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Posted 17 hour(s) ago
Reference: 2452015
Job summary
We are looking for a Deputy Ward Manager to support the leadership, management and operational delivery of the In-Patient Unit, ensuring the provision of high-quality specialist palliative and end-of-life care for patients and those important to them. Reporting to the Ward Manager, this is a permanent position working 37.5 hours per week, predominantly on nights, with some day shifts required. As the designated nursing lead overnight, you will support clinical decision-making, patient flow, workforce coordination, resource management, the escalation of concerns and service continuity, ensuring care is delivered in line with organisational policies, professional standards and best practice.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide visible clinical and professional leadership, supporting the Ward Manager to deliver safe, effective, responsive and compassionate services. They will promote a culture of excellence, professionalism, teamwork and continuous quality improvement, ensuring that patients and families remain at the centre of all decision-making and care delivery. A key component of the role is the leadership and operational management of the night service, providing senior clinical nursing leadership outside of normal working hours. The Deputy Ward Manager will act as the designated nursing lead for the In-Patient Unit overnight, supporting clinical decision-making, patient flow, workforce coordination, effective resource management, the escalation of concerns and the maintenance of service continuity. The Deputy Ward Manager will deputise for the Ward Manager as required, providing leadership and oversight of the service in their absence. They will contribute to workforce development, clinical supervision, education and mentorship, fostering a positive learning environment that supports staff wellbeing, professional growth and high standards of care.
About us
Dougie Mac provides compassionate care and support for adults, young adults, and children with life-limiting conditions across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. As a values-driven organisation, we strive to deliver high-quality, person-led, and inclusive care across our inpatient, community, and supportive care services. Following our merger with Approach Dementia Support and expansion into children and young adult services, Dougie Mac now supports more people than ever before across all age groups and diagnoses. Our team is made up of dedicated, skilled professionals who are committed to delivering responsive and meaningful care in line with our hospice values. We offer a collaborative working environment with access to professional development, reflective practice, and staff wellbeing support. Dougie Mac is proud to be a financially independent local charity, offering a competitive salary and benefits package including generous annual leave, contributory pension scheme, funded study opportunities, hospice-paid healthcare cash plan, and free on-site parking. Dougie Macs Adult Inpatient Unit is a 28-bed facility delivering expert palliative and end-of-life care for adults with life-limiting conditions. Our multi-disciplinary team offers 24/7 care in a purpose-built environment, focused on dignity, symptom control, and comfort. We support patients with complex clinical and emotional needs, and their families, during some of the most challenging times of life.
Details
Date posted
27 October 2026
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£49,000 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
DMH1246359
Job locations
Douglas Macmillan Hospice
Barlaston Road
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST3 3NZ
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Leadership: 1.Provide visible clinical leadership and support the delivery of high-quality specialist palliative and end-of-life care. 2.Act as a role model for professional practice, hospice values and compassionate leadership. 3.Support staff in managing complex patient needs and ensure care is person-centred, evidence-based and responsive. 4.Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated care delivery. Leadership and Management of the Night Service 5.Hold responsibility for the operational, clinical and workforce management of the In-Patient Unit during night shifts. 6.Act as the senior nurse and lead clinical decision-maker overnight. 7.Ensure safe staffing levels, effective workforce deployment and appropriate skill mix. 8.Provide leadership and support in the management of complex symptoms, clinical emergencies and deteriorating patients. 9.Manage patient flow, admissions, transfers and discharges occurring out of hours. 10.Escalate clinical, operational, workforce and patient safety concerns as required. 11.Ensure effective communication, governance and handovers between day and night services. Operational Management 12.Support the day-to-day operational management of the In-Patient Unit. 13.Deputise for the Ward Manager in their absence. 14.Contribute to workforce planning, resource management and service development. 15.Support the achievement of quality standards, performance objectives and service resilience. Workforce Leadership 16.Support the recruitment, retention, development and wellbeing of staff. 17.Undertake line management responsibilities for designated team members. 18.Support appraisal, supervision, competency assessment and professional development. 19.Foster a positive culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement. Service Delivery 20.Ensure the safe and effective delivery of inpatient services. 21.Coordinate holistic care for patients and families. 22.Maintain accurate patient records and contribute to a positive patient, family and staff experience. Clinical Governance 23.Promote compliance with professional standards, policies and regulatory requirements. 24.Participate in incident management, audit, quality improvement and risk management activities. 25.Support organisational learning and contribute to CQC readiness and regulatory compliance. Education and Development 26.Support workforce education, training and competency development. 27.Promote evidence-based practice, innovation and continuous professional development. 28.Maintain own professional registration and development requirements. Communication and Partnership Working 29.Develop effective relationships with multidisciplinary colleagues and external partners. 30.Communicate effectively with patients, families and carers. 31.Represent the In-Patient Unit at meetings and contribute to service development initiatives. Accountability 32.The post holder is accountable to the Ward Manager and will support the achievement of the strategic, clinical, operational and workforce objectives of the In-Patient Unit. 33.The Deputy Ward Manager has specific responsibility for the safe and effective leadership, coordination and management of the night service, including workforce deployment, clinical oversight, patient safety and service continuity outside normal working hours.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Leadership: 1.Provide visible clinical leadership and support the delivery of high-quality specialist palliative and end-of-life care. 2.Act as a role model for professional practice, hospice values and compassionate leadership. 3.Support staff in managing complex patient needs and ensure care is person-centred, evidence-based and responsive. 4.Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated care delivery. Leadership and Management of the Night Service 5.Hold responsibility for the operational, clinical and workforce management of the In-Patient Unit during night shifts. 6.Act as the senior nurse and lead clinical decision-maker overnight. 7.Ensure safe staffing levels, effective workforce deployment and appropriate skill mix. 8.Provide leadership and support in the management of complex symptoms, clinical emergencies and deteriorating patients. 9.Manage patient flow, admissions, transfers and discharges occurring out of hours. 10.Escalate clinical, operational, workforce and patient safety concerns as required. 11.Ensure effective communication, governance and handovers between day and night services. Operational Management 12.Support the day-to-day operational management of the In-Patient Unit. 13.Deputise for the Ward Manager in their absence. 14.Contribute to workforce planning, resource management and service development. 15.Support the achievement of quality standards, performance objectives and service resilience. Workforce Leadership 16.Support the recruitment, retention, development and wellbeing of staff. 17.Undertake line management responsibilities for designated team members. 18.Support appraisal, supervision, competency assessment and professional development. 19.Foster a positive culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement. Service Delivery 20.Ensure the safe and effective delivery of inpatient services. 21.Coordinate holistic care for patients and families. 22.Maintain accurate patient records and contribute to a positive patient, family and staff experience. Clinical Governance 23.Promote compliance with professional standards, policies and regulatory requirements. 24.Participate in incident management, audit, quality improvement and risk management activities. 25.Support organisational learning and contribute to CQC readiness and regulatory compliance. Education and Development 26.Support workforce education, training and competency development. 27.Promote evidence-based practice, innovation and continuous professional development. 28.Maintain own professional registration and development requirements. Communication and Partnership Working 29.Develop effective relationships with multidisciplinary colleagues and external partners. 30.Communicate effectively with patients, families and carers. 31.Represent the In-Patient Unit at meetings and contribute to service development initiatives. Accountability 32.The post holder is accountable to the Ward Manager and will support the achievement of the strategic, clinical, operational and workforce objectives of the In-Patient Unit. 33.The Deputy Ward Manager has specific responsibility for the safe and effective leadership, coordination and management of the night service, including workforce deployment, clinical oversight, patient safety and service continuity outside normal working hours.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
- Minimum 2 Years experience of working as a Team Leader/Senior nursing level
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Teaching, mentorship or assessor qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Post registration degree level qualification in palliative care or other relevant degree/diploma or willingness to work towards
- Advanced communication skills qualification
- Leadership or Management course
Experience
Essential
- Experience within palliative care, hospice care, oncology or a related specialist service
- Significant post-registration nursing experience
- Experience coordinating clinical shifts and managing patient care delivery
- Experience supervising and supporting staff
- Experience managing competing priorities within a complex clinical environment
Desirable
- Experience of ensuring continuous Quality improvement
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent knowledge of palliative and end-of-life care
- Understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and risk management
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills
- Ability to lead teams effectively during evenings, nights and weekends
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage complex clinical situations and respond appropriately to changing service demands
- Compassionate and visible leader
- Strong commitment to person-centred care
- Promotes teamwork and collaborative working
- Demonstrates professionalism and integrity
- Resilient and adaptable in a changing environment
- Committed to continuous improvement and achieving high standards of care
- To be able to meet the requirements of the post
- Flexible working to meet shift requirements
- Present a professional appearance appropriate to the role
Desirable
- Able to deliver a variety of teaching sessions to small or large audiences
- Knowledge of performance management
- Competent in workforce management, delegation and resource allocation
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
- Minimum 2 Years experience of working as a Team Leader/Senior nursing level
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Teaching, mentorship or assessor qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Post registration degree level qualification in palliative care or other relevant degree/diploma or willingness to work towards
- Advanced communication skills qualification
- Leadership or Management course
Experience
Essential
- Experience within palliative care, hospice care, oncology or a related specialist service
- Significant post-registration nursing experience
- Experience coordinating clinical shifts and managing patient care delivery
- Experience supervising and supporting staff
- Experience managing competing priorities within a complex clinical environment
Desirable
- Experience of ensuring continuous Quality improvement
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent knowledge of palliative and end-of-life care
- Understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and risk management
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills
- Ability to lead teams effectively during evenings, nights and weekends
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage complex clinical situations and respond appropriately to changing service demands
- Compassionate and visible leader
- Strong commitment to person-centred care
- Promotes teamwork and collaborative working
- Demonstrates professionalism and integrity
- Resilient and adaptable in a changing environment
- Committed to continuous improvement and achieving high standards of care
- To be able to meet the requirements of the post
- Flexible working to meet shift requirements
- Present a professional appearance appropriate to the role
Desirable
- Able to deliver a variety of teaching sessions to small or large audiences
- Knowledge of performance management
- Competent in workforce management, delegation and resource allocation
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.
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.
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
Douglas Macmillan Hospice
Address
Douglas Macmillan Hospice
Barlaston Road
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST3 3NZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.dmhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Douglas Macmillan Hospice
Address
Douglas Macmillan Hospice
Barlaston Road
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST3 3NZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.dmhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)