Staff Nurse HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes

You will be a qualified Registered Nurse (Adult) with a real passion for delivering high quality clinical care. You will be self‑motivated, flexible and work well within a team but also be able to work autonomously. Prison experience is not required – we provide full induction and training. As part of the Primary Care Team the role includes triaging, emergency care and treatment, health promotion, end‑of‑life/palliative care, effective care planning and liaison with the multidisciplinary team. It is a varied role that offers new challenges each day and strong support from both the healthcare and prison teams. HMP Woodhill is a Category A/B prison accommodating approximately 600 adult male prisoners. The services operate on a 7‑day week working model to maintain the highest standards of patient care.

Main Duties

• Be part of a multi‑disciplinary team delivering holistic health care to the prison population based on a primary care model.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate high‑quality, evidence‑based care within the boundaries of the role.
• Monitor long‑term conditions, deliver health promotion, screening and respond to medical emergencies.
• Maintain clear, comprehensive, signed and contemporaneous records – both written and electronic – in accordance with NMC guidance and CNWL policy.

Responsibilities

• Proficient in the following procedures (training will be given): Vital observations and diagnostics (BP, pulse, SATS, temperature, respiration rate, blood glucose monitoring, peak flow), Wound care, Immunisations, ECG recording, Venepuncture, Near‑patient testing.
• Administer medication (including second signatory) and adhere to statutory (NMC) and organisational requirements and guidelines relating to the administration of medicines.
• Triage patients to determine clinical priorities and potential need to admit to the inpatient unit.
• Undertake health screening using agreed templates.
• Provide health promotion advice including sexual health and blood‑borne virus prevention and testing.
• Assist with activities of daily living and the development, review and update of care plans.
• Participate in the named‑nurse scheme to the residential units within HMP Woodhill and raise the profile of healthcare services and ensure full integration between residential unit staff and healthcare services.
• Respond appropriately and promptly to healthcare and medical emergencies within the prison.
• Facilitate referrals to other agencies and clinical services.
• Undertake assessment of suitability of patients to be transferred or released.
• Respect patients' individuality and maintain privacy within custodial constraints.
• Support patients who are distressed or at risk of harm to themselves or others, including risk of suicide.
• Initiate an ACCT where appropriate and attend review meetings.
• Co‑ordinate healthcare activity day‑to‑day, acting as shift leader in absence of a more senior member.
• Assist with stock control and equipment checking (all clinical areas and emergency bags).
• Recognise and respond to the health needs of vulnerable, disabled and older prisoners.
• Recognise signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal and support individuals with substance misuse problems.
• Undertake expanding roles following relevant training.
• Work within Infection Prevention and Control guidance.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications: First Level/Registered NMC General Nurse; evidence of personal development in previous employment.

Desirable Qualifications: Teaching and mentorship qualification and experience.

Essential Personal Disposition: Excellent communication, organisational and time‑management skills; understanding own accountability; willingness to learn and develop; commitment to supporting and empowering offenders.

Desirable Personal Attributes: Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the healthcare setting; understanding of quality and change in a clinical setting.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Working knowledge of health promotion; ability to communicate in a variety of settings with patients; appreciation of the roles of multidisciplinary team members; good working knowledge of IT and e‑mail; understanding of NHS agenda for offender health.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team; appreciation of roles of team members.

Essential Experience: Ability to work independently; post‑registration experience.

Desirable Experience: Experience of working within primary care or A&E setting; experience within a secure environment.

Disclosure & Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exemptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (previously CRB) to check for any previous convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

About Us: We are passionate about delivering first‑class, patient‑centred, safe and effective care across hospitals, community clinics and patients' own homes. We value a diverse culture and offer opportunities for career development. Staff benefits include access to MyTrustBenefits – an online portal offering discounts on numerous retailers and free online courses in topics such as business management, languages, law and teaching.

Employer Details: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, HMP Woodhill, Tattenhoe Street, Milton Keynes, MK4 4DA.

Details: Date posted: 14 February 2026, Pay scheme: Agenda for change, Band: Band 5, Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 per annum (pro rata if P/T), Contract: Permanent, Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time, Reference number: 333‑D‑HJ‑1970, Job location: HMP Woodhill, Tattenhoe Street, Milton Keynes, MK4 4DA.