Job Description

The closing date is 7th Dec 2025

Anticipated Interview date(s) 17/12/2025

Job summary

---------------

Band 6 | Permanent and Fixed-Term Opportunities Available

Location: Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton

Are you an experienced paediatric nurse ready to take the next step in your career? Join our dynamic Children's Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital as a Deputy Ward Manager, providing clinical and operational leadership within a busy general paediatric ward.

About the Role

The Children's Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital is a welcoming team that works closely with medical and AHP colleagues to provide holistic care for children, young people, and their families. You'll work as part of our nursing leadership team to ensure the delivery of high-quality, family-centred care for children and young people. This role combines responsibility for safe and effective management of all patients, with a specialist interest in oncology, supporting those undergoing complex cancer treatments alongside a wide range of paediatric conditions.

Why Join Us?

Supportive, welcoming team environment. Access to in-house paediatric education and CPD opportunities. External study options, including courses at Bristol Children's Hospital.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

-----------------------------------------


As Deputy Ward Manager, you will:

Act as senior nurse on duty, leading the team and managing the ward. Deliver specialist oncology care, including systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) and symptom management. Coordinate multidisciplinary input and maintain compliance with national cancer standards. Oversee patient flow, bed management, and resource allocation. Mentor and supervise nursing staff, supporting education and professional development. Promote best practice, lead audits, and contribute to service improvement initiatives. Act as an advocate for children and families, ensuring safeguarding and emotional support. Support CPD through in-house training and external study opportunities.

Our unit includes:

31 beds across two wards, plus a Paediatric Assessment Unit. Level 2 HDU with two HDU beds. CAMHS liaison and a dedicated paediatric eating disorder nurse. 24/7 roster with long days and nights.

About us

------------


At

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options

to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme

for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance

to recharge and relax A strong focus on

career development

to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our

Blue Light Card

, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.


We are proud to foster a

diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce

, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?

Somerset offers the perfect blend of

idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty

, and

breathtaking coastlines

, with vibrant cities like

Bristol

,

Bath

, and

Exeter

just a short drive away - and only two hours to

London

.


The region is home to excellent

educational facilities

, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all

- the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

-------------------


You will play a key leadership role within our Children's Unit, ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate care for all patients, with a specialist focus on oncology. Your responsibilities will include:

Clinical Leadership

Act as deputy to the Ward Manager, assuming responsibility for operational management when required. Provide expert guidance and decision-making to maintain high standards of care across the ward.

Oncology Expertise

Deliver specialist support for children and young people undergoing systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT). Manage complex treatment regimens and provide education for families on symptom management and home care.

Operational Management

Oversee day-to-day running of the ward, including bed management, patient flow, and resource allocation. Ensure efficient use of staffing and equipment to maintain service continuity.

Multidisciplinary Coordination

Work closely with consultants, allied health professionals, and external agencies to optimise care pathways. Facilitate effective communication within the MDT and across services.

Staff Development

Mentor and supervise nursing staff, supporting professional growth and competency development. Facilitate oncology-specific training and CPD opportunities.

Quality and Safety

Monitor compliance with clinical governance standards and national cancer care guidelines. Lead audits and implement evidence-based practice to maintain patient safety.

Safeguarding and Advocacy

Act as a key advocate for children and families, ensuring their voices are heard in care planning. Respond promptly to child protection concerns and support junior staff in safeguarding processes.

Education and CPD

Promote continuous learning through in-house paediatric education and external study, including courses at Bristol Children's Hospital.

Person specification

------------------------

Qualifications

#

Essential

RSCN/RN Child


Paediatric Systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) qualification and competencies




#

Desirable

Degree level qualification

Experience

#

Essential

Experience working with CYP in acute ward undergoing SACT treatments Evidence of supervisory and mentoring skills Able to lead and work within a Team

SACT experience

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Willingness to undertake training and develop competencies in the specialist skills of the Unit Supervisor/ assessor qualification/training

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.

UK Professional Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

For help with your application, contact:

Suzy Mason


suzy.mason@somersetft.nhs.uk


01823342573

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 6

Salary

38682.00 to 46580.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-Time, Full-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3698

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA