Job summary A fantastic opportunity has arisen for applicants to apply for the Matron post, to lead a team of professionals to provide the best care within our General Surgery/Urology departments. This is an exciting opportunity for a forward thinking, highly motivated individual to join a dynamic, rapidly expanding team, delivering multidisciplinary care within General Surgery & Urology. Working closely with the Clinical Director and Directorate Manager, the successful applicant must be willing to lead and develop patient services within these specialties - working to improve the patient experience. You must have a proven track record of progressive leadership and development. Be an effective role model, self-motivated with the passion, drive and adaptability to cope with change within the Trust and across the whole of the health economy that we provide our services to. You should possess excellent communication skills, be visible and accessible with quality and standards as your priority. You will need to be flexible and resilient in order to cope with the demands of the role. In addition you must be able to influence and negotiate in order to improve the service your teams provide for their patients. An Enhanced DBS with barred lists for both Adults & Children is required for this post. Main duties of the job To provide clinical, professional, and managerial leadership within the service, ensuring that action is taken at all levels to empower Nurses/Midwives in providing demonstrably high standards of care in a clean and safe environment. To provide strong clinical leadership skills, with the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, work across boundaries, influence, and lead others in practice to deliver clinical outcomes. The post holder will be 'visible' and recognisable to patients, relatives and staff and act as a 'champion' for quality and equality of standards and patient care within the Trust. Act as lead nurse/midwife for the care of patients within their sphere of responsibility. To be responsible for the implementation, monitoring, training, and audit of all quality standards, in particular infection prevention and control measures within areas of responsibility. To support service improvements ensuring patient safety and quality of care within these processes. Has overall accountability within their areas of responsibility for the monitoring, review, improvement and provision of evidence and assurance relating to patient care. About us Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9000 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites. We strongly believe that the communities we serve should all have access to Five Star Patient Care. Our services: Acute Care Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites. Primary Care Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital. Community Services Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation, freeing up space for more unwell patients. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre. Specialist Regional Services We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales. Achievements: Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018 Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal) National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme Date posted 07 November 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 409-S6759073 Job locations Whiston Hospital Whiston L35 5DR Job description Job responsibilities KEY DUTIES Agree service requirements with relevant service/nursing leads, Ward Managers, Sister/Charge Nurses. Plan service requirements as identified, in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Maintain a healthy, safe, and productive working environment in line with legal, organisational and professional requirements. Monitor the quality of nursing/midwifery services through Quality Care Indicators (QCI) and local metrics. Provide nursing/midwifery knowledge and skills to undertake the operational management and strategic development of the service. Escalation of any professional nursing concerns to the Associate Director of Nursing and the Clinical Director/Manager as appropriate. Contribute to performance management of the service ensuring delivery of key targets by assisting in collecting and collating evidence necessary to demonstrate compliance with CQC essential standard and escalate to the relevant manager. Maintain a high profile in the clinical areas being accessible to staff, patients and their families providing support and advice and addressing any problems. Lead, facilitate and chair meetings across the Division/service or Trust, providing clinical expertise, professional leadership, and management for designated project. Participate and lead in Division/service and nurse management issues. SERVICE QUALITY, IMPROVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT Manage and lead change in work methods and practice that will improve the standards of care for patients. Identify opportunities for improvements in nursing/midwifery and clinical practices as highlighted through evidence, research-based practice and national standards, e.g. National Service Frameworks, National Institute of Clinical Excellence, local QCI and metrics and statutory inspections. Evaluate proposed changes for benefits and disadvantages and plan the implementation of changes in work methods and practice/midwifery practice and facilitate compliance within Quality Care Indicator standards. Comply with all relevant policies, procedures and training on infection prevention and control and lead IPC principles within their services. Improve the patients experience within designed clinical areas by assuring the highest standards of clinical/nonclinical care through effective line management and professional leadership of the nursing workforce. Ensure the delivery of nursing/midwifery care and the environment, particularly in relation to complex and/or vulnerable patients, is patient focused and best practice. Ensure action is taken in relation to all statutory feedback through audits and CQC/Friends and Family Test/complaints feedback related to patient experience. BUDGET & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Manage the use of physical resources in consultation with Ward Managers / Sisters /Charge Nurses, to ensure a safe, effective, high-quality service that is cost effective is provided Be responsible, accountable within delegated budget and authorise expenditure in line with Standard Finance Instruction (SFI). Ensure robust systems are in place for budgetary management and achievement of finance targets. Authorised Signatory for timesheets and temporary staffing authorisation. To develop managers/leaders in understanding and adherence to the Trusts Financial Regulations/Standing Financial Instructions. To actively participate in identifying cost improvement plans (CIPs) and implement CIPs within the Division/service. To be responsible for the compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness of each E-roster within their service. Ensure E-rostering is implemented, monitored, and managed within Division/service to ensure the provision of safe, effective service in line with Trust policy. Attend regular monitoring meetings to demonstrate compliance of E-roster for designated ward. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Maintain and develop own professional competence and expertise and always comply with the NMC statutory regulations. Act as role model for nursing/midwifery and clinical staff ensuring that their practice is in accordance with his/her job role, job description and professional parameters. Continuously develop individual knowledge and skills, particularly in relation to evidence-based practice. Prioritise work to meet personal and organisational objectives. Ensure other practice in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct and other applicable professional standards. PEOPLE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and maintain productive working relationships to ensure a high standard of patient care. Enhance the trust and support of senior staff, colleagues, and the multi-disciplinary team. Ensure all staff within area of responsibility are up to date with mandatory and role specific training and have up to date training records available. Undertake performance management activities for staff in line with Trust policy. Implement, maintain and be responsible for a robust annual leave process in the Division/service that enables effective service continuity, in line with E-roster policy. Implement and maintain appropriate sickness management processes are in place and contribute to the Trust and business unit targets. Provide appropriate guidance and support to staff in line with the Trusts disciplinary and sickness procedures. Lead, and be responsible for, the implementation of HR policies within the departments and participate in formal stages of the procedures as requested by senior/service leader. Plan, implement and manage change processes or service reviews, paying particular attention to clinical staffing, nursing practice and operational systems within the division/service. Role model Trust leadership attitudes, behaviours, and values. Challenge inappropriate attitudes or behaviour and recognise & value appropriate behaviour, consistent with Trust values & the Trust leadership model. Cultivate an open & honest culture where people feel able to raise concerns & share good practice through role modelling & positive reinforcement. Ensure concerns are listened to, acted upon & feedback is given. Take ownership of problems, and/or influence if outside control. Develop team morale and motivation through effective personal leadership ensuring views and decisions are communicated up and down the management structure. Regularly communicate Trust and service strategic objectives and key issues to all staff. Create opportunities to enhance staff involvement in the operational running of the service, encouraging staff to get involved, put forward ideas, concerns & suggestions. Responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of staff within the speciality/unit, ensuring the effective implementation of trust policy. Responsible for ensuring recruitment and other people management processes and practices are in line with the Trust policy. Responsible for staff complying with mandatory and role specific training/appraisal and on-going development for staff. Pro-actively manage staff to ensure compliance with recruitment and retention processes and mandatory/role specific training. Support the team and the individuals in the team to develop and maintain performance. Identify the development needs of teams and individuals through the Personal Development Plan process. Plan the development needs of teams and individuals and identify/implement succession planning strategies. Develop teams to improve their clinical knowledge, skills, patient centred care and performance. Support individual learning and development, in line with service development and trust vision. Effectively manage the performance of teams and individuals WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Work always within the NMC Professional Code of Conduct, taking accountability for professional action and ensure that other nurses within the speciality/unit do the same. Undertake a pivotal role in optimising the patients experience and outcome of care through the development and implementation of robust care pathways, service redesign, new roles and new ways of working. Ensure that the relevant senior leaders are kept always updated on all professional issues within the Division/service. To work in close association with other Matrons within the Division/Services. Ensure adequate provision is made to provide cross cover for times of annual leave and participate in the Matron rota. Develop new opportunities and roles to provide safe patient care throughout Division/service. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION Provide information to support decision making. Obtain information for decision making as necessary. Record and store information safely in line with information governance processes. Analyse information to support decision making. Advise and inform others as necessary. QUALITY MANAGEMENT (SAFETY, EXPERIENCE & EFFECTIVENESS) Promote the importance and benefits of high-quality care. Promote a quality and safety culture within the Division/service that promotes and values achievement in patient safety and quality. Ensure that standards of care within designed areas are maintained at a high standard in accordance with NMC, national best practice, CQC, statutory regulations, Trust Standards and are in line with evidence-based practice. Monitor performance on patient safety and take steps to address areas of concern through local checklists, Quality indicators, clinical metrics, environmental audits and assessment and accreditation programmes. Support quality improvements within responsible areas and provide leadership in implementing quality strategies. Lead Trust Wide Quality Improvement initiatives through identified methodology. Ensure that all untoward incidents and near-misses are reported by staff within the Division/service in accordance with the Trust policy, and ensure lessons are learned and communicated to staff within the Division/Service. Job description Job responsibilities KEY DUTIES Agree service requirements with relevant service/nursing leads, Ward Managers, Sister/Charge Nurses. Plan service requirements as identified, in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Maintain a healthy, safe, and productive working environment in line with legal, organisational and professional requirements. Monitor the quality of nursing/midwifery services through Quality Care Indicators (QCI) and local metrics. Provide nursing/midwifery knowledge and skills to undertake the operational management and strategic development of the service. Escalation of any professional nursing concerns to the Associate Director of Nursing and the Clinical Director/Manager as appropriate. Contribute to performance management of the service ensuring delivery of key targets by assisting in collecting and collating evidence necessary to demonstrate compliance with CQC essential standard and escalate to the relevant manager. Maintain a high profile in the clinical areas being accessible to staff, patients and their families providing support and advice and addressing any problems. Lead, facilitate and chair meetings across the Division/service or Trust, providing clinical expertise, professional leadership, and management for designated project. Participate and lead in Division/service and nurse management issues. SERVICE QUALITY, IMPROVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT Manage and lead change in work methods and practice that will improve the standards of care for patients. Identify opportunities for improvements in nursing/midwifery and clinical practices as highlighted through evidence, research-based practice and national standards, e.g. National Service Frameworks, National Institute of Clinical Excellence, local QCI and metrics and statutory inspections. Evaluate proposed changes for benefits and disadvantages and plan the implementation of changes in work methods and practice/midwifery practice and facilitate compliance within Quality Care Indicator standards. Comply with all relevant policies, procedures and training on infection prevention and control and lead IPC principles within their services. Improve the patients experience within designed clinical areas by assuring the highest standards of clinical/nonclinical care through effective line management and professional leadership of the nursing workforce. Ensure the delivery of nursing/midwifery care and the environment, particularly in relation to complex and/or vulnerable patients, is patient focused and best practice. Ensure action is taken in relation to all statutory feedback through audits and CQC/Friends and Family Test/complaints feedback related to patient experience. BUDGET & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Manage the use of physical resources in consultation with Ward Managers / Sisters /Charge Nurses, to ensure a safe, effective, high-quality service that is cost effective is provided Be responsible, accountable within delegated budget and authorise expenditure in line with Standard Finance Instruction (SFI). Ensure robust systems are in place for budgetary management and achievement of finance targets. Authorised Signatory for timesheets and temporary staffing authorisation. To develop managers/leaders in understanding and adherence to the Trusts Financial Regulations/Standing Financial Instructions. To actively participate in identifying cost improvement plans (CIPs) and implement CIPs within the Division/service. To be responsible for the compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness of each E-roster within their service. Ensure E-rostering is implemented, monitored, and managed within Division/service to ensure the provision of safe, effective service in line with Trust policy. Attend regular monitoring meetings to demonstrate compliance of E-roster for designated ward. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Maintain and develop own professional competence and expertise and always comply with the NMC statutory regulations. Act as role model for nursing/midwifery and clinical staff ensuring that their practice is in accordance with his/her job role, job description and professional parameters. Continuously develop individual knowledge and skills, particularly in relation to evidence-based practice. Prioritise work to meet personal and organisational objectives. Ensure other practice in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct and other applicable professional standards. PEOPLE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and maintain productive working relationships to ensure a high standard of patient care. Enhance the trust and support of senior staff, colleagues, and the multi-disciplinary team. Ensure all staff within area of responsibility are up to date with mandatory and role specific training and have up to date training records available. Undertake performance management activities for staff in line with Trust policy. Implement, maintain and be responsible for a robust annual leave process in the Division/service that enables effective service continuity, in line with E-roster policy. Implement and maintain appropriate sickness management processes are in place and contribute to the Trust and business unit targets. Provide appropriate guidance and support to staff in line with the Trusts disciplinary and sickness procedures. Lead, and be responsible for, the implementation of HR policies within the departments and participate in formal stages of the procedures as requested by senior/service leader. Plan, implement and manage change processes or service reviews, paying particular attention to clinical staffing, nursing practice and operational systems within the division/service. Role model Trust leadership attitudes, behaviours, and values. Challenge inappropriate attitudes or behaviour and recognise & value appropriate behaviour, consistent with Trust values & the Trust leadership model. Cultivate an open & honest culture where people feel able to raise concerns & share good practice through role modelling & positive reinforcement. Ensure concerns are listened to, acted upon & feedback is given. Take ownership of problems, and/or influence if outside control. Develop team morale and motivation through effective personal leadership ensuring views and decisions are communicated up and down the management structure. Regularly communicate Trust and service strategic objectives and key issues to all staff. Create opportunities to enhance staff involvement in the operational running of the service, encouraging staff to get involved, put forward ideas, concerns & suggestions. Responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of staff within the speciality/unit, ensuring the effective implementation of trust policy. Responsible for ensuring recruitment and other people management processes and practices are in line with the Trust policy. Responsible for staff complying with mandatory and role specific training/appraisal and on-going development for staff. Pro-actively manage staff to ensure compliance with recruitment and retention processes and mandatory/role specific training. Support the team and the individuals in the team to develop and maintain performance. Identify the development needs of teams and individuals through the Personal Development Plan process. Plan the development needs of teams and individuals and identify/implement succession planning strategies. Develop teams to improve their clinical knowledge, skills, patient centred care and performance. Support individual learning and development, in line with service development and trust vision. Effectively manage the performance of teams and individuals WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Work always within the NMC Professional Code of Conduct, taking accountability for professional action and ensure that other nurses within the speciality/unit do the same. Undertake a pivotal role in optimising the patients experience and outcome of care through the development and implementation of robust care pathways, service redesign, new roles and new ways of working. Ensure that the relevant senior leaders are kept always updated on all professional issues within the Division/service. To work in close association with other Matrons within the Division/Services. Ensure adequate provision is made to provide cross cover for times of annual leave and participate in the Matron rota. Develop new opportunities and roles to provide safe patient care throughout Division/service. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION Provide information to support decision making. Obtain information for decision making as necessary. Record and store information safely in line with information governance processes. Analyse information to support decision making. Advise and inform others as necessary. QUALITY MANAGEMENT (SAFETY, EXPERIENCE & EFFECTIVENESS) Promote the importance and benefits of high-quality care. Promote a quality and safety culture within the Division/service that promotes and values achievement in patient safety and quality. Ensure that standards of care within designed areas are maintained at a high standard in accordance with NMC, national best practice, CQC, statutory regulations, Trust Standards and are in line with evidence-based practice. Monitor performance on patient safety and take steps to address areas of concern through local checklists, Quality indicators, clinical metrics, environmental audits and assessment and accreditation programmes. Support quality improvements within responsible areas and provide leadership in implementing quality strategies. Lead Trust Wide Quality Improvement initiatives through identified methodology. Ensure that all untoward incidents and near-misses are reported by staff within the Division/service in accordance with the Trust policy, and ensure lessons are learned and communicated to staff within the Division/Service. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered Nurse (Level 1) Mentorship in Clinical Practice equivalent Level 6 Recognised leadership qualification (minimum ILM Level 5 or equivalent) or working towards or equivalent experience Evidence of commitment to continuous learning and application in practice 1st Degree or equivalent level of knowledge and experience gained in a relevant environment Desirable Master's degree in nursing / working towards Knowledge & Experience Essential Substantial management/leadership experience Experience of working within the Specialty Experience of working/ liaising with agencies across the health economy Able to demonstrate an understanding of Health Policy and Professional Nursing Agenda Have experience in service improvements Have experience in improving patient safety and quality of care Desirable Experience in undertaking research Skills Essential Able to deal with difficult issues sensitively and diplomatically Able to deal effectively with challenging situations and challenging people Information Technology literate Clinical leader experience Highly motivated Good communicator and negotiator Flexible Able to gain trust and confidence of others Strategic thinker Demonstrates key behaviours expected of senior clinical manager Desirable Able to demonstrate evidence of project management Mental Effort Essential Work is generally predictable but occasional requirement to deal with unpredictable emergency situations Emotional Effort Essential Supporting patients who have been given bad news Supporting staff and patients with complaints Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered Nurse (Level 1) Mentorship in Clinical Practice equivalent Level 6 Recognised leadership qualification (minimum ILM Level 5 or equivalent) or working towards or equivalent experience Evidence of commitment to continuous learning and application in practice 1st Degree or equivalent level of knowledge and experience gained in a relevant environment Desirable Master's degree in nursing / working towards Knowledge & Experience Essential Substantial management/leadership experience Experience of working within the Specialty Experience of working/ liaising with agencies across the health economy Able to demonstrate an understanding of Health Policy and Professional Nursing Agenda Have experience in service improvements Have experience in improving patient safety and quality of care Desirable Experience in undertaking research Skills Essential Able to deal with difficult issues sensitively and diplomatically Able to deal effectively with challenging situations and challenging people Information Technology literate Clinical leader experience Highly motivated Good communicator and negotiator Flexible Able to gain trust and confidence of others Strategic thinker Demonstrates key behaviours expected of senior clinical manager Desirable Able to demonstrate evidence of project management Mental Effort Essential Work is generally predictable but occasional requirement to deal with unpredictable emergency situations Emotional Effort Essential Supporting patients who have been given bad news Supporting staff and patients with complaints Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Address Whiston Hospital Whiston L35 5DR Employer's website https://www.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)