Department Manager

Job overview

An experienced and competent health care professional who has continuous responsibility for the leadership and management of a ward. The post holder is responsible for achieving clinical excellence in the quality of care provided through the best use of the team, by allocating work appropriately, using resources effectively, developing and implementing policy and guidelines, and by controlling an agreed financial budget. The post holder will also work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to meet the needs of

patients and their families and take an active part in contributing to the wider activities and strategic plans of the Trust.

Please see the Job Description for full overview of the Band 7 role.

Main duties of the job

• Develop, implement and monitor systems and processes to ensure that patient needs are comprehensively assessed, appropriately planned, effectively implemented and evaluated according to changing health care needs and varying levels of complexity
• Initiate, implement and monitor changes and improvements to practice in terms of patient flow, admission and discharge arrangements according to service plans and objectives, providing clinical leadership, expertise, advice and guidance
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team/agencies to ensure that patient needs are met, especially in relation to on-going care needs and discharge arrangements
• Ensure that patients, relatives/carers are involved in all aspects of care, to provide reassurance and support and assist their understanding and co-operation
• Ensure that the clinical area is safe for practice by ensuring that cleanliness is maintained, materials and equipment are ready for use, including clearing away afterwards, taking action to resolve problems
• Ensure that all staff are able to recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations
• Collect, collate, and report information, ensuring that accurate patient records/documentation are maintained, taking action to solve problems

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Lead on improvements in the quality of care and development of the ward from the patients perspective, initiating change and improvements according to wider service plans and objectives

Ensure that plans are in place to encourage patient and public involvement activities in the ward area leading to service improvements

Demonstrate effective clinical leadership by prioritising patient care, allocating, supervising and evaluating the work of the ward team, including supervising work delegated to junior staff

Plan, organise and manage the ward effectively and efficiently by identifying staffing/skill mix requirements now and in the future, recruiting staff, ensuring local induction, work based learning and education takes place, and by ensure plans are implemented for clinical supervision, performance management and staff appraisal

Ensure the effective and efficient use of physical and financial resources, evaluating information to ensure staff rotas have the right numbers and skill mix of staff, equipment and supplies are available, the agreed financial budget is managed and controlled, and action to address issues is taken and any

concerns are reported

Promote, monitor and maintain a healthy, safe and secure working environment, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate documentation and reporting any concerns