Job summary
- Main area
- Frailty
- Grade
- Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- 37.5 hours per week (Full time - 37.5 hours per week)
- Job ref
- 279-7407737-AUG25
- Employer
- 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Royal Sussex County Hospital
- Town
- Brighton
- Salary
- £47,810 - £54,710 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 28/08/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Frailty SDEC Clinical Nurse Specialist and Unit Manager
Band 7
About our Trust
At 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 always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and 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 always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
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=1
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced nurse with a passion for frailty care to take on the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist / Ward Manager within our Frailty Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service. Based in the Frailty Directorate, Medicine Division, at one of our acute hospital sites, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape high-quality care for older adults in an acute setting.
The service is focused on delivering rapid assessment and personalised care to elderly patients, aiming to reduce unnecessary admissions and prevent prolonged hospital stays through timely intervention and multidisciplinary working.
As the CNS/Ward Manager, you will play a key role in leading the nursing team, ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate care delivery. You will be expected to demonstrate strong clinical leadership, promote evidence-based practice, and actively support service development and quality improvement initiatives.
You will be fully supported with a tailored induction, access to continued professional development, and opportunities to further advance your leadership and clinical skills as part of a forward-thinking and supportive team at University Hospitals Sussex.
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
Main duties of the job
This is a varied, challenging, and rewarding leadership role where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference to patient experience and outcomes.
As Clinical Nurse Specialist / Ward Manager, you will lead the day-to-day running of the Frailty Same Day Emergency Care Unit (C8), providing visible clinical leadership and overseeing safe, efficient care delivery for frail patients. You will manage the triage of referrals, coordinate timely assessments and interventions, and support effective discharge planning, working closely with the multidisciplinary team.
You will have responsibility for:
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Line management of nursing staff, including rostering, supervision, and performance management
-
Prioritising and delegating workload to ensure high-quality care under pressure
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Leading on audits, quality assurance, and nursing professional development
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Monitoring and maintaining clinical standards and patient safety
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Acting as a change agent in developing a flexible, responsive service aligned with future models of care
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Championing the delivery of care that upholds privacy, dignity, and compassionate practice
The role requires confidence in working in an unpredictable clinical environment, including managing clinical emergencies and challenging behaviours.
The service currently operates Monday to Friday, with plans to transition to a 7-day model, which will require participation in a rotational weekend rota once implemented.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & 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 & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
-
Provide clinical and operational leadership for the Frailty SDEC unit, ensuring safe and effective care delivery.
-
Lead and manage the nursing team, including supervision, development, and rostering.
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Coordinate and support rapid assessment and treatment pathways for frail older adults, aiming to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
-
Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure timely and person-centred care.
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Drive quality improvement initiatives, service development, and adherence to clinical governance standards.
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Act as a role model in promoting high standards of clinical practice, patient safety, and compassionate care.
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Support the education and development of staff, including mentoring and clinical supervision.
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Contribute to data collection, audits, and reporting to monitor and improve service performance.
***Please see Job description for a comprehensive list of responsibilities***
Person specification
Qualifications / Experience
Essential criteria
- Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
- Evidence of post-registration study relevant to acute medicine or frailty (e.g., frailty care, older adults, SDEC)
- Recognised leadership or management training or qualification (or willingness to work towards)
- Experience in leading a team or coordinating care in a ward/unit setting
- Working towards or completed a postgraduate qualification
- Mentorship qualification in Teaching & assessing
- Evidence of professional development through short courses, academic study at a minimum of post-registration level.
- Extensive varied experience in nursing
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable criteria
- Experience in quality improvement or service development initiatives
- Understanding of clinical governance, risk management, and audit processes
- Previous experience as a CNS, ward manager, or equivalent Band 7 leadership role
- ALS/ILS proficient
- Co-ordinating an SDEC
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Daniela Cunha
- Job title
- Matron
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01273 696955
- Additional information
Riezel Paniza, Head of Nursing for Frailty
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