Senior Charge Nurse - Ophthalmology Clinic

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Charge Nurse/Senior within the Ophthalmology Department at Southend Hospital.

The Senior Sister/Charge Nurse is responsible for the professional, clinical and operational leadership of the Ophthalmology Clinic and Ward. The post holder will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care, providing visible leadership to the nursing team and supporting the effective day-to-day management of services.

Working closely with the Matron, Head of Nursing, medical staff and the multidisciplinary team, the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse will lead on patient safety, workforce management, quality improvement, governance, education and service development. The post holder will be accountable for maintaining clinical standards, supporting staff development and ensuring the efficient flow of patients through outpatient, day case and inpatient ophthalmology pathways.

The role requires strong clinical expertise, leadership skills and the ability to manage competing operational demands while ensuring compliance with Trust policies, professional standards and national ophthalmology best practice.

We are looking for a dynamic and pro-active person to lead the department. It is an exciting time to join us with new and exciting times ahead.

The candidate must have proven leadership and management experience, working within an Ophthalmology environment with sound clinical Ophthalmology knowledge & skills.

Main duties of the job
The role requires providing effective leadership to all nursing staff and technicians, including oversight of sickness management, rota planning, recruitment processes and appraisals. It involves promoting best practice in the care of patients with ophthalmic conditions and working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality, patient-centred services. The post holder will support the daily clinical and operational management of the department and ensure that evidence-based care is consistently delivered to agreed standards, contributing to the achievement of all clinical and operational performance indicators. An understanding of local and national nursing strategies, including Compassion in Practice and the 6Cs, is essential to positively influence patient safety, experience and quality of care. The role also requires maintaining accurate and compliant record keeping in line with Trust and NMC guidelines, ensuring all risk-management procedures are followed, and overseeing the reporting, investigation and learning from incidents, near misses, accidents and equipment faults. Additionally, the post holder must ensure a clean, safe and compliant environment for patients, staff and visitors in accordance with all relevant legislation, policies and clinical protocols.

About us
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Qualifications
Essential

• Full NMC Registration
• Registered General Nurse
• Evidence of CPD
• Nursing Degree

Desirable

• MIPS, ENB 998 or desire to complete

Experience
Essential

• Experience managing budgets
• Substantial experience as a qualified nurse
• Experience managing rosters
• Proven significant Ophthalmology management experience
• Clinical leadership and management of a team
• Experience managing complex clinical scenarios

Desirable

• Experience of sickness management
• Experience of complex Employee Relations

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 a year per annum (pro rata for part time)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 390-NM-SUR-SO-8929
Closing date: 29 October 2026

Apply through our website.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.