Main area Cardiac Surgery Grade Band 8a Contract Permanent Hours 37.5 hours per week (Weekday, weekends, nights and twilight shifts) Job ref 279-7984770-JUN26
- Full time
- Part time
Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £49,387 – £64,750 Band 7 trainee ACP or Band 8a qualified ACP Salary period Yearly Closing 05/07/2026 23:59
Job Overview
We are offering a role for Trainee or Qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP) to join our Cardiac Surgery team in Brighton. This role covers the full cardiac patient journey from admission to postoperative care and discharge planning.
As an ACP, you will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, delivering high-quality, patient-centered care across various settings including admission, theatres, cardiac intensive care, and step-down wards. Responsibilities include clinical decision-making, diagnostics, treatment planning, and ongoing care coordination.
Qualified ACPs can lead service improvements and engage in education and research; Trainee ACPs will be supported through an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice.
Strong communication, critical thinking and compassion are essential. Experience in cardiothoracic or acute care is desirable.
Main Duties of the Job
Trainees undertake supervised clinical assessments, developing skills to formulate differential diagnoses and management plans. They work across the full cardiac pathway, from admission to postoperative care in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and restoration in step-down ward, with structured placements and academic study.
Qualified ACPs independently assess, diagnose and manage complex cardiac conditions across the entire patient pathway. They deliver expert care in CICU and ward settings, manage overnight cover, lead ward rounds, apply advanced clinical skills, provide mentorship, and drive service development through audit and research.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients with cardiac conditions, including history taking, physical examination, and interpretation of diagnostic tests.
- Formulate differential diagnoses and collaborate with medical and surgical colleagues to implement evidence-based management plans.
- Lead and contribute to decision-making across the cardiac pathway, including pre-operative optimisation, post-operative management, and support recovery on step-down wards.
- Ensure high-quality, coordinated care by liaising with multidisciplinary team members, managing acute deterioration, and escalating concerns.
- Deliver high standards of hands-on, holistic care throughout the patient journey, from admission to discharge planning and follow-up.
- Utilise and develop advanced clinical skills, including emergency responses, investigations, and treatment planning.
- Provide supervision, mentorship, and teaching to junior staff and students.
- Contribute to development of clinical guidelines, protocols, and pathways.
- Lead or support service improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes, efficiency, and staff well-being.
- Participate in ongoing research, audit, and quality improvement projects, disseminating work through internal and external forums.
Qualifications
- MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice or willingness to undertake MSc.
- Knowledge of Advanced Clinical Practice frameworks.
- Level 6 degree or equivalent evidence of recent studies.
- Experience at senior level within own specialty.
- Advanced Clinical Assessment Module/Independent Prescribing at Level 7.
- Experience in Cardiac Surgery, ITU, or acute care.
- Teaching and leadership skills.
- Experience in audits/research.
Essential/Desirable
- Willingness to undertake MSc Advanced Clinical Practice/Has undertaken MSc.
- Knowledge of Advanced Clinical Practice/4 pillars/National frameworks.
- Degree evidence of recent studies at level 6.
- Senior level experience within specialty.
- Completed Advanced Clinical Assessment Module/Independent Prescribing at Level 7.
- Experience in cardiothoracic cardiac surgery/ITU or acute care.
- Teaching and leadership skills/experience.
- Experience of conducting audits/research.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
- Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles.
Important Information for Applicants
Note on AI Use in Applications We value authenticity. While AI tools are available, we strongly discourage their use. Applications heavily relying on AI may be rejected. Please present genuine experience and voice.
Closing Adverts Early: In case of exceptional interest, adverts may close earlier than specified.
Flexible Working: Speak with the recruiting/line manager for flexible working options.
DBS Checks: We undertake DBS checks where required.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for roles meeting eligibility. Detailed criteria on gov.uk.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if applications are high.
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non-nursing vacancies, email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
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 Disclosure to be made to Disclosure and Barring Service.
Contact
Name: Louise Best, Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Email: louise.best3@nhs.net, Phone: 07815424751.
Lead Consultant Cardiac Surgeon: Michael Lewis, Email: michael.lewis22@nhs.net.
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