Senior Staff Nurse Acute Service

Senior Staff Nurse for the Acute Eye Service

Join to apply for the Senior Staff Nurse for the Acute Eye Service role at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, experienced, and forward‑thinking nurse to lead and enhance the Ophthalmology Acute Eye Service at Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust. This pivotal role offers the chance to contribute to the strategic and operational development of a busy and diverse multi‑site service based at St Helier Hospital. The Ophthalmology department includes high‑volume outpatient clinics, orthoptic services, pre‑operative assessment, laser treatments, and dedicated ophthalmology operating theatres.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Senior Nursing Team, Service Managers, Orthoptic Lead, Ophthalmology Consultants, and the wider multidisciplinary team. Primary focus: ensure consistent, high‑quality patient care and support and develop the nursing workforce to uphold and exceed standards of care and patient experience.

Senior Staff Nurse for the Acute Eye Service (AES) is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the day‑to‑day management and clinical delivery of urgent and emergency ophthalmic care. The postholder will lead a team of nurses, technicians, and support staff, working collaboratively with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and allied health professionals to provide a high‑quality, patient‑centred service. Key functions include:

• Independently assess, triage, and manage patients presenting to the AES with a wide range of acute eye conditions, within scope of practice.
• Ensure timely and effective delivery of emergency ophthalmic care, promoting safety, efficiency, and a positive patient experience.
• Co‑lead service improvement initiatives, audit and oversight of clinical standards.

• Registered General Nurse.
• Evidence of CPD in Ophthalmology or acute eye service.
• Post‑graduate qualification in Ophthalmology.

• Extensive registration experience.
• Previous experience in Ophthalmology.

• Strong knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy, conditions, and treatment.
• Competent in slit lamp examination, visual acuity and IOP measurement.

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal & communication skills. Willingness to develop own practice.
• Understanding line management requirements.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

• Date posted: 05 January 2026
• Pay scheme:
  Agenda for change
• Band: 7
• Salary: £53,751 to £60,651 a year inclusive of HCAS
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Working pattern:
  Full‑time
• Reference number: 343‑7304246‑RB‑SK‑E
• Job locations:
  St Helier Hospital, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, SM5 1AA

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

Address:
St Helier Hospital, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, SM5 1AA

Website: