Blake Ward is a 19 bedded specialist head and neck unit providing expert care in ENT, Maxillofacial, and Ophthalmology surgery. The ward also delivers high quality nursing care for urology, orthopaedic, and general surgical patients. In addition, we manage a 12 chaired Surgical Admissions Lounge, where patients are welcomed and prepared prior to their procedures. Blake Ward also operates the trust's out of hours ophthalmic service.
We care for a diverse mix of elective surgical patients and accept direct emergency admissions for ENT, Maxillofacial, and Ophthalmology. Our team is known for its friendly, supportive culture and low staff turnover, reflecting our commitment to maintaining a positive working environment. We pride ourselves on delivering safe, compassionate, and patient centred care, ensuring every individual has the smoothest and most reassuring journey possible through our service.
Blake Ward offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, including the chance to work closely with our wider multidisciplinary team. We actively support ongoing learning, professional development, and collaboration across specialties to enhance skills and enrich staff experience.
To provide and maintain a high standard of evidence based, patient centred care. To demonstrate good interpersonal skills and to develop practical skills required within the speciality, whist reflecting the philosophy of care.
To deliver patient care on a daily basis, using the systems in place in the department for a multi-disciplinary approach to patient-centred care delivery, which builds on the philosophy of greater involvement of patients and their relatives/carers by using the Trusts patient and public involvement strategy.
Experienced Band 5 post holders will also provide effective clinical and managerial leadership of the department, in the absence of the senior members of the team, which empowers staff to deliver patient- centred, evidence based nursing care
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:
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Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
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NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
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Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
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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.
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
Diploma and working or willing to work towards degree levelQ RGN
Willingness to undertake training and develop competencies in the specialist skills of the ward speciality.
Has completed trust approved training to supervise and assess students.
Knowledge of caring for pre and post op surgical patients
workload prioritisation
Excellent communication skills
works a mixture of nights and days
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
