Acute Medical Unit (AMU) Ward manager

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Isleworth; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Ward Manager to lead our busy Acute Medical Unit. The role requests Band 6/7 nurses with acute medicine experience to provide clinical and operational leadership, ensuring safe, high-quality patient care while managing resources and staff development.

The ward operates with a focus on improving patient flow, length of stay, and multidisciplinary collaboration, under the Modern Matron and leadership team, with a

Qualifications

• Must hold current NMC registration as a qualified nurse.
• Experience in acute medicine/acute assessment or similar fast-paced clinical areas.
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical and operational management of the Acute Medical Unit.
• Promote patient-centred care, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee workforce planning, rostering, recruitment, and staff wellbeing.
• Lead discharge planning and patient flow initiatives to reduce length of stay.
• Ensure compliance with Trust policies, standards, and governance.

Skills

Nursing leadership

Clinical governance

Staff development

Discharge planning

Education

Registered Nurse (NMC)

Job description

Are you an experienced Registered Nurse looking for your next leadership opportunity in Acute Medicine? We are seeking a motivated and dynamic Ward Manager to lead our busy Acute Medical Unit. Applications are welcome from experienced Band 6 and Band 7 nurses currently working within acute medicine, acute assessment, emergency care, or similar fast-paced clinical environments. The successful candidate will provide clinical and operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality patient care. You will work closely with the multidisciplinary team, support staff development, manage resources effectively, and drive continuous quality improvement. Our 64-bedded Acute Medical Unit includes 43 inpatient beds, 6 enhanced care beds, and 15 assessment trolleys, providing care for patients across a range of acute medical specialties. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring and established nursing leaders who are passionate about acute care and ready to make a positive impact on patient outcomes and staff experience. · In collaboration with the Modern Matron, Service Manager & Clinicians, the Ward Manager is responsible for the effective delivery of care given to patients within the clinical area. · To provide professional leadership within the clinical area. · To have 24-hour responsibility for clinical area. · The post holder will provide expert advice and take a lead in the development and implementation of shared practice protocols in line with national recommendations and standards where these are available. · To reduce length of stay for patients ensuring pathways to support highest standard of care are in place. · To achieve financial balance. Our 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 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC 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 an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid. We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future. We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring. Leadership and Management

Leadership and Management

• Provide visible leadership and operational oversight of the ward with 24-hour accountability.
• Promote a culture of patient-centred care, safety, compassion, and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce planning, rostering, recruitment, retention, and staff wellbeing.
• Ensure resources are managed effectively within agreed budgets.
• Lead discharge planning and patient flow initiatives to optimise length of stay and patient experience.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant care environment.
• Deputise for the Modern Matron as required.

Clinical Practice

• Maintain expert knowledge of acute medical nursing and delivery of evidence-based care.
• Ensure patients receive safe, effective, and high-quality care.
• Lead by example and act as a role model for professional practice.
• Support staff development and clinical competency through education and supervision.
• Ensure compliance with agreed care pathways, standards, and clinical protocols.
• Promote effective multidisciplinary communication and collaboration.

Quality, Safety and Governance

• Lead quality improvement, audit, patient safety, and risk management activities.
• Investigate incidents, implement learning, and promote a culture of openness and continuous improvement.
• Monitor performance against quality indicators and develop action plans where required.
• Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control, medicines management, safeguarding, health and safety, and Trust policies.
• Support appraisal, mandatory training, clinical supervision, and professional development for all staff.
• Use patient, family, and staff feedback to improve services and patient outcomes.

Communication

• Communicate effectively in complex, sensitive, and challenging situations.
• Ensure information is delivered clearly and appropriately to patients, relatives, staff, and stakeholders.
• Develop positive working relationships across professional groups and services.
• Promote collaborative working, inclusion, and shared decision-making.

General

• Undertake duties in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards, and the NMC Code.
• Participate in training, service development, and organisational initiatives.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of the post.

Key Working Relationships

• Modern Matron and Senior Nursing Team
• Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
• Directorate Management Team
• Clinical Site Managers