Job summary
We are looking to recruit a Band 7 Ward Manager for our Acute Medical Admissions Unit - AMU Ward 9b.
The Ward Manager role is a pivotal nursing position in the delivery of excellent standards of care through effective leadership and management. We are looking for an experienced Registered Nurse with a high level of clinical competency in the acute setting, strong leadership skills and proven management experience to take on the challenge.
The applicant should be a dynamic and highly motivated individual, who will work closely and collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to deliver high quality, compassionate care to our patients. This role is based at Southport Hospital and manages a 28-bedded Unit accepting Acute Medical Admissions and Short Stay patients. Applicants must possess the knowledge and skills outlined in the job description and personal specification to apply.
Shortlisting Date: 25th September 2025
Interview Date: 7th October 2025
Band: Band 7 • Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year
Location: Southport Hospital, Town Lane, Kew, Southport PR8 6PN
Date posted: 10 September 2025
Contract: Permanent • Working pattern: Full-time
Reference: 409-7446168
Job locations: Southport Hospital
Duty statement: This post carries 24-hour continuing responsibility for the Unit. Primarily Monday to Friday office hours with participation in out-of-hours support as required.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will be highly visible to staff, patients and relatives, deliver direct patient care while managing, leading, and co-ordinating the Unit. You will provide decisive clinical input and demonstrate leadership, effective communication, flexibility and the ability to work under pressure. You will be a proactive role model, providing inspirational clinical and developmental supervision to all ward staff, and will be expected to work some clinical shifts. You will identify service development needs and contribute to operational planning, development and evaluation of the service.
Responsibilities include:
* Provide leadership, management and team development to designated staff, ensuring safe and effective service delivery.
* Provide specialist advice, leadership and support to the wider MDT with the patient at the center of all decisions.
* Ensure high quality care through assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care delivery.
* Maintain staff and patient records in line with Trust policy.
* Liaise with internal departments and external agencies to provide evidence-based care and contribute to policy and practice changes.
* Manage delegated budget in line with Trust standing financial instructions.
* Uphold professional standards and promote high quality patient care.
* Overall responsibility for department management and accountability for quality of care in the environment, in line with policy and standards.
* Lead with a visible presence and be responsive and accessible to patients, carers and staff.
Clinical Management
* Overall responsibility for delivering high-quality patient care by the team.
* Implement and maintain infection control policies and procedures.
* Participate in quality inspections and develop action plans to rectify identified defects.
* Maintain safe staffing levels and escalate where required.
* Ensure patient records are accurate and reflect care provided.
* Maximise use of clinical resources and initiate improvements within the department.
* Maintain clinical competence per professional standards (e.g., medicines management, pumps/infusions, catheters, sutures, ILS).
* Act as a role model, providing supervision and support to nursing staff.
* Act as an expert clinician, analysing complex needs and making informed judgements.
* Communicate complex or sensitive information with persuasion and reassurance as required.
* Participate in investigations of complaints and incidents with timely, accurate reporting and action.
* Provide timely data and statistical returns as required.
People Management
* Coordinate and monitor rosters, annual leave, study leave and sickness to ensure safe staffing.
* Plan orientation for new staff and ensure mandatory training compliance with records kept.
* Provide regular supervision and personal development plans; monitor performance and address issues through formal processes as needed.
* Oversee recruitment, selection and retention in line with policies.
* Develop teaching programs and meet educational needs of students in the department.
Leadership and Development
* Involve patients and carers in planning and delivery of care with effective communication systems.
* Monitor standards of care and lead improvements through evidence-based practice.
* Assist in policy/protocol development and deliver service improvements with senior leaders.
Budget Management Responsibilities
* Delegated budget holder for the department, balancing pay and non-pay lines.
* Attend monthly budget meetings and report variances.
* Achieve financial, manpower and operational objectives; ensure efficient use of resources, stock management and equipment care.
* Handle patients valuables securely.
Research and Audit
* Develop, undertake and implement audits; promote current research and apply findings to practice where relevant.
* Disseminate local/national/international research findings and develop methods of auditing nursing practice.
Personal Development
* Maintain ongoing professional development and participate in knowledge and skills development reviews.
* Identify development needs, maintain a professional portfolio, and support team wellbeing.
* Represent the directorate at corporate groups and working groups; participate in business planning and lead delegated policy projects.
Person Specification
Qualifications – Essential
* Registered Nurse or Registered health professional Diploma/ Degree level qualification
* Current NMC Registration
* Evidence of continuous professional development
* Leadership training or qualification (minimum Level 4 ILM or equivalent) or equivalent experience
Knowledge & Experience – Essential
* Knowledge of NMC professional standards
* Experience of managing teams
* Experience of service development and clinical pathway management
* Substantial clinical experience
* Understanding of NHS budget management at departmental level
* Experience in relevant research/audit and clinical governance/risk
Skills – Essential
* Current clinical skills and up-to-date practice
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and management skills
* Leadership ability and accountability for professional actions
* Ability to network, drive change and work with electronic patient records
Other – Essential
* Physical requirements described in the job spec (e.g., occasional heavy work, frequent concentration, dealing with interruptions)
* Ability to handle distressing circumstances and manage complaints
* Experience of direct clinical care in a ward setting
* Potential exposure to blood or body fluids
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require a Disclosure submission to the DBS to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Southport Hospital, Town Lane, Kew, Southport, PR8 6PN
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