Job summary
There is an exciting opportunity to support the Ward Manager in leading the team on the Discharge Ready Unit.
The job involves working with the Site Management Team, medical teams and the Ward Managers to improve the patient flow in the hospital by identifying suitable patients for your unit who meet the criteria.
The purpose of this unit is to prevent patients deconditioning, promote their independence, reduce the length of stay and improve patient experience. You will be expected to actively support these goals and lead by example to ensure other members of the nursing team are actively involved.
You will be supported on a day to day by the complex discharge team to facilitate safe discharge from your service and will have links with the Senior Social work and community teams.
This is a very important role and you must have substantial experience as a band 5.
Main duties of the job
Maintaining high standards of patients care throughout the patient's journey.
To liaise closely with social services, other health professionals like therapists, the delegated doctor and the wards to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients seen in the unit.
To mentor and assess all junior staff.
To coordinate and facilitate the effective running of the unit at all times and be able to deputise for the ward manager in her absence.
Ensure all activity is recorded on the electronic patient tracking in a timely manner. Ensure data is collected on a daily basis to analyse the effectiveness of the unit.
Discharge Ready Unit is a nurse led unit which promotes patient deconditioning while patients are waiting for community services to be put into place before discharge. The unit is supported by a multidisciplinary team which includes therapists and a delegated doctor to ensure any medical concerns are dealt with promptly. The role involves working closely with the discharge team, other ward managers and the site team to ensure acute beds are freed up to support flow from the Emergency Department.
About us
Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.
We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.
If you haven't heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probation.
Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
Details
Date posted: 06 November 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £44,485 to £52,521 a year Per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 289-EI-71
Job locations
West Middlesex University Hospital
Isleworth
TW7 6AF
Job description Job responsibilities
To anticipate the care needs of patients and actively manage the patients journey through the unit.
When acting as nurse in charge to be responsible for the early identification and movement of suitable medically fit patients for the DRU to optimise patient flow through the hospital and contribute to a reduced length of stay on the acute wards.
To support, and work with the Ward Manager to provide effective management of the Discharge Ready Unit. Specifically this will include: staff management, stocks, patients care delivery and complete any audits required by the trust.
To be responsible for the promotion of prevention of hospital acquired deconditioning.
To ensure daily activity programmes are taking place every morning and afternoon ensuring dedicated staff are nominated to assist/lead on these.
To pro-actively participate in the planning, assessing, implementation and evaluation of patient care as part of the multi-disciplinary team from admission to discharge.
To deliver care in accordance with the NMC Code of Practice/Scope of Professional Practice and the Trusts policies and protocols.
To act as an advocate for the patient and family at all times.
To ensure the safety of patients in accordance with local and national safeguarding procedures.
To participate in auditing effectiveness and incorporate finding into practice.
Be aware of own limitations and able to elevate issues appropriately.
Key working relationships
* Senior Nurses
* Consultants and their medical teams
* Site Management team
* Discharge Lounge Staff
* Multidisciplinary Teams
* Discharge Team
* Therapy Leads
* Pharmacy
* Social Services
* Red Cross/Age UK
* Community Partners & Teams
* GP
* Specialist Nurses across the Trust
Person Specification
Education and qualifications/Experience - Essential
* NMC Registered Nurse Part 1
* A Degree in Nursing or equivalent
* A clinical expert either through formal qualification (diploma/degree) and/or extensive clinical experience pertinent to the area.
* Post-registration teaching/mentorship qualification or equivalent
Desirable
* A willingness to work towards the Practice Educator qualification or equivalent
Skills and Knowledge - Essential
* Demonstrates evidence of developing innovative practice and of being proactive in managing change
* Ability to utilise evidence-based practice.
* Basic IT and computer & presentation skills
* Demonstrates an understanding of the NMC Code of Professional Conduct
* Awareness of current developments in own clinical specialty
* Able to undertake moving and handling duties
* Able to work clinically and undertake a full range of duties with regards to patient care
* Have a good knowledge in discharge planning for patients with complex needs
* Have experience and understanding of caring for patients with cognitive impairment and challenging behaviour
Desirable
* ILS trained
Personal qualities - Essential
* Ability to work as part of a team and use initiative
* Demonstrates commitment to high standards of patient care and service delivery
* A genuine desire to be a learning facilitator with demonstrable enthusiasm for practice development
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
West Middlesex University Hospital
Isleworth
TW7 6AF
Website: https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
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