Ward Manager Rainsford Mowlem Discharge Ready Unit

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated, experienced and forward-thinking nurse leader to join the Rainsford Mowlem Discharge Ready Unit (DRU) at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital as the Band 7 Ward Manager. Rainsford Mowlem Discharge Ready Unit (DRU) is a 36-bedded, nurse-led ward supporting patients who are medically fit for discharge but awaiting external placement or community support. The DRU plays a key role in improving patient flow, maintaining and enhancing patient function, preventing deconditioning and creating capacity within acute speciality wards by providing safe, effective and person-centred care for this patient group. The successful candidate will provide visible clinical and operational leadership, ensuring high standards of patient care, effective workforce management and strong clinical governance. Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, Discharge Hub, community services and partner organisations, the Ward Manager will lead service development and quality improvement, support timely and safe discharge, and promote a positive culture for patients, families and staff. The role requires extensive clinical leadership experience, strong change-management skills and a commitment to developing frailty and discharge services.,

• Provide visible, compassionate and effective leadership for the Discharge Ready Unit (DRU), ensuring safe, high-quality, patient-centred care
• Lead the operational management of the 36-bedded DRU, maintaining patient flow, timely admissions and discharges, and optimal ward capacity
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, the Discharge Hub, community services and local authority partners to support safe and effective discharge planning
• Ensure high standards of clinical governance through audit, risk management, incident investigation, patient feedback and quality improvement initiatives
• Lead, support and develop the nursing workforce through recruitment, rostering, supervision, appraisal, education and performance management
• Promote rehabilitation-focused care and initiatives that prevent deconditioning, maximise independence and improve patient outcomes
• Ensure compliance with Trust policies, professional standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff
• Lead and contribute to service improvement and transformation projects that enhance patient experience, discharge performance and operational effectiveness
• Act as a senior clinical role model, providing expert support in complex situations and maintaining high standards of care, communication and professionalism
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture aligned with the Trust's PROUD values
  
  Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use. We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex. We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs. The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.