Job overview

Same day medical assessment (SDMA) is one of the many ways the NHS is working to provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time for patients. SDMA are looking for dynamic nurses to join this team.

It aims to benefit both patients and the healthcare system by reducing waiting times and hospital admissions, where appropriate.

SDMA is the provision of same day care for emergency patients who would otherwise be admitted to hospital. Under this care model, patients presenting at hospital with relevant conditions can be rapidly assessed, diagnosed and treated without being admitted to a ward, and if clinically safe to do so, will go home the same day their care is provided.

Main duties of the job

To implement and be responsible for maintaining high standards of patient care.

To promote patient safety

To act in accordance with policies and nursing procedures as per Trust policy.

To ensure confidentiality of patient records and high standards of nursing documentation.

To be aware of the complaints procedure and be able to apply it as needed.

To escalate as appropriate any untoward incidents, complaints and ward/staff issues.

To participate in ongoing clinical supervision.

To maintain own personal portfolio/profile and to take responsibility for annual updates on current legislative/hospital issues.

To ensure all training undertaken is evaluated to determine its effectiveness in practice and to ensure all objectives have been met.

To assist in teaching programmes for student nurses/new staff and newly qualified nurses and contribute towards a positive learning environment.

To promote good working relationships and to support the ward manager to achieve high morale within the team.

To assist in the auditing of patient care and service delivery.

To use all resources efficiently and effectively maintaining an awareness of budgetary implications.

To carry out all administrative and nursing duties as delegated by the shift leader .

Working for our organisation

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It serves a population of around 470,000 people, a figure that can increase significantly with visitors during the busiest times of the year. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £740 million. 

RCHT is responsible for the provision of services at three main sites with approximately 780 inpatient beds: 

Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro 

St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle 

West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance 

We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School. 

Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we are continually developing our clinical services as well as our facilities, and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care that can be offered locally. Allied to this is a growing reputation for research and innovation. 

The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles. This plays a vital part in attracting and retaining highly skilled teams of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who support the care of well over half a million people each year.