Band 7 ESAC

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, and experienced nurse to lead our innovative emergency surgical assessment care unit (ESAC). This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced surgical nurse leader to play a key role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and supporting the ongoing development of a fast-paced and evolving service.

The ESAC provides comprehensive nursing assessment, treatment, and coordination of care for surgical patients requiring urgent assessment and intervention, with a focus on same-day management and avoiding unnecessary admissions wherever possible.

As the Band 7 lead, you will provide strong clinical and operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care while supporting service improvement and workforce development.

Main duties of the jobKey Responsibilities Provide visible clinical leadership and professional nursing expertise within the unit.

Lead and manage the day-to-day operational running of the SDSAU.Ensure high standards of patient care, safety, and experience are consistently achieved.

Coordinate patient flow to support timely assessment, treatment, and discharge.

Work collaboratively with surgical consultants, junior doctors, allied health professionals, and operational teams.

Lead quality improvement initiatives and support the achievement of Trust objectives.

Manage staffing, recruitment, rostering, and workforce planning.

Support, supervise, and develop nursing staff through appraisal, coaching, and education.

Ensure compliance with Trust policies, professional standards, and governance requirements.

Lead investigations, audits, and service developments to continuously improve patient outcomes.

About us The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's biggest and most innovative trusts with over 17,000 staff serving 2 million patients every year. It comprises Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital and more than 30 services in the community. This larger scale organisation provides an unprecedented opportunity for us to continue our pioneering work, particularly in finding ways to deliver even better care to our patients.

Our mission is to deliver world class care and expertise in our clinical services, underpinned by world class teaching and research and we will continue to measure our progress against our five governing objectives: excellent outcomes, excellent patient and staff experience, excellent value for taxpayers' money, being safe and meeting our external duties, and building a strong organisation.

Everyone is welcome at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. We're proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME, gender equality, staff carers and people with disabilities and lived experiences to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.

Details Date posted
31 July 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

BandBand 7

Salary
55,524 to 62,652 a year

per annum inclusive of HCAS

Contract Permanent Working  pattern

Full-time

Reference number
391-RFL-8168865

Job locations

Barnet

BarnetEN5 3DJ
United Kingdom Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached

Job Description for more information about this role and working at royal free London NHS foundation Trust
Job description
Job responsibilities

Please see attached

Job Description for more information about this role and working at royal free London NHS foundation Trust Person Specification

Royal Free World Class Value

Essential Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values

Educational & professional qualifications

Essentialo First level registrationo

First level degreeo

Mentorship qualificationo

Evidence of post registration qualification relevant to surgical speciality

Experience

Essentialo Substantial post-registration experience in surgical specialtyo

Evidence of teaching junior members of staff & assessing students in practiceo

Proven evidence of improving patient experienceo

Current experience of line management of staffo

Proven experience of monitoring & acting on nursing quality data & developing appropriate action plans

Skills and Aptitudes

Essentialo Knowledge of current advances and pathways of care relevant to surgical specialtyo

Excellent communication skills and ability to negotiate and influenceo

Ability to problem-solve, prioritise and to work to deadlineso

Ability to develop collaborative working relationships with multi professional teamso

Able to lead, manage and motivate others in complex problem solving and assessment skillso

Able to manage stressful situations and challenge decisions to ensure that patient needs are met Expert specialist skills for the post Skilled in use of computer/keyboard

Knowledge of clinical governance issues e.g. handling complaints, clinical risk management

Ability to motivate staff and improve individuals and team performance

Able to recruit staff to world class values

Personal Qualities &…