Inpatient Unit Matron

Location: London

Inpatient Unit Matron

The post holder will have overall responsibility for the delivery of high quality, safe and caring inpatient services by providing effective and inspirational leadership and a commitment to delivering an excellent standard of care for patient and families.

The post holder will be responsible for the provision of expert advice and support regarding the care of patients referred to inpatient services and their families.
The post holder will also advise and support the Director of Clinical Services and Medical Director in the development and delivery of the long-term strategy for inpatient services.

JOB SUMMARY:

To be responsible for the coordination and management of a Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led IPU by providing direct management of the day-to-day operational running of the 7 day/24-hour Inpatient Unit.

Provide clinical leadership and effective management support for the nursing staff (RN's and HCA's), Ward Clerk, Housekeeper and volunteers on the In-patient Unit.

The Matron is accountable and responsible for delivering a holistic approach to patient centred care, which meets the needs of individual patients and their families/carers.

To ensure the development and delivery of a responsive, evidence based, high quality palliative and end of life service.

The Matron is responsible and accountable for ensuring a safe, effective and transparent service; including aspects of Health & Safety, Infection prevention and control, risk management and creating a culture of open discussion.

The post holder will work with lead nurses and other senior staff to promote an integrated and cohesive team aimed at improving care, patient outcomes and efficiency.

The post holder will work with the Director of Clinical Services (DoCS) and the Medical team to shape our vision for the future, engaging with patients, carers, key local stakeholders in health and social care to improve patients care, promote the role of the hospice, and ensure it remains central to the delivery of good palliative and end of life care.

The post holder will contribute to the wider strategic development of the hospice and help to translate local and national strategy relating to community services, enabling us to implement and deliver an effective service that reflects and is responsive to our current and future needs.

The post holder will deputise for the Director of Clinical Services on specific areas of clinical practice and strategic development relating to your leadership remit. In the absence of the Director of Clinical Services work with leadership peers to respond to enquiries, manage service and support the staff as required.

To work with the other clinical services leads promoting an integrated patient service wide culture, which encourages seamless and cross department working and cover for team leads colleagues in their absence.

Participate in the clinical on-call rota.

MANAGERIAL
To be responsible for the day-to-day efficiency and effective shift management of the IPU which includes:

Manage the IPU clinical team including administration staff providing expert leadership and role modelling advanced practice, ensuring fair and consistent management of all IPU staff performance/developments in line with HR policies and procedures

Having regular 1-1 sessions with IPU staff. This includes undertaking their annual appraisals in the agreed timeframe ensuring there are clear objectives, identified training needs, support the IPU work plan and individual learning needs.

Taking responsibility for overseeing and supporting staff:

Ensure staff have their breaks and are encouraged to take regular annual leave, plus enable staff to attend internal supervision.

Ensure both staff and volunteers within the IPU are following safe working practice guidance, including the ad-hoc working patterns of the IPU bank/ agency staff.

Assist (with the Director of Clinical Services- DoCS) in the selection and appointment of nurses and other hospice roles in line with the recruitment and selection policy, and complete probation reviews for IPU staff.

To be responsible for ensuring that the support facilities services are in place and contribute to the smooth efficiency of day-to-day shift working, including:

Transport coordination for patients where required

Transfer and discharges

Equipment is available, clean and in good working order.

Proactively organise and coordinate a 24 hour off duty rota that can meet the changing demands of the service and patient, as well as ensuring safe staffing standards are maintained. Including:

Being responsible in managing staffing gaps by utilising bank / agency staff, ensuring that bank and agency budget is appropriately utilised.

Escalating concerns and identified risks that could compromise patient safety.

Work as a member of the senior clinical team to develop operational plans for improving and developing effective and efficient clinical services for all patients, families and carers, and the health and social care professionals who work with them.

Recognise the importance of establishing open and transparent communication systems so the IPU team are kept updated and informed. Actively engage in IPU and wider organisational developments, to feedback and relay ideas and concerns to the Senior Team.

REQUIREMENTS:

Registered Adult nurse

Post registration qualification in palliative care, oncology or other relevant area of practice

Educated to first degree level in relevant area of practice

Advanced communication skills qualification or willingness to undertake

Qualification or evidence of additional training in leadership

Study at Masters level or willingness to work towards

Current NMC registration

Inpatient Unit Matron