Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To manage the quality of the provision of nursing care at all times, within their ward / department by: 

     Holding Ward/Departmental Sister/Charge Nurse to account for delivery of their key performance indicators in clinical areas on the Perfect Ward App (mobile application devise to maximise the value of quality audits in the healthcare setting). 

     In conjunction with the Directorate’s Workforce Manager ensure effective action is taken where nursing performance is at risk of falling below expected levels and standards are not maintained. 

       Ensuring that the Trust’s nursing and Midwifery priorities are implemented locally. 

 To take appropriate action on issues of staff discipline, grievance, poor performance and sickness, up to but not including dismissal.

 Risk & clinical governance: 

      Ensure patients are cared for in a clean and safe environment, including the appropriate decontamination of multi-use equipment, taking remedial action if standards are not maintained. 

   Be champions for driving the infection prevention and control agenda and challenging poor practice. 

    Manage and respond to complaints and adverse incidents, including serious untoward incidents. Liaise with the PALS Department regarding informal complaints and where possible actively diffuse complaints to avoid escalation 

      Undertake root cause analysis and develop action plans, ensuring that this leads to change in practice. 

  Ensure Risk Assessments are undertaken and action plans implemented in wards and departments 

   Lead on the implementation of patient safety strategies such as Saving Lives and Clinical Performance Indicators. 

    Share best practice and drive improvements in patient care through the Matrons’ Forum. 

   In conjunction with the Head of Nursing, the Matron will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining excellent clinical standards within clinical teams. 

 Professional leadership and staff management: 

       Be a visible leader who is accessible to patients, visitors and staff. 

 Provide professional and clinical leadership within their wards / department

      Take forward and develop, the nursing and midwifery contribution to excellent service provision 

   Develop Ward/Departmental Sister/Charge Nurse in leadership and management. 

      Ensure that nursing staff comply with Trust-wide policies and procedures. 

     Represent the Trust at local and National forums promoting achievements in patient care. 

R&D, education and training: 

  Undertake training needs analysis in conjunction with the Training and Development Lead and the Practice Development Nurses. 

       Support the development and implementation of education and training programs within area of responsibility for nurses and midwives. 

  Be responsible for developing own skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of others. 

     Provide advice relating to approved R & D projects. 

     Work in collaboration with the Ward/Departmental Sisters/ Charge Nurses to monitor and regulate training and development of all staff to ensure: 

   Ensure clinical environments are fit to receive students and are regularly audited, including the appropriate number of ‘Sign-off’ mentors. 

    All staff are competent in acute care skills and have passed their Medicines

Management test 

Professional standards and patient experience, 

       Promote excellent standards in all wards/departments through: 

      Promotion of a nurturing environment for patients, relatives, visitors and staff through monitoring, measuring, actioning and evaluating. 

   Advocating for patients at all times. 

  Daily ward rounds and monitoring observations of care. 

    Implementing a system for gaining patient feedback, responding to adverse outcomes 

       Driving the privacy and dignity agenda. 

      To work in collaboration with the Management Team to ensure maintenance of level 2 NHSLA standards and undertake developments to support the achievement of level 3.  

Implementing the Matrons’ Charter (Section 11 – Infection Control) 

   The Matron will be competent in the use of appropriate equipment in use within his/her own area 

     They will ensure that all staff within their area have access to training and are facilitated in the achievement of their competencies 

    Mandatory training in Health & Safety should be undertaken in line with Trust policy  They should ensure that all staff are aware of the Trust decontamination policies and the care of all equipment and machinery used under their remit

   Collaborate with the Directorate Team in developing the Clinical Directorate service and business strategy. 

   Participate in service improvement projects or development programmes that contribute to the modernisation of patient services, providing both professional and clinical advice as necessary. 

  Work in close partnership with appropriate Clinical Leads and Service General Managers/Heads of nursing to ensure all local, corporate, national initiatives and targets are met.