Job overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, and experienced nurse to lead our innovative emergency surgical assessment care unit (ESAC). This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced surgical nurse leader to play a key role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and supporting the ongoing development of a fast-paced and evolving service.
The ESAC provides comprehensive nursing assessment, treatment, and coordination of care for surgical patients requiring urgent assessment and intervention, with a focus on same-day management and avoiding unnecessary admissions wherever possible.
As the Band 7 lead, you will provide strong clinical and operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care while supporting service improvement and workforce development.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities
Provide visible clinical leadership and professional nursing expertise within the unit. Lead and manage the day-to-day operational running of the SDSAU. Ensure high standards of patient care, safety, and experience are consistently achieved. Coordinate patient flow to support timely assessment, treatment, and discharge. Work collaboratively with surgical consultants, junior doctors, allied health professionals, and operational teams. Lead quality improvement initiatives and support the achievement of Trust objectives. Manage staffing, recruitment, rostering, and workforce planning. Support, supervise, and develop nursing staff through appraisal, coaching, and education. Ensure compliance with Trust policies, professional standards, and governance requirements. Lead investigations, audits, and service developments to continuously improve patient outcomes.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached Job Description for more information about this role and working at royal free London NHS foundation Trust
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- • Substantial post-registration experience in surgical specialty
- • Evidence of teaching junior members of staff & assessing students in practice
- • Proven evidence of improving patient experience
- • Current experience of line management of staff
- • Proven experience of monitoring & acting on nursing quality data & developing appropriate action plans
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- • Knowledge of current advances and pathways of care relevant to surgical specialty
- • Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate and influence
- • Ability to problem-solve, prioritise and to work to deadlines
- • Ability to develop collaborative working relationships with multi professional teams
- • Able to lead, manage and motivate others in complex problem solving and assessment skills
- • Able to manage stressful situations and challenge decisions to ensure that patient needs are met
- Expert specialist skills for the post
- Skilled in use of computer/keyboard
- Knowledge of clinical governance issues e.g. handling complaints, clinical risk management
- Ability to motivate staff and improve individuals and team performance
- Able to recruit staff to world class values
Royal Free World Class Value
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Personal Qualities & Attributes
Essential
- • Be a positive role model with the ability to demonstrate a credible and professional approach
- • Ability to work as a team and form professional relationships with colleagues
- • Ability to work under pressure
- • Flexibility in shift and working patterns to meet the needs of the service
- Diplomatic and calm
- To be flexible and approachable
Educational & professional qualifications
Essential
- • First level registration
- • First level degree
- • Mentorship qualification
- • Evidence of post registration qualification relevant to surgical speciality
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 7 ESAC with Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in Barnet, England. It is listed as a Band 7 role. The advertised salary is £55,524 - £62,652 per annum inclusive of HCAS. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 14 Aug 2026.
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