Job overview
Our Stroke Service is expanding to support patients across Dorset and somerset, including the launch of our brand new Hyper-Acute Stroke Unit (HASU).
We are seeking an experienced, motivated and dynamic leader to manage our newly refurbished 30 bedded unit which include 2 Hyper Acute Bays.
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong leadership, organisational and operational management skills who is passionate about delivering high quality patient centred care.
The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of effective systems and processes that enhance the safety, quality and efficiency of our Stroke Services.
Main duties of the job
Provide professional and operational leadership with continuing responsibility for Stroke services.
Lead manage and support the ward teams undertaking line management responsibilities such as performance management, appraisals, supervision, recruitment and staff development.
Work collaboratively with the MDT to co-ordinate the delivery of comprehensive Stroke services ensuring care is individualised.
Develop and maintain effective communication and collaborative working relationships across professional groups and organisational boundaries to ensure seamless patient care.
Ensure effective management of ward resources including workforce, equipment, and delegated budget to deliver efficient high quality services and achieve organisational objectives.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further details about this vacancy please see the attached job description and person specification.
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
Skill & Abilities
Essential
- Expert stroke clinical knowledge with a proven evidence based approach to work and ability to practice as a proficient practitioner
- Detailed knowledge of clinical and corporate governance requirements and best practice
- Detailed knowledge of understanding clinical risk management systems and processes
- Excellent communication skills
- Well developed skills in effective management of people and resources
- Inspire team members to maintain the highest professional standards
- Appropriately and decisively manage poor performance and provide effective feedback to staff in a constructive manner
- Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors
- Evidence of an ability to manage patient flow and ability to escalate as required in accordance with policy
- Evidence of critical appraisal skills
Desirable
- Evidence of an area of special interest
- Evidence of ability to develop leadership skills
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate experience of leading a team
- Understanding of professional nursing issues
- Significant post registration experience with recent acute hospital care
- Stroke/medical experience in an acute hospital setting
- Experience of developing a service/project
- Experience of quality improvement initiatives
- Experience of influencing ward level quality standards
education, qualifications & training
Essential
- Registered Nurse
- Evidence of continuous professional development
- Teaching qualification
- Completed relevant speciality qualification
- Intermediate life support training, cannulation, venepuncture
- Intravenous administration of medicines
- Masters Qualification or equivalent
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Senior Ward Sister - Stroke Unit with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Dorset County Hospital. It is listed as a Band 7 Nurse (adult and children) role. The advertised salary is £49,387 - £56,515 Per Annum. The contract type is Permanent: Secondment opportunity considered. The application deadline is 28 Aug 2026.
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