Ward Manager

Job overview

The Discharge Ready Unit on Crane Ward is a 28-bedded unit dedicated to patients who are medically optimised for discharge but are awaiting the implementation of appropriate community care packages to support a safe and effective transition home or placement in a nursing home.

In addition to facilitating timely and safe discharge, the unit places a strong emphasis on preventing patient deconditioning. Patients are supported to remain active through daily exercise sessions led by a physiotherapist. A wide range of therapeutic and social activities are also available, including board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, and supervised access to the garden to promote fresh air and wellbeing. The ward benefits from volunteer support, including live music and dance sessions, as well as visits from a therapy dog, all of which contribute to a positive and engaging environment.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced professional to lead a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering high-quality care and achieving excellent patient outcomes.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative clinical environment
• Opportunities to shape and further develop the Discharge Ready Unit
• A strong emphasis on quality improvement and person-centred care

If you are passionate about enhancing care for frail patients and would like to contribute to an innovative and evolving service, we would welcome your application.

Main duties of the job

To be responsible for the overall management of the clinical area and the professional development of staff within that area. The Ward Manager will provide advice and support to the whole multidisciplinary team in caring for patients. The Ward Manager will be expected to maintain high standards of care and be accountable for auditing those standards. The post holder will liaise closely with colleagues in managing the provision of beds and staffing across the Division. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining a suitable and safe environment for patients and staff. On occasion the post holder will deputize for the Matron in their absence.

The post holder will be responsible for providing leadership and professional development for the nursing and support workers within the clinical area. They will provide professional advice and support to the whole multidisciplinary team in caring for patients. The post holder will also provide nursing leadership for implementation and evaluation of all education, training and development of staff. They will develop, implement and evaluate policies, guidelines and protocols for the management of patients attending the clinical area in conjunction with the specialist MDT teams. They will be responsible for the interpretation of and maintaining compliance with Trust policies.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Management

Provide 24-hour responsibility for ward nursing care and overall operational leadership. Manage patient flow, including admissions and timely transfer of medically fit patients (e.g. DRU) to reduce length of stay. Maintain and update standard operating procedures and ensure holistic, patient-centred care delivery. Recruit, retain and manage staff, ensuring appropriate skill mix and effective rota management (including leave and agency use). Conduct appraisals and PDRs, identifying and addressing training and development needs. Address performance, conduct, and disciplinary issues in line with Trust policies. Manage ward budgets (pay and non-pay), ensuring financial efficiency and cost improvements. Ensure a safe, clean environment, reporting and addressing risks, incidents, and equipment issues. Oversee data collection, audits, and reporting (e.g. staffing, dependency, quality). Ensure safe medicines management in line with policy. Promote awareness and implementation of Trust policies and updates. Participate in meetings, projects, and deputise for the Matron when required. Manage and respond to complaints and incidents, including root cause analysis and service improvements.

Frailty and Patient Flow Leadership

Lead safe, effective, and compassionate care for frail patients, supporting independence and preventing deterioration. Promote person-centred discharge planning and multidisciplinary collaboration across hospital and community services. Provide expert advice on frailty care and complex decision-making. Ensure staffing and resources support safe care delivery and reduced length of stay.

Clinical Practice

Act as a clinical expert and role model, participating in direct patient care. Monitor and improve quality of care through audits, feedback, and outcome measures. Ensure high standards of documentation and effective use of electronic records. Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, patients, and carers. Promote evidence-based practice, clinical supervision, and service development. Support health promotion, rehabilitation, and patient-centred care. Liaise with other departments to ensure service quality and issue resolution.

Education

Identify and support staff learning needs through appraisals and education planning. Ensure a positive learning environment for students, including mentorship and preceptorship. Lead and participate in training and teaching activities. Support new staff induction and development.

Professional Development

Maintain own professional development and PDR. Comply with the NMC Code and relevant professional standards. Engage in ongoing learning aligned with service needs.

Communication

Deliver clear, inclusive, and sensitive communication, adapting to individual needs and barriers. Promote open, constructive dialogue to support improvement and patient-centred care.