University Hospital Crosshouse
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
NHS Scotland:
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Who we are:
NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.
In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.
To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website -
Position:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Dementia Nurse Consultant based at University Hospital Crosshouse. This post is offered on a permanent basis.
Hours:
36 hours per week.
From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.
UK Driving Licence:
A UK driving licence is essential for this role.
What you will do:
You will provide professional strategic nursing leadership, research/academic leadership and expert consultancy on all aspects of clinical nursing practice and care of people with Dementia across the patient pathway in NHS Ayrshire and Arran (NHSA&A), with an additional remit to support the development of practice and services in hospital settings.
This will involve working across professional and organisational boundaries, in partnership and in collaboration with others including service users, carers, health professionals, social work, voluntary sector staff, and local education providers. The post holder will have a defined research and teaching remit within the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
The key outcomes from the post will include achievement of:
1. Reduce need for hospital admissions through supporting higher care needs at home
2. An increase in the number of people discharged home with flexible community packages of care or support services in place
3. An increase in satisfaction with care received, reported by people with dementia or their carers
4. A reduction in number of people with dementia inappropriately prescribed antipsychotic medication or sedation as a means of controlling behaviours issues that that arises from stress and distress.
5. A dementia care improvement research project undertaken and completed
For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description.
Knowledge, training and/or experience required for this post:
Applications would be welcomed from people who can meet the following criteria:
Knowledge and Professional Training
6. First level qualification of Registered Mental Nurse and current registration with the NMC
7. First Degree in relevant subject
8. Higher Degree Masters degree or evidence of attainment of Masters level education (SQF level 11), working towards achievement of the full Masters degree or the equivalent level of knowledge and skill acquired through lengthy specialist experience.
9. The post holder is required to demonstrate a high level of competence and excellence in professional leadership, expert practice, strategic planning / service development, education and training, and research and development.
10. Working knowledge of relevant legislation, guidelines and strategies.
Experience
11. Extensive clinical experience in the care and treatment of people with Dementia
12. Extensive post registration experience required
13. Experience of specialist interventions in the assessment and management of people with Dementia
14. Experience of practice and service development
15. Experience of teaching / education of others
16. Previous leadership experience
For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the person specification