Job Description
About our TrustCandidate Information PackAt UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere.
Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be.
From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.Job overviewWe are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic Senior Nurse to lead our Discharge Lounge team in St Richards Hospital. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the Discharge and integrated flow team.The Discharge Lounge is an essential part of the Trust, and strong leadership is key to its success.
The Lounge: * Support capacity and flow through the emergency and planned care pathways by releasing inpatient bed capacity earlier in the day. * Enhancing the patient journey by providing a safe environment for patients to wait away from the ward area whilst the final arrangements for discharge/ transfer are being made. The successful applicant will work closely with Ward Leaders and Matrons and will be key to the Trust breakthrough objective – moving the median hour of discharge, ensuring early flow and increasing the utilisation.
If you are highly motivated with a passion for transformation and leadership, clinically competent, with new ideas and keen for a challenge then this role could be for you. It will be a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional individual to lead a team whilst providing a consistent approach to the discharge process, seeking innovative ways to provide care and continuing the increase in DCL utilisation achieved to date. Main duties of the jobThe Discharge Lounge Lead Nurse will be responsible for:- Ensuring the safe delivery of care to all patients on their discharge ensuring a standardised approach is maintained by all staff to ensure the patient is fully informed and ready for discharge- Ensuring positive patient satisfaction and positive patient feedback.- Being actively involved in service development and personal development- Working collaboratively and cooperatively with clinical and managerial colleagues to develop services and quality of care delivered using continuous improvement methodology- Effectively communicating with patients, relatives and all health professionals- Ensuring the nursing team are adequately supported and developed to deliver excellent care with compassion in line with Trust values- Being a role model to others and is responsible for the strong leadership and management of the units ensuring safe clinical delivery of care carrying out regular audits and monitoring to support a safe, clean and organised environment based on research and development opportunities- Ensuring shared decision making is embedded throughout the discharge process- Undertaking research, audit and quality initiativesWorking for our organisationAt UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating.
Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.Candidate Pack This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- Provide professional leadership with responsibility for performance and the day to day running of the Discharge Lounge.- Be able to develop, motivate, innovate and lead a team.- Demonstrate a logical, flexible and innovative approach to problem solving.- To act as an expert practitioner demonstrating specialist knowledge, skills and expertise within discharge and within the context of changing health care provision.- Ensure that a supportive teaching and learning environment is in place.- Ensure that all staff are working to their required level of clinical and professional competence whilst adhering to their NMC professional code of conduct. Ensuring that all staff are developed to attain competence as highlighted at appraisal.- Actively audit and proactively manage care against audits, incidents, high impact interventions, complaints and benchmarking.- Ensure that the discharge lounge reflects infection control standards of cleanliness, be proactive in response to any issues raised through cleaning audits, infection control audits or patient environment inspections.- Ensure high levels of patient satisfaction; ensure that any required actions are reported back to the matron from patient questionnaires and implemented where applicable.- When required, deal with patient complaints proactively to minimise the risk of them becoming formal. Appropriately investigate complaints in a timely manner and provide response as required.
Prepare and evaluate staffing rosters, adjust accordingly to provide cover with the required skill mix making best use of resources available. Minimise the use of bank and agency staff by relocation of staff as needed to cover the rota effectively.- In conjunction with the Hospital Director of Nursing assist with appointing staff to your area in line with the recruitment policy and budget allocation.- Report/ action any accidents, incidence or undue occurrences reported to you or witnessed by you in line with Trust policy. Ensure the timely management of incidence allocated to you for investigation on Datix.
Ensure proactive investigation of any clinical incidence, undertaking root cause analysis if indicated, ensuring action plans are developed as needed.- To have the responsibility for risk management and health and safety in the workplace, by being proactive in raising risks with the Hospital Leadership team and ensuring adequate controls are in place to manage these risks.- Ensure staff sickness in the discharge lounge team is managed proactively within Trust policy.Person specificationExperienceEssential criteria- Senior Band 6 experience- Experience of Discharge proceduresDesirable criteria- Band 7 experience- Experience of working in other acute areas.- PFIS or quality improvement training.- Experience of working with in DCL.- Evidence of study at Level 7 at University (eg. MSc modules/degree)QualificationsEssential criteria- Management/ leadership qualification or equivalent experience and demonstrate ability to work towards management/Leadership qualification- Ability to act as clinical expert or equivalent- Computer literate- Mentorship course or equivalent e.g. PS/PADesirable criteria- Immediate Life Support or Advanced Life Support- Recognised leadership and/or management course (eg.
University module or NHS)SkillsEssential criteria- Ability to organise and co-ordinate the work of the multi-disciplinary team- Able to produce and modify staff rotas that meet the manpower needs of the ward and medical unitEquality, Diversity, and InclusionEssential criteria- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).Important information for applicants:A Note on AI Use in ApplicationsWe value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected.
We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager. DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check .
We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applicationsFurther InformationFor help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [email protected].For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [email protected].