Deteriorating Patient Lead Practitioner | Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK healthcare provider is seeking a Deteriorating Patient Lead to provide strategic and clinical leadership in managing acutely ill patients. You will drive patient safety improvements, develop evidence-based strategies, and support clinical teams with expert guidance. Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership and decision-making skills and have experience in service improvement. This position offers career development opportunities with various benefits including on-site leisure facilities and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

On-site leisure facilities

Subsidised parking

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong leadership capabilities and experience in managing acute patient cases.
• Proficient in implementing evidence-based practices.
• Excellent in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives for deteriorating patient management.
• Design and deliver training for clinical teams.
• Analyze data for quality improvement.

Skills

Advanced clinical assessment and decision-making

Leadership and change management

Service improvement experience

Communication and influencing skills

Education and training programme design

Knowledge of national patient safety standards

Job description

Overview

The Deteriorating Patient Lead will provide strategic and clinical leadership to ensure the timely recognition and effective management of acutely ill and deteriorating patients across the Trust. This role will drive improvements in patient safety by developing and implementing evidence‑based strategies, delivering education and training programmes, and supporting clinical teams with expert guidance.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the identification, escalation, and management of deteriorating patients across the Trust.
• Develop and implement evidence‑based policies, protocols, and improvement strategies aligned with national standards (e.g., NEWS2, sepsis pathways).
• Lead the design and delivery of education and training programmes to enhance staff competence in recognising and responding to acute deterioration.
• Act as a clinical expert and resource, offering specialist advice and support to multidisciplinary teams.
• Monitor compliance, analyse data, and drive quality improvement initiatives to reduce harm and improve patient outcomes.
• Collaborate with divisional teams, Rapid Response Teams and senior leaders to embed best practice and foster a culture of safety.
• Contribute to incident reviews, learning processes and implementation of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF).

Skills and Experience

• Advanced clinical assessment and decision‑making skills for acutely ill patients.
• Strong leadership and change management capability.
• Experience in service improvement and implementing evidence‑based practice.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to design and deliver education and training programmes.
• Knowledge of national patient safety standards and escalation protocols (e.g., NEWS, sepsis).

About Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital. We provide high‑quality healthcare for local and regional patients and are a leading provider of specialist services.

Why Choose CUH?

• Our values and reputation for outstanding care.
• Opportunities to experience a range of specialties.
• Career and development opportunities.
• Preceptorship and mentoring programmes.
• Research experience and opportunities.
• Excellent location and quality of life.
• Excellent schools/colleges and transport links.

Benefits

We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on‑site leisure facilities, a shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme includes reduced‑cost Stagecoach bus travel, free park and ride and subsidised parking for eligible staff. On‑CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and staff pod break spaces are freely available.

Additional Information

Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full‑time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa unless they have applied for a Graduate visa or the Trust has agreed to sponsor them as a Skilled Worker.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

Application Dates

This vacancy will close at midnight on 26 November 2025. Interviews are due to be held on 11 December 2025.

Equality and Diversity

UK Equality Act: we are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all backgrounds.