Clinical Lead - Rydon WardNHS

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Clinical Lead to join our Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient team on Rydon Ward 1 at the Wellsprings Hospital site in Taunton.

You will be a key member of the inpatient multidisciplinary team, working within a recoveryfocused service and playing a central role in promoting high standards of clinical care. This role requires strong leadership skills, a commitment to teamwork and the ability to support and develop others.

Working closely with the Ward Manager, Clinical Service Manager and other Clinical Leads, you will provide consistent clinical leadership across the ward and deputise for the Ward Manager as required.

Rydon Ward 1 is a 15bed acute inpatient ward providing assessment and treatment primarily for adults of working age experiencing acute mental health needs. The ward works closely with specialist mental health doctors, nurses, therapists and the Home Treatment Team. The service mainly supports people living in the Taunton area and also accepts admissions for serving members of the military.

Main duties of the job

• Provide visible clinical leadership within the ward, promoting high standards of nursing care and recoveryfocused practice
• Coordinate, deliver and maintain safe, effective and personcentred care for all patients on the ward
• Deputise for the Ward Manager and support the daytoday management of the ward
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to plan, review and deliver care
• Support, supervise and develop Band 5 nurses and other junior staff
• Act as a role model for professional practice in line with the NMC Code
• Ensure safeguarding, risk management, Mental Health Act and capacity requirements are met
• Promote effective communication with patients, carers, relatives and partner agencies
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement and clinical governance activity

Job description

The post holder will lead and support the clinical management of patients in conjunction with the Ward Manager, ensuring agreed standards of care, treatment and therapeutic activity are consistently delivered and maintained.

You will take responsibility for coordinating clinical activity on the ward, including allocation of staff, oversight of care planning, risk assessment and medication management, ensuring compliance with Trust policies and professional standards.

As Clinical Lead, you will actively participate in and, where appropriate, lead multidisciplinary discussions and reviews, supporting staff to deliver evidencebased interventions and meaningful therapeutic engagement. You will act as a keyworker for allocated patients and support junior staff in fulfilling their keyworker responsibilities.

You will provide daytoday clinical leadership, advice and support to the nursing team, contributing to staff supervision, appraisal, mentorship and learning opportunities. There is an expectation that you will promote staff wellbeing, maintain morale and foster a positive, supportive team culture.

The role includes responsibility for ensuring Essence of Care and other quality assurance and clinical governance frameworks are embedded in everyday practice. You will support audits, service improvement initiatives and the implementation of Trust and national developments.

The postholder must maintain a working knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act, consent, capacity and deprivation of liberty, and ensure these frameworks are applied appropriately within clinical practice.

You will be expected to manage and respond professionally to challenging situations, including patient distress, risk behaviours and incidents, while maintaining compassionate, recoveryorientated care and appropriate professional boundaries.

The postholder may be required to work flexibly and, at times, across other areas of the Trust to meet service needs.

About us

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:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• 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.