Ward Manager, Surrey Surgical Centre WardsinChertseyinChertseyPUBLISHED FRI 7 MAR 2025

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced ward manager to lead our elective orthopedic and surgical wards. This is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care while providing strong leadership and support to the ward team.

• Take responsibility for the 24-hour operational management and service delivery within the Surrey Surgical Centre wards and other departments within the unit. This includes line management of all ward and departmental staff, managing and monitoring resources within a defined budget, and contributing to the corporate agenda.
• Lead and promote a high-quality service, incorporating research and evidence-based practice, including the setting and monitoring of clinical standards.
• Act as the clinical lead within the ward and departments, ensuring excellence in patient care.
• Actively contribute to and support the Outreach service for the Trust, providing expert advice to multi-professional teams requiring Critical Care guidance for acutely unwell patients.

Lead and supervise the delivery of safe, high-quality nursing care ensuring adherence to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, Trust's Nursing Strategy, and relevant policies. Maintain and develop both basic and advanced clinical skills to ensure continuous professional growth. Demonstrate expert clinical knowledge within critical care nursing.

Act as a specialist resource, providing clinical expertise and guidance within the Division and Trust. Ensure compliance with infection control policies, maintaining high clinical and housekeeping standards. Promote and provide comprehensive health education to patients and carers, supporting informed decision-making. Advocate for research-based, evidence-led practice to improve patient care.

Lead quality improvement initiatives, including audits, standard setting, and patient feedback, to enhance care delivery. Provide leadership and operational management, ensuring efficient service delivery and optimal outcomes. Oversee patient care planning, ensuring NHS guidelines and best practices are followed.

Manage staffing, budgets, and resources effectively, ensuring efficient ward operation. Drive patient safety, quality assurance, and infection control compliance. Support staff development through mentorship, training, and appraisals. Collaborate with senior management, consultants, and other departments to enhance service delivery and improve efficiency. Monitor KPIs and implement action plans to improve performance and patient outcomes.

About us

The Ward Manager is responsible for providing clinical leadership, operational management, and high-quality patient care within the Elective Orthopaedic and Surgical Wards. The role ensures the efficient and effective delivery of services, compliance with regulatory standards, and the professional development of the nursing team.

Management Responsibilities

1. Clinical Leadership & Patient Care Lead and oversee the delivery of safe, high-quality nursing care, ensuring compliance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, NHS guidelines, and Trust policies. Act as the clinical lead, maintaining high standards of evidence-based practice in elective orthopaedic and surgical care. Foster a patient-centred approach, ensuring individualised care to enhance patient experience and outcomes. Promote infection prevention and control measures, ensuring adherence to hygiene protocols and maintaining ward cleanliness. Ensure effective pain management, wound care, and post-operative recovery strategies in line with best practices. Actively contribute to the development and implementation of patient safety initiatives.

2. Operational Management Take 24-hour responsibility for the operational management of the ward, ensuring efficient coordination of staff, resources, and patient flow. Manage the ward within a defined budget, optimising the use of pay and non-pay resources to ensure cost-effectiveness. Oversee admission, discharge, and transfer processes, ensuring smooth patient flow and minimising delays. Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation, in line with legal and professional requirements. Conduct regular risk assessments and health and safety audits, ensuring action plans are developed and targets are met. Ensure safe use of equipment, confirming staff are competent in its operation and maintaining a training log for compliance.

3. Staff Leadership & Development Lead the recruitment, selection, and retention of nursing staff in collaboration with the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). Provide strong leadership, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment that promotes staff well-being and engagement. Ensure effective staffing deployment, planning an appropriate skill mix in relation to workload and patient needs. Conduct appraisals, performance reviews, and professional development plans, ensuring continuous staff growth. Identify training and education needs, facilitating opportunities for learning and career progression. Manage staff concerns, grievances, and disciplinary matters professionally, in line with HR policies. Ensure shift leaders understand and adhere to their responsibilities as per the Trusts Standards for Practice and Care. Act as an effective role model, demonstrating organisational and leadership skills. Deputise for the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) in their absence.

4. Quality Assurance & Service Improvement Lead clinical audits and governance initiatives, ensuring compliance with CQC standards, Trust policies, and national guidelines. Drive continuous service development and process redesign in collaboration with the Matron/CNL. Initiate and lead projects to improve nursing care and ward management, ensuring evidence-based practice. Investigate incidents and complaints, providing reports and implementing action plans for improvement. Promote a culture of learning, actively incorporating patient and staff feedback to drive service enhancement. Monitor standards of cleanliness and catering within the clinical area, taking corrective action where necessary.

5. Communication & Collaborative Working Act as the key liaison between the ward, senior management, consultants, and other healthcare professionals. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the multi-disciplinary team across the unit and Trust. Represent the ward in meetings, strategy discussions, and service planning initiatives. Ensure clear, professional communication with patients, families, and carers, addressing concerns and promoting shared decision-making.

6. Compliance & Governance Ensure the ward complies with NHS, Trust, and regulatory body standards, maintaining excellence in care delivery. Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), implementing strategies to improve ward performance and patient outcomes. Promote adherence to health and safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for both staff and patients. Contribute to business planning within the Directorate, ensuring service sustainability and efficiency.