patient care, safety, and clinical excellence. You will lead, motivate, and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a positive culture of collaboration, engagement, and continuous professional development.
You will be responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the ward, including workforce planning, rostering, budget management, resource utilisation, and performance monitoring to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, and patient-centred care. Working closely with consultants, senior leaders, and multidisciplinary teams, you will drive quality improvement initiatives, support service development, and implement evidence-based practice to enhance patient outcomes and experience.
The role also requires maintaining a strong clinical presence, providing expert support and guidance to colleagues while ensuring compliance with regulatory, governance, and quality standards. You will play a key role in managing patient flow, supporting complex oncology pathways, and ensuring patients and their families receive compassionate, personalised care throughout their treatment journey.
As a senior leader within the hospital, you will contribute to strategic objectives, champion innovation, and help shape the future development of oncology services at The Wellington Hospital.
About us
HCA Healthcare UK is one of the country's leading independent healthcare providers, delivering exceptional patient care through a network of internationally renowned hospitals, outpatient centres, diagnostic facilities, and specialist services. With a commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and outstanding patient outcomes, we invest heavily in our people, technology, and facilities to ensure patients receive world-class care.
The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, is one of London's largest private hospitals and a recognised centre of excellence for complex care. The hospital is home to leading consultants and specialist multidisciplinary teams, providing a broad range of medical and surgical services supported by advanced facilities and cutting-edge treatments.
Our Oncology Service delivers specialist care across a wide range of cancer pathways, offering access to innovative therapies and personalised treatment plans. As part of the team, you will work alongside highly skilled nurses, consultants, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and support colleagues who are passionate about delivering outstanding patient experiences and continually advancing cancer care. Together, we foster a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment where colleagues are empowered to develop professionally, contribute new ideas, and make a meaningful difference to patients and their families every day.
Job description Job responsibilities
Clinical Leadership
Provide visible and effective clinical leadership across the ward and act as an expert resource for nursing practice. Ensure high standards of patient care are developed, implemented, monitored, and maintained. Lead by example and promote evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement. Support and guide the multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes and experiences. Maintain a clinical presence within the ward, supporting patients, families, and staff. Team Leadership and Workforce Management
Lead, motivate, and develop a multidisciplinary team, creating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture. Conduct annual performance appraisals and provide regular feedback and coaching to colleagues. Develop and implement performance and development plans where required. Promote staff wellbeing, engagement, retention, and professional development. Lead recruitment activities and workforce planning to ensure safe staffing levels and appropriate skill mix. Operational and Financial Management
Oversee the day-to-day operational management of the ward. Manage workforce resources, rostering, patient flow, and service delivery. Monitor performance against key quality, operational, and financial targets. Manage allocated budgets and resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Ensure compliance with regulatory, governance, and organisational standards. Quality and Service Improvement
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and operational effectiveness. Lead audits, quality assurance activities, and service development projects. Ensure compliance with clinical governance frameworks, policies, and procedures. Identify opportunities for innovation and implement best practice across the service. Patient Experience
Champion person-centred care and ensure patients are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion at all times. Promote a culture focused on delivering exceptional patient outcomes and experiences. Collaborate with patients, families, and stakeholders to continuously improve services.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Registered Nurse (NMC Registered). Significant post-registration experience within oncology nursing. Previous experience in a senior nursing leadership role, such as Ward Manager, Deputy Ward Manager, Matron, or equivalent. Demonstrable experience of managing teams, budgets, and operational performance. Strong knowledge of clinical governance, patient safety, and quality improvement. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to lead change, influence practice, and drive service development.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name HCA Healthcare UK
Address The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London
NW8 9LE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)