Ophthalmology Junior Sister

Job overview

The post holder will provide visible clinical leadership within the ophthalmology theatre environment, supporting the safe, effective, and efficient delivery of patient care and theatre services on a daily basis alongside the Ophthalmology Senior Sister and Theatre Manager.

The role requires an experienced theatre practitioner with knowledge of theatre governance, patient safety, risk management, incident reporting, infection prevention, and quality improvement processes.

The successful candidate will act as the Ophthalmology Theatre Team Lead, supporting the day-to-day co-ordination of theatre activity, ensuring effective utilisation of staffing, resources, theatre capacity, and patient flow whilst maintaining high standards of clinical care and compliance with Trust policies and evidence-based practice.

The post holder will be expected to recognise and respond appropriately to clinical, operational, staffing, or safety concerns within their scope of responsibility, taking timely action and escalating concerns appropriately where required.

Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will maintain effective communication regarding clinical pressures, risks, staffing concerns, and service issues to support safe and effective service delivery.

The role includes supervising and supporting staff, promoting professional standards and evidence-based practice, contributing to audit and service improvement activity, and deputising for the Department Manager as required.

Main duties of the job

• Provide visible and supportive leadership to nursing and support staff within Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology Theatres.
• Ensure safe, efficient and compassionate care delivery, promoting best practice in infection prevention and patient safety.
• Support staff through clinical supervision, mentorship, and appraisals, fostering a culture of learning and accountability.
• Assist in coordinating theatre lists and outpatient clinics, ensuring effective patient flow and use of resources.
• Contribute to quality improvement, clinical audit and service development initiatives.
• Deputise for the Senior Sister, maintaining oversight of staffing, governance and operational activity.
• Role model the Trust’s values and Leadership Charter, promoting teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Support the day-to-day clinical co-ordination and management of ophthalmology theatre activity, ensuring safe, effective, and efficient service delivery. Allocate and deploy staff appropriately according to clinical need, competency, and skill mix, supporting effective utilisation of theatre capacity, patient flow, equipment, and resources.

Demonstrate awareness of clinical, operational, staffing, and safety pressures, responding appropriately within scope of responsibility and escalating concerns to the Ophthalmology Senior Sister or Theatre Manager where required. Contribute to maintaining safe theatre services through knowledge of governance processes including incident reporting, risk management, audit, infection prevention, WHO safer surgery standards, safeguarding, and policy compliance.

Deliver and supervise high standards of patient-centred care, ensuring patients’ needs are appropriately assessed, planned, implemented, and evaluated in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards, and evidence-based practice. Act as a visible clinical leader and role model, promoting professionalism, accountability, respectful working relationships, and effective multidisciplinary team working.

Support staff supervision, mentorship, induction, training, and professional development. Participate in audit, quality improvement, service development, and continuous improvement initiatives. Maintain accurate documentation, confidentiality, and professional accountability at all times, deputising for the Department Manager within agreed scope where required.

For more information about the role and responsibilities please see the attached job description and person specification.