Job summaryThe post holder will take a senior leadership role within the Frailty Teams, providing support to Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs), nursing staff, and Allied Health Professional (AHP) colleagues to ensure the delivery of seamless, timely, and high-quality patient care. This will include utilizing advanced communication skills, and clinical expertise. The post holder will work closely with Consultants to escalate concerns and resolve any issues promptly.
In collaboration with the Frailty Matron, the post holder will support the effective management of the Hospital at Home (H@H), Acute Frailty Team (AFT), and Frailty Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) services across the University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) site within County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
Main duties of the jobThe post holder will lead, manage, and coordinate the frailty teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services.
They will prioritise patients with clinical deterioration, ensuring timely and appropriate assessment, intervention, and ongoing management. Patients at risk will be regularly reviewed, with appropriate and timely interventions initiated.
The post holder will lead the delivery of education and training in collaboration with the Consultant and Frailty Clinical Lead, enhancing staff confidence, competence, and skills through knowledge-sharing and practical experience.
They will oversee audit projects, and review and update relevant guidelines and policies within the scope of the role.
As an expert resource, the post holder will provide guidance on all aspects of frailty care and the management of frail patients across all care groups.
They will provide visible leadership and effective line management of departmental staff and may serve as an authorised signatory and/or budget holder for all the Frailty Teams outlined above.
In addition, the post holder will practice as an Advanced Nurse/AHP Practitioner when required, contributing to the multidisciplinary team's effectiveness.
About usIf you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce
ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
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Job responsibilitiesTake an operational lead for frailty services across the University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) site within County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
Deputise for the frailty Teams Matron and work closely with the ANPs/ AHP from the frailty team.
Act as line manager to all other members of the Hospital at Home (H@H), Acute Frailty Team (AFT), and Frailty Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) with regard to:
- Appraisal, clinical supervision training and professional development
- Absence management in accordance with Trust policy
- Recruitment and selection of staff
- Grievances and disciplinary issues
- Allocation of work
- Rostering and management of leave.
- Incidents and complaints
- Governance
Be responsible for the delivery of a high standard of service from the Hospital at Home (H@H), Acute Frailty Team (AFT), and Frailty Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)
Responsible for ensuring the quality of care delivered and support given to clinical staff by the team is consistent through a robust process of evaluation, reflection and peer review
To attend relevant Trust and care group meetings as requested.
Provide high level clinical advice to the wards, departments and other staff in relation to frail patients.
Use clinical skills in practice to work clinically as an practitioner in this field.
Work closely alongside ward matron and clinicians to ensure that incidents are reported and duty of candour is adhered to.
Promote and support the development of an organisation where good practice is shared, lessons learned and disseminated and achievements are praised.
Lead the team to identify areas of poor compliance through structured audit processes and work in partnership with clinical teams to address current practice and how these can be improved.
Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to support clinical changes in relation to frailty.
Share good practices at all opportunities both internally across all areas of the organisation and external to the trust.
Ensure confidentiality of information is respected at all times following Information Governance standards.
Support the delivery of the training and education linked to the Frailty Teams throughout the Trust.
Represent the Trust in a positive manner at all times.
Attend Essential Training as required.
Maintain and improve professional knowledge, skills and competence to ensure the delivery of evidence based practice in line with the NMCs code of professional conduct and in order to maintain NMC Registration.
Any other duties relevant to the grade
Person SpecificationExperienceEssential- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to engage, inspire, and motivate staff.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and collaborating effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong decision-making ability, with the capability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
- Expertise in operational management, including resource allocation, capacity planning, and service improvement.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a dynamic clinical environment.
- Significant post registration experience at Band 6 or above
- Proven experience in managing and leading multidisciplinary teams, including nurses, ANPs, and AHPs.
- Experience in service development, operational planning, and managing the delivery of healthcare services.
- Experience of clinical audit
Desirable- Governance management experience
- Budget management experience
- Change management experience
- Interview skills
- Project work
Statutory RegistrationEssentialSpecial RequirementsEssential- Full UK licence and access to own car with business insurance
QualificationsEssential- Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional with current professional registration.
- 1st level Degree or equivalent in clinical management, leadership, or related area to the post
- Teaching and assessing qualification or equivalent
- Demonstrable commitment to continuous professional development (CPD).
Desirable- Evidence of advanced clinical practice or leadership qualifications.
Special Skills & KnowledgeEssential- Extensive experience of caring for frail Patients
- High level of personal & professional credibility
- Supportive of colleagues
- Organised
- Reliable
- Flexible
- Motivated
- Enthusiastic
- Articulate
- Conscientious
- Assertive
- Innovative approaches to practice
- Ability to work under pressure
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.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. 
