Band 7 Ward Manager

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 21 July 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Neonatal Team at Luton and Dunstable Hospital. If you are ambitious, confident, self‑motivated and compassionate, looking to develop your career in neonatal nursing and make a difference, this post offers you the opportunity to play a key role as part of a new and developing team.

There has never been a more exciting time to join our neonatal team as we expand our neonatal service. The New Neonatal Unit has opened since November 2025.

The Ward Manager has overall responsibility for the provision of excellent care, leadership and management for the patients, relatives and visitors who are cared for within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

In addition, the post holder will incorporate the provision of care to patients and families in accordance with the unit philosophy and provide standards of care that are in line with the Trust Values.

The post holder will also lead the ward contribution at Directorate level in accordance with the Nursing Strategy and the Trust Nursing Strategy.

The Ward Manager has a fundamental role in the delivery of high standards of nursing care, ensuring the environment is conducive to wellbeing.

• Works closely with the Lead Nurse/Head of Nursing regarding all quality, performance and management issues.
• Be a visible and accessible presence in the clinical areas for patients, relatives and staff.
• Act as a resource of specialist knowledge and expertise to ensure optimum and appropriate care delivery to the infant and their family.
• Lead by example and act as a positive role model for all staff, taking responsibility for own professional development.
• Provide leadership that promotes patient‑focused care.
• Provide clinical leadership and line management of staff, ensuring the delivery of the highest professional standards through staff development and individual performance appraisal/review.
• Role model standards of care and expected behaviour through participation in direct patient care.
• Maintain professional standards of conduct and behaviour, which are consistent with Trust and NMC standards and requirements.
• Actively contribute to, and support agreed developments within the Directorate.
• Contribute to business planning within the directorate.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high‑performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff.

As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust is committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

• Our values
• We recruit based on qualifications and experience but also on the behaviours underpinning the Trust’s core values. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices inclusive and promote equality and diversity, creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering the first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

• The post holder will ensure nursing‑related documentation is appropriate and accountable.
• Ensure the nursing contribution within the neonatal service contributes to quality indicators and meets NHS government targets.
• Work closely with the Infection Control Team to ensure robust audit, action planning and change management to minimise the risk of health‑care acquired…