Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is one of the biggest trusts in the country, following the merger of Mid Essex, Basildon and Southend hospitals in April 2020.
Senior Charge Nurse - Ophthalmology Clinic
Band 7
Main area Ophthalmology Grade Band 7 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 390-NM-SUR-SO-8929
Site Southend Town Westcliffe on Sea Salary £49,387 Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time) Salary period Yearly Closing 29/10/2026 23:59
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the onlyacute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.
Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.
We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Charge Nurse/Senior within the Ophthalmology Department at Southend Hospital.
The Senior Sister/Charge Nurse is responsible for the professional, clinical and operational leadership of the Ophthalmology Clinic and Ward. The post holder will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care, providing visible leadership to the nursing team and supporting the effective day-to-day management of services.
Working closely with the Matron, Head of Nursing, medical staff and the multidisciplinary team, the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse will lead on patient safety, workforce management, quality improvement, governance, education and service development. The post holder will be accountable for maintaining clinical standards, supporting staff development and ensuring the efficient flow of patients through outpatient, day case and inpatient ophthalmology pathways.
The role requires strong clinical expertise, leadership skills and the ability to manage competing operational demands while ensuring compliance with Trust policies, professional standards and national ophthalmology best practice.
We are looking for a dynamic and pro-active person to lead the department. It is an exciting time to join us with new and exciting times ahead.
The candidate must have proven leadership and management experience, working within an Ophthalmology environment with sound clinical Ophthalmology knowledge & skills.
Main duties of the job
The role requires providing effective leadership to all nursing staff and technicians, including oversight of sickness management, rota planning, recruitment processes and appraisals. It involves promoting best practice in the care of patients with ophthalmic conditions and working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure high‑quality, patient‑centred services.
The post holder will support the daily clinical and operational management of the department and ensure that evidence‑based care is consistently delivered to agreed standards, contributing to the achievement of all clinical and operational performance indicators. An understanding of local and national nursing strategies, including Compassion in Practice and the 6Cs, is essential to positively influence patient safety, experience and quality of care.
The role also requires maintaining accurate and compliant record keeping in line with Trust and NMC guidelines, ensuring all risk‑management procedures are followed, and overseeing the reporting, investigation and learning from incidents, near misses, accidents and equipment faults. Additionally, the post holder must ensure a clean, safe and compliant environment for patients, staff and visitors in accordance with all relevant legislation, policies and clinical protocols.
Working for our organisation
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Are you looking for an exciting new role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Full NMC Registration
- Registered General Nurse
- Evidence of CPD
- Nursing Degree
- MIPS, ENB 998 or desire to complete
Experience
- Experience managing budgets
- Substantial experience as a qualified nurse
- Experience managing rosters
- Proven significant Ophthalmology management experience
- Clinical leadership & management of a team
- Experience of sickness management
- Experience of complex Employee Relations
Please be aware as per the new Immigration guidelines we cannot sponsor candidates with a salary (full time or pro Rata) under the current minimum threshold.
Please note, the selection processes at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust are in place to ensure we recruit candidates with the right skills and values, please be advised that the use of AI in applications are monitored. We remain vigilant against candidates who misuse these tools to generate an application that doesn't accurately reflect their skills, and you will be required to declare on your application if AI has been used before submitting your application.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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Senior Charge Nurse - Ophthalmology Clinic employer: VerseOne Group
VerseOne Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the healthcare technology sector. With hybrid working arrangements and a focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact while developing your career in a leading AI-powered Digital Experience Solutions provider for the NHS.
