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Job summary

Main area
Ophthalmology
Grade
Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
390-SUR-BR-3422
Employer
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Broomfield
Town
Chelmsford
Salary
£47,810 Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
08/02/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust logo

Unit Manager - Ophthalmology Ward & Theatres

Band 7

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.

Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.

We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.

 

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Charge Nurse/Unit Manager within the Ophthalmology Department. A busy fast paced theatre area which includes the theatre & ward environment based at Broomfield Hospital and Braintree Community Hospital.

We are looking for a dynamic and pro-active person to lead the department. It is an exciting time to join the department with new and exciting times ahead.

The candidate must have proven leadership and management experience, working within an Ophthalmology environment with sound clinical Ophthalmology knowledge & skills.

The post holder will need to be well organised and effective in their practice; they must be able to multi-task, actively contribute towards a developing department and lead the team to uphold high standards of care for our patients.

Main duties of the job

The role requires providing effective leadership to all nursing staff and technicians, including oversight of sickness management, rota planning, recruitment processes and appraisals. It involves promoting best practice in the care of patients with ophthalmic conditions and working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure high‑quality, patient‑centred services.
 
The post holder will support the daily clinical and operational management of the department and ensure that evidence‑based care is consistently delivered to agreed standards, contributing to the achievement of all clinical and operational performance indicators. An understanding of local and national nursing strategies, including Compassion in Practice and the 6Cs, is essential to positively influence patient safety, experience and quality of care.
 
The role also requires maintaining accurate and compliant record keeping in line with Trust and NMC guidelines, ensuring all risk‑management procedures are followed, and overseeing the reporting, investigation and learning from incidents, near misses, accidents and equipment faults. Additionally, the post holder must ensure a clean, safe and compliant environment for patients, staff and visitors in accordance with all relevant legislation, policies and clinical protocols.

Working for our organisation

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Are you looking for an exciting new role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Full NMC Registration
  • Registered General Nurse
  • Evidence of CPD
  • Nursing Degree
Desirable criteria
  • MIPS, ENB 998 or desire to complete

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Ophthalmology Scrub Experience
  • Substantial experience as a qualified nurse
  • Experience managing rosters
  • Proven significant Ophthalmology management experience
  • Clinical leadership & management of a team
  • Experience managing complex clinical scenarios
Desirable criteria
  • VR Experience
  • Experience of complex Employee Relations

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDNHS Employers Diversity and Inclusion PartnersApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyMenopause Friendly EmployerArmed Forces Covenant Gold Awardhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesStonewall Silver 2022Disability confident employerNHS Rainbow badgeNHS Pastoral CareNHS 75th Birthday

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Anna-Marie Raymond
Job title
Head of Nursing
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01245 362000
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