South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Deputy Department Manager

This job is now closed

Job summary

There has never been a more exciting time to join the Ophthalmology team at STSFT. We are preparing to move into the new, stateoftheart Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital in summer 2026, securing Sunderlands position as the regions only dedicated standalone eye hospital. This move will strengthen our national reputation as a Centre of Excellence and create an inspiring environment for our teams and patients alike.

We never stay still when it comes to discovering new and better treatments. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and using developing technology is a key part of our work. We encourage innovation and research - there is always something to get involved in. If you share our vision for 'excellence in all that we do', wed love you to join us!

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated 1st level 37.5hr band 6 Registered Nurse to join the Cataract Treatment Centre Team. The role is interesting, varied and includes duties and responsibilities across both theatre and outpatient settings. Cataract Treatment Centre consists of 2 dedicated Cataract theatre suites (with expansion to 3 in the new build) and a dedicated Outpatients. You will part of a large multi-disciplinary team providing holistic care to a large group of patients attending our cataract services with Cataracts and other varying ophthalmic conditions. In house training will be given to achieve the competencies required for the role.

Main duties of the job

Within the Cataract Treatment Centre, the Role of a Band 6 Deputy Department Manger is diverse, varied and fast paced, leading the team in providing specialised care to patients attending for Cataract Surgery and other Cataract related services. The role involves working across Theatre and Outpatients with many responsibilities and duties. In house training will be given and Competency based assessments undertaken to learn all aspects of the role including pre-assessment, Primary Nursing and Scrub. The service is presently Monday to Friday with variable shift patterns from 8.00am to 17.30.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic, motivated and enthusiastic 1st level NMC Registered Band 6 Adult nurse. We require an excellent communicator with a proven ability to lead, motivate and support nursing staff. You will mainly work weekdays but may be required to cover weekends for additional responsibilities as senior nurse. As a Band 6 junior sister/charge nurse/Deputy Department Manager, the main duties include:

Operational Leadership of the Cataract Treatment Centre,
Provide Clinical Expertise and Direct Patient Care,
Staff Supervision and Support,
Patient Safety, Quality and Compliance
Coordination with MDT

Additional Duties when holding the Senior Nurse Bleep

Respond to clinical queries or concerns
Support rapid decision-making around deteriorating patients, staff crises or incidents
Attend medical emergencies/cardiac arrests/fire situation.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Date posted

29 May 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,959 to £48,117 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9155-OPNM-0526-50

Job locations

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

Queen Alexandra Road

SUNDERLAND

SR2 9HP

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

To be responsible and accountable for the safe, effective and compassionate nursing care for all patients in a ward/department area.
To exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code.
To supervise, support and educate junior members of the team, acting as a role model.
Support ward/department manager to ensure organisational goals/objectives are met within ward/department.
When taking charge of the ward/department or in the absence of the ward/department manager, is directly responsible for ensuring that clinical, professional and cleanliness standards are maintained in the entire ward/department.
To ensure effective communication internally and externally, regarding patient care and resources.
To comply with the trusts vision, values and behavioural compact.

Job description

Job responsibilities

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

To be responsible and accountable for the safe, effective and compassionate nursing care for all patients in a ward/department area.
To exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code.
To supervise, support and educate junior members of the team, acting as a role model.
Support ward/department manager to ensure organisational goals/objectives are met within ward/department.
When taking charge of the ward/department or in the absence of the ward/department manager, is directly responsible for ensuring that clinical, professional and cleanliness standards are maintained in the entire ward/department.
To ensure effective communication internally and externally, regarding patient care and resources.
To comply with the trusts vision, values and behavioural compact.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Current NMC Registration (Level 1 adult nurse).
Degree in nursing studies or healthcare related subject or evidence of currently working towards this (UK equivalent).
Mentorship certificate/ Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience.

Desirable

Management and leadership training.
ILM qualification.

Experience

Essential

Experience as a Band 5.
Experience of leading a team.
Evidence of innovation in practice.
Experience of coordinating a team in caring for patients from admission to discharge.

Desirable

Expertise within the speciality.
Experience of line management of staff.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Awareness of national health and social care policy.
Knowledge of best practice in area of specialism.
Thorough understanding of expanded roles/professional practice issues.
Clinical teaching experience.
Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassurance skills are required.
Able to work without supervision.
Competent in the use of IT packages.
Proven interpersonal skills.
Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to the post.

Desirable

Understanding of budget and financial control systems.

Physical Skills

Essential

Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Current NMC Registration (Level 1 adult nurse).
Degree in nursing studies or healthcare related subject or evidence of currently working towards this (UK equivalent).
Mentorship certificate/ Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience.

Desirable

Management and leadership training.
ILM qualification.

Experience

Essential

Experience as a Band 5.
Experience of leading a team.
Evidence of innovation in practice.
Experience of coordinating a team in caring for patients from admission to discharge.

Desirable

Expertise within the speciality.
Experience of line management of staff.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Awareness of national health and social care policy.
Knowledge of best practice in area of specialism.
Thorough understanding of expanded roles/professional practice issues.
Clinical teaching experience.
Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassurance skills are required.
Able to work without supervision.
Competent in the use of IT packages.
Proven interpersonal skills.
Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to the post.

Desirable

Understanding of budget and financial control systems.

Physical Skills

Essential

Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).