Job Summary
We are seeking a highly capable and resilient Head of Healthcare to lead the delivery of healthcare services within a secure custodial environment at HMP Thorn Cross, a Category D/Open male prison near Warrington. The prison is set in attractive, well‑maintained grounds and offers wonderful opportunities for staff and patients.
This is a senior operational management role requiring a confident registered clinician with significant experience in budget management, governance and staff leadership.
You will be responsible for the overall operational performance of the healthcare service, ensuring safe, effective, patient‑centred care in a complex and challenging environment. This role demands a strong leader who can balance clinical credibility with robust management and financial oversight.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strong operational leadership across all healthcare services (primary care, mental health, substance misuse) within the prison, ensuring consistent, high‑quality care delivery
* Take full responsibility for budget management, including planning, monitoring and delivering services within financial constraints while ensuring value for money
* Lead and embed a culture of clinical governance, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, policies and best practice
* Oversee risk management, quality assurance and continuous service improvement initiatives
* Manage, support and develop a multidisciplinary workforce, including performance management, workforce planning and staff well‑being
* Act as a key liaison with prison leadership, commissioners and external stakeholders to ensure integrated and effective service delivery
* Maintain the strategic direction of the service, and deliver on agreed contractual requirements and targets from NHS England
* Lead, develop and motivate your team to deliver the best service possible
* Work closely with senior management within the prison, as well as the finance business partner and regional manager
Salary and Benefits
Full‑time role offering a salary between £53,755 and £60,504 per annum, depending on experience, plus £4,000 car allowance and up to 10 % discretionary bonus.
How we support you:
* Bespoke induction, including our Introducing Health in Justice training course
* Regional and national career development opportunities
* Bespoke Learning Management System to address your learning needs
Candidate Requirements
* Legal right to work in the UK
* Subject to additional vetting and security checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service checks under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
* Qualified and registered clinician (e.g. Nurse or Paramedic) with substantial post‑registration experience
* Proven experience in a senior operational management role within healthcare, ideally in a secure or similarly complex environment
* Strong budget management and financial oversight experience
* In‑depth understanding of clinical governance, risk management and regulatory compliance
* A confident, credible leader with experience managing large multidisciplinary teams
* Resilient, adaptable and able to work effectively within a challenging, highly regulated environment
Desirable:
* Experience in the prison health sector or other custodial environments
* Previous involvement in strategic planning or service development
* Additional clinical specialism or advanced qualifications (e.g., MSc, PGCert)
About the Employer
Practice Plus Group is a national healthcare provider delivering health services across the UK.
Employer Details
Practice Plus Group
HMP Thorn Cross, Arley Rd, Appleton Thorn, Warrington, WA4 4RL
Website: https://practiceplusgroup.com/our-jobs/join-our-team/
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