Job Description

We would be willing to offer this post as an Annex 21 post. Further details are included below.



Are you a dynamic , forward-thinking Neonatal Nurse ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?



Do you thrive in a fast-paced , compassionate environment where your clinical expertise and people skills truly make a difference?



We're looking for an exceptional leader to join our Neonatal team as a Band 7 Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) Ward Manager. This is more than a job--it's a chance to shape the future of neonatal care, support strategic innovation, and lead with clinical credibility.



Who we are looking for?

A qualified and experienced Neonatal Nurse with a proven track record in team leadership and service development. A natural communicator with empathy, resilience, and the ability to manage staff with compassion and professionalism. A problem-solver and innovator who thrives on autonomy, initiative, and driving positive change. Someone who brings energy, enthusiasm, and adaptability to everything they do.

Why is this role special?

Lead with Impact: Support the Senior Nurse in Neonates to drive operational excellence and strategic development. Inspire and Empower: Manage and mentor a dedicated team, fostering a culture of compassion, adaptability, and professionalism. Be the Change: Champion quality improvement and change management initiatives that enhance care for our small and vulnerable patients. Stay Hands-On: Maintain clinical visibility and credibility while influencing service delivery at a strategic level. Work with Excellence: Benefit from state-of-the-art equipment, including new SLE6000 ventilation systems and laminar flow isolation rooms, supporting the highest standards of neonatal care. Collaborate with Strength: Be part of a strong perinatal team with well-established working relationships and a shared ethic of integrated, family-centred care across both Maternity Services and Paediatrics.

What you will gain?

A supportive leadership team and opportunities for professional growth. A chance to make a real difference in neonatal care across Hywel Dda UHB. A role that blends clinical leadership with strategic influence.

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.



We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.



We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

Four main hospitals:

Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest

Five community hospitals:

Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire

Two integrated care centres:

Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings



47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97



community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers



Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services



This post is advertised as a Band 7 and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the Qualification in Speciality (QIS) for Neonatal Intensive Care and Newborn Life Support. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 7 role are encouraged to apply, and if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 12 months and will be appointed under the All Wales Annex 21 rules.



This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 75% of the top rate of band 7 pay) and following successful completion of the Qualification in Speciality (QIS) for Neonatal Intensive Care and Newborn Life Support the post holder will then be paid at Band 7 (minimum point on the scale). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 7 role. Failure to achieve the qualification and required competencies in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.



As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.



You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.



The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.



The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.



The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.



Interviews to be held on 13/10/2025



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlJBRPlv9a0



https://youtu.be/Xb5ksZWmXm8



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgt03XPT6RQ