About this role
Job summary
The Discharge Ready Unit on Crane Ward is a 28-bedded unit dedicated to patients who are medically optimised for discharge but are awaiting the implementation of appropriate community care packages to support a safe and effective transition home or placement in a nursing home.
In addition to facilitating timely and safe discharge, the unit places a strong emphasis on preventing patient deconditioning. Patients are supported to remain active through daily exercise sessions led by a physiotherapist. A wide range of therapeutic and social activities are also available, including board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, and supervised access to the garden to promote fresh air and wellbeing. The ward benefits from volunteer support, including live music and dance sessions, as well as visits from a therapy dog, all of which contribute to a positive and engaging environment.
We are seeking a motivated and experienced professional to lead a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering high-quality care and achieving excellent patient outcomes.
What We Offer A supportive and collaborative clinical environment Opportunities to shape and further develop the Discharge Ready Unit A strong emphasis on quality improvement and person-centred care If you are passionate about enhancing care for frail patients and would like to contribute to an innovative and evolving service, we would welcome your application.
Main duties of the job
To be responsible for the overall management of the clinical area and the professional development of staff within that area. The Ward Manager will provide advice and support to the whole multidisciplinary team in caring for patients. The Ward Manager will be expected to maintain high standards of care and be accountable for auditing those standards.The post holder will liaise closely with colleagues in managing the provision of beds and staffing across the Division. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining a suitable and safe environment for patients and staff. On occasion the post holder will deputize for the Matron in their absence.
The post holder will be responsible for providing leadership and professional development for the nursing and support workers within the clinical area. They will provide professional advice and support to the whole multidisciplinary team in caring for patients. The post holder will also provide nursing leadership for implementation and evaluation of all education, training and development of staff. They will develop, implement and evaluate policies, guidelines and protocols for the management of patients attending the clinical area in conjunction with the specialist MDT teams. They will be responsible for the interpretation of and maintaining compliance with Trust policies.
About us
Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.
We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.
If you haven't heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probation. Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
Job description Job responsibilities
Management
Provide 24-hour responsibility for ward nursing care and overall operational leadership.Manage patient flow, including admissions and timely transfer of medically fit patients (e.g. DRU) to reduce length of stay.Maintain and update standard operating procedures and ensure holistic, patient-centred care delivery.Recruit, retain and manage staff, ensuring appropriate skill mix and effective rota management (including leave and agency use).Conduct appraisals and PDRs, identifying and addressing training and development needs.Address performance, conduct, and disciplinary issues in line with Trust policies.Manage ward budgets (pay and non-pay), ensuring financial efficiency and cost improvements.Ensure a safe, clean environment, reporting and addressing risks, incidents, and equipment issues.Oversee data collection, audits, and reporting (e.g. staffing, dependency, quality).Ensure safe medicines management in line with policy.Promote awareness and implementation of Trust policies and updates.Participate in meetings, projects, and deputise for the Matron when required.Manage and respond to complaints and incidents, including root cause analysis and service improvements.
Frailty and Patient Flow Leadership
Lead safe, effective, and compassionate care for frail patients, supporting independence and preventing deterioration.Promote person-centred discharge planning and multidisciplinary collaboration across hospital and community services.Provide expert advice on frailty care and complex decision-making.Ensure staffing and resources support safe care delivery and reduced length of stay.
Clinical Practice
Act as a clinical expert and role model, participating in direct patient care.Monitor and improve quality of care through audits, feedback, and outcome measures.Ensure high standards of documentation and effective use of electronic records.Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, patients, and carers.Promote evidence-based practice, clinical supervision, and service development.Support health promotion, rehabilitation, and patient-centred care.Liaise with other departments to ensure service quality and issue resolution.
Education
Identify and support staff learning needs through appraisals and education planning.Ensure a positive learning environment for students, including mentorship and preceptorship.Lead and participate in training and teaching activities.Support new staff induction and development.
Professional Development
Maintain own professional development and PDR.Comply with the NMC Code and relevant professional standards.Engage in ongoing learning aligned with service needs.
Communication
Deliver clear, inclusive, and sensitive communication, adapting to individual needs and barriers.Promote open, constructive dialogue to support improvement and patient-centred care.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications Essential
Registered Nurse (adult) Evidence of recent professional development relevant to older/frail adults Qualification in mentoring and assessing Specialist knowledge in care of older adults At least 2 years experience at a Band 6 level
Desirable
Nursing Degree Working towards Masters Relevant post registration qualification in Acute /older medicine Relevant management qualification
Experience Essential
Extensive experience in a relevant acute setting post registration with exposure to care of older people Experience in caring for acutely unwell, complex and frail including delirium, dementia, falls, end of life care Demonstrable management skills in clinical ward setting Extensive experience in clinical leadership/ management at Band 6/7 level Experience in service development and quality improvement within an acute or frailty-focused setting Effective multidisciplinary team working, including therapy, geriatric medicine and community service People management experience at ward level Relevant experience on health rostering and workforce management
Desirable
Experience in conflict resolution, complaints handling and supporting patients and families sensitively
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Strong leadership and change management skills, with ability to support transformation in frailty services Competent in carrying out basic procedures such as : cannulation, venepuncture, NGT insertion, catheterization (male/female) Demonstrated commitment to extending clinical knowledge and skills in older people's and frailty care Knowledge of clinical governance and its application Effective interpersonal skills Excellent problem -solving skills Knowledge of healthcare policy Computer literacy and ability to use digital systems to support patient flow and care delivery Knowledge and recent experience in carrying out audits and quality improvement initiatives relevant to frailty care Project management
Desirable
Ability to apply knowledge learned from ILS
Personal Qualities Essential
Effective interpersonal skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and prioritise workload Ability to function as a senior member of a team
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address West Middlesex Hospital
Twickenham Road
Isleworth
TW7 6AF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)