Ward Leader

We are searching for a confident, motivated and autonomous individual to manage and lead our Rheumatology Ward (Ward 7) based at Wrightington Hospital.

Ward 7 is a rheumatology day case and OPD unit.

Our team consists of three consultants who each have a junior doctor assigned to them, the ward team consists of 9 nurses. In addition, we have a small rheumatology nurse specialist team.

We predominately administer IV therapies for various rheumatology conditions including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Pulmonary Fibrosis. Some of these therapies include biologic treatments, steroids, IV immunoglobulins and Biphosphonate therapies.

We also have a cohort of patients who receive IV/Subcutaneous therapies for Osteoporosis.

Patient safety is paramount, this is provided through thorough biologic and sepsis screening.

The normal working hours are Monday to Friday 07:30 to 17:00. You will not be required to work late shifts or night shifts.

The role will require you to work across all areas in the Trust which includes those that are designated as positive, asymptomatic and negative COVID wards.

The post holder will act as a role model to all team members in the delivery of a high standard of evidenced based nursing or midwifery care. They will utilise effective management and leadership skills in the operational management of ward/area/department. They will be responsible for the management of all staff in the area from the selection and recruitment of staff to managing their personal and professional development. They will act as a role model and mentor to staff and students in establishing a positive learning environment where staff can develop to their full potential and work in conjunction with the Head of Nursing/Midwifery/Senior AHP Lead and matron to implement the recommendations of the strategy for nurses, midwives and AHPs.

They will develop strong working relationships with the Rheumatology Specialist Nurses and Consultants.

This is a fascinating and varied role, providing long term care to patients with chronic illness.

Choose Well - Choose WWL

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that ‘happy staff, makes for happy patients’. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement, and living our values ‘the WWL Way’.

WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.

On-Call

Please note that senior positions (AFC band 8A or above) may be expected to participate in an on-call rota, if the role is predominantly operational.
- To follow care plans in co-operation with the Rheumatology consultants and Rheumatology Specialist nurses, that respond to the immediate and ongoing needs of patients within the hospital and community setting.
- To give patient education on the Drugs being administered, Side effects to be aware of and contraindications to medications.
- Provide reassurance and support to long term patients both on the ward and via telephone support.
- Administer administer IV therapies for various rheumatology conditions including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Pulmonary Fibrosis. Some of these therapies include biologic treatments, steroids, IV immunoglobulins and Biphosphonate therapies.
- Develop and maintain competencies (in self and team) which safeguard practice and effectiveness and contribute to the team in a credible and accountable manner. Be able to act automatously without direct supervision.
- Impart sensitive, condition related information to patients and relatives in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
- Develop a positive role in health education.
- Involvement in committees, working parties and meetings concerned with ongoing developments in the Rheumatology service.
- Develop and maintain specialist Rheumatology knowledge and practice by attending and participating in Continuing Professional Development and influence the development of others.
- Identify, maintain and improve upon the quality of patient care through facilitation of best practice models and clinical audit.
- Co-ordinate those activities which contribute to achieving identified required standards of patient care, maximizing effective use of resources.