Deputy Ward Manager

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Parkgate; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a Deputy Ward Manager for Ward 22 in the Department of Medicine for the Elderly. The successful candidate will provide clinical leadership, support the nursing team and ensure safe, compassionate and high‑quality care on a busy ward.

Working with the Ward Manager, you will lead in their absence, oversee admissions and discharges, promote improvements, mentor junior staff and drive teamwork and patient safety across the multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• Must hold 1st Level Registered Nurse registration (relevant to area).
• Diploma or degree in nursing or related field, due for completion within 12 months.
• Minimum three years post-registration experience, two in Primary Nurse or equivalent.
• Recognised teaching qualification.

Responsibilities

• Designated to take regular charge of the ward/department in the absence of the Ward/Departmental manager.
• Ensure appropriate use of financial and other resources supporting the ward manager in maintaining a balanced budget.
• Act as an expert practitioner within the appropriate speciality, participating in direct patient care and demonstrating an advanced level and practice and knowledge.
• Ensure the effective and timely admission and discharge of patients.
• Assist in creating a therapeutic environment which meets the needs of patients, relatives and carers.
• Assist in promoting a critical, analytic approach to delivery of care and implementing changes to approve systems.
• Participate in audits and implement change, based on audit outcomes
• Act as preceptor and mentor to junior staff.
• Lead the team in the absence of the Ward or Department Manager.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection and appraisals of Junior staff.

Skills

Preceptor/mentor experience

Teaching strategies

Clinical knowledge (geriatrics)

Education

1st Level Registered Nurse

Diploma/degree (relevant)

3+ years post-registration exp.

Teaching qualification

Job description

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Deputy Ward Manager

The closing date is 16 November 2026

We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced and dynamic Deputy Ward Manager to join Ward 22, our busy Department of Medicine for the Elderly (DME) ward. The successful candidate will be a strong, visible and inspirational leader with a genuine passion for elderly care and a commitment to delivering safe, compassionate and high-quality patient care. Working closely with the Ward Manager, you will play a key role in the operational management of Ward 22, providing clinical leadership, supporting and developing the nursing team, and ensuring the delivery of effective, person-centred care. You will be confident in leading a busy ward environment, managing competing priorities, supporting complex clinical decision-making and promoting excellent standards of care, dignity and respect for older people. We are looking for someone with excellent communication and organisational skills who can motivate staff, lead by example, manage challenges proactively and foster a positive culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement. A commitment to staff development, patient safety, quality improvement and collaborative working with the multidisciplinary team is essential. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and resilient nursing leader who wants to make a real difference to the care and experience of older people.

Main duties of the job

• Designated to take regular charge of the ward/department in the absence of the Ward/Departmental manager.
• Ensure appropriate use of financial and other resources supporting the ward manager in maintaining a balanced budget.
• Act as an expert practitioner within the appropriate speciality, participating in direct patient care and demonstrating an advanced level and practice and knowledge.
• Ensure the effective and timely admission and discharge of patients.
• Assist in creating a therapeutic environment which meets the needs of patients, relatives and carers.
• Assist in promoting a critical, analytic approach to delivery of care and implementing changes to approve systems.
• Participate in audits and implement change, based on audit outcomes
• Act as preceptor and mentor to junior staff.
• Lead the team in the absence of the Ward or Department Manager.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection and appraisals of Junior staff.

About us

All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first time they make contact with us. We are described as "competent and caring staff" by our patients.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is situated on The Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.

We are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, comprising of the Wirral's only Emergency Department. We provide a high quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, who serve a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales and the wider North West footprint.

We have approximately 855 beds trust-wide and our financial turnover is in excess of £337m.

The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach to the major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.

Job responsibilities

Please see Job overview & attached Job description for further information about the Deputy Ward Manager position available with WUTH.

Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training

• 1 st Level Registered Nurse (relevant to area of work)
• Relevant diploma / degree or due for completion within 12 months
• Minimum of three years post-registration experience of which two years should be at Primary Nurse or equivalent
• Recognised teaching qualification

Knowledge and Skills

• Relevant Clinical knowledge/experience of the speciality
• Evidence of ability to act as a preceptor/mentor to new staff
• Evidence of involvement in producing teaching strategies/packages

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

£39,959 to £48,117 a yearper annum pro rata