Dementia Lead Nurse - QEH

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated clinical nurse specialist to enhance patient care across multiple hospital sites. This role involves leading nursing clinics, providing expert clinical advice, and ensuring high-quality service delivery. Candidates should have strong leadership skills, a background in frailty or dementia care, and experience in managing complex patient needs. Join a forward-thinking team that values inclusivity and professional development, and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes in the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years at Band 7 with RGN registration.
• Background in frailty/dementia care is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide autonomous, specialist care and treatment within a defined caseload.
• Lead nurse/midwife clinics and deliver clinical care.
• Develop and update policies and care pathways for service improvement.

Skills

Leadership skills

Clinical expertise

Patient advocacy

Communication skills

Decision-making

Education

Registered Nurse (RGN)

BSc or MSc qualification

Job description

To provide high-quality service across Lewisham and Greenwich Healthcare NHS Trust, line managing clinical nurse specialists and specialist midwives, and collaborating closely with consultants and clinical colleagues. The role involves developing and expanding an expert nurse/midwifery-led service, contributing to knowledge through education, research, and audit, and ensuring seamless, coordinated care for patients. The post also includes leadership, management, clinical expertise, and supporting education and training within the team. Understanding strategic and political challenges in primary and secondary care, especially within the STP, and working collaboratively for integrated services are essential. This position requires travel across hospital sites.

Main duties of the job

• Provide autonomous, specialist care and treatment within a defined caseload, including admitting and discharging patients.
• Lead nurse/midwife clinics, delivering clinical care, monitoring, and compliance.
• Perform advanced clinical procedures pertinent to the specialty.
• Offer evidence-based advice to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.
• Make effective decisions to address complex issues and manage change.
• Conduct comprehensive patient health assessments.
• Monitor and evaluate disease activity and therapy, managing side effects.
• Serve as the main contact for the service.
• Advocate for patients and empower families and carers to participate in care decisions.
• Engage patients and families in care planning and service development.
• Coordinate care between primary and secondary services.

About us

Our staff are our greatest asset. We promote a positive, inclusive culture through Equality, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, staff networks, and development programs aimed at improving representation, access, and staff experience across various groups.

Job responsibilities

• Participate in business planning and develop service business cases.
• Lead review and redesign of nursing/midwifery pathways ensuring consistency and access parity.
• Develop and update policies, guidelines, and care pathways, ensuring ongoing service improvement.
• Provide expert advice to patients, carers, GPs, and staff via telephone and email.
• Educate patients and families about conditions, treatments, and side effects.
• Investigate clinical incidents and prepare detailed reports.
• Analyze complaints and incidents, and participate in investigations.
• Manage disease-specific registers and contribute to audits and reviews.
• Prioritize workload, manage time effectively, and coordinate with support networks.
• Identify and mitigate risks within the area of responsibility.
• Influence strategic development to improve care quality and patient experience.
• Apply research findings to clinical practice and share knowledge with colleagues.

Person Specification

Essential/Desirable

• Minimum 2 years at Band 7
• Registered Nurse (RGN)
• Background in frailty/dementia care
• BSc or MSc qualification
• Leadership skills
• Knowledge and skills relevant to the role

Experience

• Experience with frailty/dementia care
• Grade level
• RGN registration
• BSc/MSC qualification

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to DBS checks under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a disclosure submission to verify any criminal convictions.

Salary: £53,755 to £60,504 per annum plus HCA.