Deputy Ward manager

Job overview

This post is based within the Inpatient Unit at HMP Pentonville, which forms an integral part of the prison's healthcare provision. The unit comprises 22 beds and provides care for individuals experiencing both mental and physical health needs. Clinical leadership is provided by Consultant Psychiatrists and General Practitioners, with support from a multidisciplinary team that includes nursing staff and prison officers. The post holder will work closely with, and deputise for, the Ward Manager in their absence. They will be an active member of the multidisciplinary team, providing clinical leadership and supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care. The role includes supervising, teaching, and supporting junior nursing staff and Healthcare Assistants in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care. Working autonomously and in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will be responsible for coordinating comprehensive assessments and developing, implementing, and reviewing individualised care plans to meet patients' identified needs.

Main duties of the job

Support the Ward Manager in the operational management of the ward and deputise in their absence as required. Provide leadership, supervision and support to nursing staff, healthcare support workers and students. Contribute to the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care through assessment, care planning, risk management and evaluation. Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective and recovery-focused care. Administer medication in accordance with the NMC Code, Trust policies and relevant legislation. Maintain high standards of clinical practice, ensuring accurate documentation, risk assessments and care plans are completed and reviewed. Promote patient rights, dignity and advocacy, ensuring patients are actively involved in decisions about their care. Participate in quality improvement, clinical audit and service development activities. Ensure a safe ward environment through effective management of equipment, resources and clinical risks. Support the induction, appraisal, supervision and development of staff, fostering a positive learning culture. Maintain professional accountability in line with the NMC Code and comply with all Trust policies and statutory requirements. Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge, NMC registration and continuing professional development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Work as an effective member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), contributing to the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of person-centred care for patients and supporting the involvement of carers where appropriate.

Undertake comprehensive clinical assessments and develop, implement and review care plans that reflect patients' individual needs, strengths, risks and recovery goals.

Interpret and respond appropriately to clinical observations and assessment findings, exercising sound clinical judgement and communicating relevant information promptly to members of the multidisciplinary team.

Identify nursing priorities and coordinate care accordingly, undertaking comprehensive risk assessments and escalating concerns to the Ward Manager and relevant professionals when changes in circumstances may affect patient safety or standards of care.

Meet the physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of patients, ensuring care is delivered in a holistic, compassionate and recovery-focused manner.

Recognise the needs of families and carers, promoting their involvement in care planning and delivery, where appropriate, while providing support, education and information.

Ensure respect for patients' dignity, diversity, equality, human rights, personal values and spiritual beliefs at all times.

Maintain and promote high standards of nursing care, contributing to clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives and the development and review of clinical standards within the ward.

Liaise effectively with healthcare professionals, specialist services and partner agencies to ensure coordinated and seamless care delivery.

Utilise clinical knowledge and experience to provide education and support to patients, promoting understanding of mental and physical health conditions, treatment options, coping strategies, recovery and independence.

This is not an exhaustive list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.

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.