Deputy Department Manager

Job summary

There has never been a more exciting time to join the Ophthalmology team at STSFT. We are preparing to move into the new, stateoftheart Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital in summer 2026, securing Sunderlands position as the regions only dedicated standalone eye hospital. This move will strengthen our national reputation as a Centre of Excellence and create an inspiring environment for our teams and patients alike.

We never stay still when it comes to discovering new and better treatments. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and using developing technology is a key part of our work. We encourage innovation and research - there is always something to get involved in. If you share our vision for 'excellence in all that we do', wed love you to join us!

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated 1st level 37.5hr band 6 Registered Nurse to join the Cataract Treatment Centre Team. The role is interesting, varied and includes duties and responsibilities across both theatre and outpatient settings. Cataract Treatment Centre consists of 2 dedicated Cataract theatre suites (with expansion to 3 in the new build) and a dedicated Outpatients. You will part of a large multi-disciplinary team providing holistic care to a large group of patients attending our cataract services with Cataracts and other varying ophthalmic conditions. In house training will be given to achieve the competencies required for the role.

Main duties of the job

Within the Cataract Treatment Centre, the Role of a Band 6 Deputy Department Manger is diverse, varied and fast paced, leading the team in providing specialised care to patients attending for Cataract Surgery and other Cataract related services. The role involves working across Theatre and Outpatients with many responsibilities and duties. In house training will be given and Competency based assessments undertaken to learn all aspects of the role including pre-assessment, Primary Nursing and Scrub. The service is presently Monday to Friday with variable shift patterns from 8.00am to 17.30.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic, motivated and enthusiastic 1st level NMC Registered Band 6 Adult nurse. We require an excellent communicator with a proven ability to lead, motivate and support nursing staff. You will mainly work weekdays but may be required to cover weekends for additional responsibilities as senior nurse. As a Band 6 junior sister/charge nurse/Deputy Department Manager, the main duties include:

• Operational Leadership of the Cataract Treatment Centre,
• Provide Clinical Expertise and Direct Patient Care,
• Staff Supervision and Support,
• Patient Safety, Quality and Compliance
• Coordination with MDT

Additional Duties when holding the Senior Nurse Bleep

• Respond to clinical queries or concerns
• Support rapid decision-making around deteriorating patients, staff crises or incidents
• Attend medical emergencies/cardiac arrests/fire situation.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Details

• Date posted: 29 May 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 6
• Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: C9155-OPNM-0526-50
• Job locations: Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Road, SUNDERLAND, SR2 9HP, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

• To be responsible and accountable for the safe, effective and compassionate nursing care for all patients in a ward/department area.
• To exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code.
• To supervise, support and educate junior members of the team, acting as a role model.
• Support ward/department manager to ensure organisational goals/objectives are met within ward/department.
• When taking charge of the ward/department or in the absence of the ward/department manager, is directly responsible for ensuring that clinical, professional and cleanliness standards are maintained in the entire ward/department.
• To ensure effective communication internally and externally, regarding patient care and resources.
• To comply with the trusts vision, values and behavioural compact.