Deputy Department Manager
The closing date is 12 June 2026
There has never been a more exciting time to join the Ophthalmology team at STSFT. We are preparing to move into the new, stateoftheartSunderland Specialist Eye Hospital in summer 2026, securing Sunderlands position as the regions only dedicated standalone eyehospital. This move will strengthen our national reputation as a Centre ofExcellence and create an inspiring environment for our teams and patientsalike.
We never stay still when it comes to discovering new andbetter treatments. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and using developing technology is a key part of our work. Weencourage innovation and research – there is always something to get involvedin. If you share our vision for “excellence in all that we do”, wedlove you to join us!
An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated 1stlevel 37.5hr band 6 Registered Nurse to join the Cataract Treatment Centre Team. The role is interesting, varied and includes duties and responsibilities acrossboth theatre and outpatient settings. Cataract Treatment Centre consists of 2 dedicated Cataract theatresuites (with expansion to 3 in the new build) and a dedicated Outpatients. You will part of a large multi-disciplinaryteam providing holistic care to a large group of patients attending ourcataract services with Cataracts and other varying ophthalmic conditions. In house training will be given to achievethe competencies required for the role.
Main duties of the job
Within the Cataract Treatment Centre, the Role of a Band 6 Deputy Department Manager isdiverse, varied and fast paced, leading the team in providing specialised care to patients attending for Cataract Surgery and other Cataract related services. The role involves workingacross Theatre and Outpatients with many responsibilities and duties. In house training will be given and Competency based assessments undertaken to learn all aspects of the role including pre-assessment, Primary Nursing and Scrub. The service ispresently Monday to Friday with variable shift patterns from 8.00am to 17.30.
We are looking to recruit a dynamic, motivated and enthusiastic1st level NMC Registered Band 6 Adult nurse. We require an excellent communicator with a proven ability to lead, motivate and support nursing staff. You will mainly work weekdays but may be required to cover weekends for additional responsibilities as seniornurse. As a Band 6 junior sister/chargenurse/Deputy Department Manager, the main duties include:
- Operational Leadership of the Cataract TreatmentCentre
- Provide Clinical Expertise and Direct Patient Care
- Staff Supervision and Support
- Patient Safety, Quality and Compliance
- Coordination with MDT
Additional Duties when holding the Senior Nurse Bleep
- Respond to clinical queries or concerns
- Support rapid decision-making around deterioratingpatients, staff crises or incidents
- Attend medicalemergencies/cardiac arrests/fire situation.
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust – There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits – Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.
If you use AI,and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, wemay withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Job responsibilities
PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
- To be responsible and accountablefor the safe, effective and compassionate nursing care for all patients in a ward/department area.
- To exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code.
- To supervise, support and educate junior members of the team, acting asa role model.
- Support ward/department manager to ensure organisational goals/objectivesare met within ward/department.
- When taking charge of theward/department or in the absence of the ward/department manager, is directly responsible for ensuring that clinical,professional and cleanliness standards are maintained in the entireward/department.
- To ensure effective communicationinternally and externally, regarding patient care and resources.
- To complywith the trusts vision, values and behavioural compact.
Qualifications
- Degree in nursing studies or healthcare related subject or evidence of currently working towards this (UK equivalent).
- Mentorship certificate/ Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience.
- Management and leadership training.
Experience
- Experience as a Band 5.
- Experience of leading a team.
- Evidence of innovation in practice.
- Experience of coordinating a team in caring for patients from admission to discharge.
- Expertise within the speciality.
- Experience of line management of staff.
Skills and Knowledge
- Awareness of national health and social care policy.
- Knowledge of best practice in area of specialism.
- Thorough understanding of expanded roles/professional practice issues.
- Clinical teaching experience.
- Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassurance skills are required.
- Able to work without supervision.
- Competent in the use of IT packages.
- Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to the post.
- Understanding of budget and financial control systems.
Physical Skills
- Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
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