Band 7 ESAC LeadRoyal Free London NHS Foundation TrustClosing date: 14 August 2026
Job summaryWe are seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, and experienced nurse to lead our innovative emergency surgical assessment care unit (ESAC). This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced surgical nurse leader to play a key role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and supporting the ongoing development of a fast-paced and evolving service.
The ESAC provides comprehensive nursing assessment, treatment, and coordination of care for surgical patients requiring urgent assessment and intervention, with a focus on same-day management and avoiding unnecessary admissions wherever possible.
As the Band 7 lead, you will provide strong clinical and operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care while supporting service improvement and workforce development.
Main duties of the jobKey Responsibilities- Provide visible clinical leadership and professional nursing expertise within the unit.
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operational running of the SDSAU.
- Ensure high standards of patient care, safety, and experience are consistently achieved.
- Coordinate patient flow to support timely assessment, treatment, and discharge.
- Work collaboratively with surgical consultants, junior doctors, allied health professionals, and operational teams.
- Lead quality improvement initiatives and support the achievement of Trust objectives.
- Manage staffing, recruitment, rostering, and workforce planning.
- Support, supervise, and develop nursing staff through appraisal, coaching, and education.
- Ensure compliance with Trust policies, professional standards, and governance requirements.
- Lead investigations, audits, and service developments to continuously improve patient outcomes.
About usThe Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's biggest and most innovative trusts with over 17,000 staff serving 2 million patients every year. It comprises Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital and more than 30 services in the community. This larger scale organisation provides an unprecedented opportunity for us to continue our pioneering work, particularly in finding ways to deliver even better care to our patients.
Our mission is to deliver world class care and expertise in our clinical services, underpinned by world class teaching and research and we will continue to measure our progress against our five governing objectives: excellent outcomes, excellent patient and staff experience, excellent value for taxpayers' money, being safe and meeting our external duties, and building a strong organisation.
Everyone is welcome at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. We're proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME, gender equality, staff carers and people with disabilities and lived experiences to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.
DetailsDate posted: 31 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £55,524 to £62,652 a year, per annum inclusive of HCAS
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 391-RFL-8168865
Job locations: Barnet, Barnet, EN5 3DJ
Job responsibilitiesPlease see attached Job Description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Person SpecificationRoyal Free World Class ValueEssential- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Educational & professional qualificationsEssential- First level registration
- First level degree
- Mentorship qualification
- Evidence of post registration qualification relevant to surgical speciality
ExperienceEssential- Substantial post-registration experience in surgical specialty
- Evidence of teaching junior members of staff & assessing students in practice
- Proven evidence of improving patient experience
- Current experience of line management of staff
- Proven experience of monitoring & acting on nursing quality data & developing appropriate action plans
Skills and AptitudesEssential- Knowledge of current advances and pathways of care relevant to surgical specialty
- Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate and influence
- Ability to problem-solve, prioritise and to work to deadlines
- Ability to develop collaborative working relationships with multi professional teams
- Able to lead, manage and motivate others in complex problem solving and assessment skills
- Able to manage stressful situations and challenge decisions to ensure that patient needs are met
- Expert specialist skills for the post
- Skilled in use of computer/keyboard
- Knowledge of clinical governance issues e.g. handling complaints, clinical risk management
- Ability to motivate staff and improve individuals and team performance
- Able to recruit staff to world class values
Personal Qualities & AttributesEssential- Be a positive role model with the ability to demonstrate a credible and professional approach
- Ability to work as a team and form professional relationships with colleagues
- Ability to work under pressure
- Flexibility in shift and working patterns to meet the needs of the service
- Diplomatic and calm
- To be flexible and approachable
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.Certificate of Sponsorship: 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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact: Divisional Nurse Director, Susan Tierney, susan.tierney@nhs.net, 02082165797.