Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, experienced, and forward-thinking nurse to lead and enhance the Ophthalmology Acute Eye Service at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust. This pivotal role offers the chance to contribute to the strategic and operational development of a busy and diverse multi-site service based at St Helier Hospital. The Ophthalmology department includes high-volume outpatient clinics, orthoptic services, pre-operative assessment, laser treatments, and dedicated ophthalmology operating theatres. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Senior Nursing Team, Service Managers, Orthoptic Lead, Ophthalmology Consultants, and the wider multidisciplinary team. Their primary focus will be to ensure consistent, high-quality patient care and to support and develop the nursing workforce to uphold and exceed standards of care and patient experience.
Main duties of the job
Senior Staff Nurse for the Acute Eye Service AES) is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the day-to-day management and clinical delivery of urgent and emergency Ophthalmic care. The postholder will lead a team of nurses, technicians, and support staff, working collaboratively with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and allied health professionals to provide a high-quality, patient-centred service. A key function of this role is to independently assess, triage, and manage patients presenting to the AES with a wide range of acute eye conditions, within their scope of practice. This role is essential in ensuring the timely and effective delivery of emergency ophthalmic care, promoting safety, efficiency, and a positive patient experience
Working for our organisation
St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached supporting document which contains more information about the Senior Staff Nurse for the Acute Eye Service role at Epsom and St Helier.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Registered General Nurse
2. Evidence of CPD in Ophthalmology or acute eye service
3. Post Graduate Qualification in Ophthalmology
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Extensive registration experience
5. Previous experience in Ophthalmology
Knowledge
Essential criteria
6. Strong knowledge of Ophthalmic Anatomy, conditions, and treatment Competent in slit lamp examination, visual acuity and IOP measurement
Skills
Essential criteria
7. Good verbal and written skills
8. Interpersonal & communication skills. Willingness to develop own practice
management
Essential criteria
9. Understanding line management requirements.
Your recruitment team
The NHS South West London Recruitment Hub is your dedicated recruitment team, here to support you at every stage of the process. If you have a query, please contact us:
E:
Your application
Please ensure your supporting statement clearly reflects the job description and person specification, as shortlisting will be based on these criteria.
Please refer to the latest UKVI guidance and ensure you have the appropriate right to work before applying for this role.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to draft your application. We value authentic, individual responses that reflect your own experience and communication style.
References
Please provide a minimum of 3 years’ employment and/or education history, including professional email addresses (not personal accounts such as Hotmail or Gmail). If you cannot provide these, please inform the interview panel to avoid delays in pre-employment checks.
Closing date
To help us manage recruitment efficiently, some vacancies may close early once we have received a sufficient number of applications.
Shortlisting
If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be contacted by email or SMS from the South West London Recruitment Hub. Please check your registered TRAC email regularly.
Application feedback
If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Safeguarding and DBS Checks
We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. For roles with direct access to these groups, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. All staff are expected to understand and uphold their safeguarding responsibilities as part of their role.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
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.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
NameHeidi barronJob titleHead of Nursing for SurgeryEmail addressTelephone number07887450335