ECT Practitioner

An ECT specialist practitioner draws on knowledge learned as an RMN but also has a range of knowledge & skills in physical health care.


The Team is based at Green Lane Hospital & covers the 3 acute hospitals of Salisbury District, Royal United Bath and Great Western Swindon to provide treatment for those patients requiring ECT who are more complex regarding their physical health needs. When giving ECT to patients in the acute hospital you work in the main theatres with their team, this means that you gain a significant amount of knowledge & understanding of a person's physical health & the impact this can have on their mental health.


Previous work in an ECT clinic is not required, all training will be given on the job but previous leadership experience is essential. A good understanding of NEWS is required.


The base is at Green Lane hospital, the covering of the clinics in the 3 district general hospitals is shared between team members, so being a car driver is required. Clinics start at 8am, occasionally due to delays in the district general hospitals you may be required to work beyond 4pm. The team currently does not provide a service on Bank holidays.
Acting as a role model at all times and contribute to the provision of nursing expertise and specialist knowledge. You should be motivated to change healthcare outcomes for patients by interpretation of data audit.
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.


We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.


At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Provides quality managerial and clinical leadership of the clinic in conjunction with or in the absence of the Team Manager.
Assist in the rostering of staff, taking into consideration a mixed skill set and the needs of the clinic.
Co-ordinate and schedule appointments and clinic lists. Set and monitor standards and quality of service, whilst continuously looking to actively improve.
Attend specialist conferences, study days and training as required.
Supervise and support all team members in performing their duties in compliance with agreed policies and protocols.
Ensure that all team members receive encouragement and counselling in developing their skills and job satisfaction.

Demonstrate and hold an in-depth knowledge of physiological monitoring practices which encompasses:
In depth understanding of NEWS, and vital signs monitoring.
The impact of a persons physical health on their mental well being.
Complete the ECT staff training matrix.

Maintain a disciplined and professional level of performance under sustained or situational pressure. Work closely with Consultants, ODPs and many other health care professionals in the organisation of patient care.
Use reflective practice to continually develop and improve nursing skills.
Co-operate with policies and protocol in line with clinical governance, especially in relation to service accreditation.
Comply with the Professional Code of Conduct, relevant legislation, procedures and policies.
Undertake regular review of performance (appraisal) with the line manager to agree personal and service goals.
Assist in ensuring that ECT treatment is available, and that obstacles (such as broken machines, unavailability of specific specialist equipment) are immediately addressed and a solution found, so that patient care and treatment is not compromised.

The post holder is at all times expected to carry out their duties in accordance with the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy.
The Trust operates a no smoking policy. You are required to take reasonable care of the health and safety of him/herself and other persons who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions at work and to cooperate with Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust to ensure that statutory and departmental safety regulations are adhered to.

This is a summary of the responsibilities associated with this post and is not intended as an exhaustive or precise definition of details, as the development of Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and of the role, will necessitate a regular review of these duties in consultation with the post holder.


Policies and Procedures


Trust employees are expected to follow Trust policies, procedures and guidance as well as professional standards and guidelines. Copies of Trust policies can be accessed via the staff intranet or from your manager.


The post holder must be aware of their individual responsibilities for public protection and safeguarding, set out in the Children Act 1989, the Protection of Children Act 1999, the Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters, Working together to Safeguard Children Guidance 2006, No Secrets, Criminal Justice and Court Services Act (2000), Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act 2006 other relevant legislation, and trust, multiagency and national policies, procedures and guidance.


Equality and Diversity


Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust is committed to the fair treatment of all people, regardless of their gender, race, colour, ethnicity, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, religion, disability, mental health needs, age, domestic circumstances, social class, sexual orientation, beliefs, political allegiance or trades union membership.
Qualification & Training
Registered Mental Health Nurse.
Car driver.
Teaching or mentorship qualification.
Intermediate life support training. (3 years post qualification working within a mental health hospital setting
~ B6 or shift leadership experience


Mental Health Act & Mental capacity Act legislation and other relevant legislation.
Innovative and creative approach.
Evaluation/monitoring.
Previous experience working within a permanent and high functioning team.

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Green Lane Hospital