Department Manager-Emergency Department

Go back South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 21 July 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced nurse to become an Emergency Care Department Manager. Based predominantly at Sunderland Royal Hospital, with expectation to work at South Tyneside District Hospital when required.

Applicants must have experience as a senior nurse in ED and possess excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills to drive improvements in line with current operational and professional agendas. Candidates will be passionate about the provision of high‑quality person‑centred care and able to provide visible and accessible senior leadership to support and develop the nursing team.

You will have excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, be able to work autonomously and with the multidisciplinary team to maintain a patient‑focused positive experience and environment. A flexible approach to work is required as well as the ability to demonstrate resilience to manage varying challenges in this demanding role. You must be able to provide professional direction, always advocating excellence in clinical practice and understand the requirements of 7‑day senior nurse cover.

• 24‑hour accountability for patient safety and patient experience on the ward/department, including line management of staff.
• Responsible for delivery of high quality nursing care by ensuring appropriate systems and processes are in place to provide continuity of safe and effective care at all times.
• Act as a champion for professional accountability and standards, ensuring that professional practices are in line with the NMC and Trust policy.
• Ensure environmental standards and cleanliness of the ward/department are maintained in line with Trust and national standards.
• Effectively manage nursing resources, ensuring staff rotas deliver safe and effective patient care.
• Support and contribute to the development of patient care and nursing practice within the Directorate; supervise junior staff; contribute to Trust‑wide projects as required.
• Ensure effective line management of staff and support them in performing to their full potential; ensure junior staff have appropriate support, supervision and assessment.
• Comply with the Trust’s vision, values and behavioural compact.

• Evidence of leadership qualities.
• Awareness of national health and social care policy.
• Knowledge of best practice in the area of specialism.
• Thorough understanding of expanded roles/professional practice issues.
• 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 Microsoft Office packages.
• Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to the post.
• Understanding of budget and financial control systems.

• Degree in nursing studies or a healthcare‑related subject (UK equivalent).
• Mentorship certificate / Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Management and leadership training.

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

• Experience of change management.
• Thorough understanding of contemporary nursing issues.
• Experience of leading a team.
• Evidence of innovation in practice.
• Participation in recruitment and selection process.
• Experience as a band 6 in Emergency care.
• Experience as a band 6 and/or band 7.
• Experience of service redesign.

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

We welcome all applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture.