Head of Clinical Services

About the Role

Reporting to the General Manager, this role supports the development and delivery of consistently high-quality care and clinical services, aligned with the expectations of the ‘Loveday Way’.

The Clinical Lead provides visible leadership to the nursing and care team, champions resident safety and dignity, and acts as a role model for good clinical governance. The role also involves supporting service development, monitoring care standards, mentoring nurses, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and professional standards, including the NMC Code and CQC requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and support for clinical and care colleagues and act as a champion for members’ safety and dignity.
• To maintain skills and knowledge and ensure that care is delivered according to the latest guidelines and best practice evidence available.
• Comply with the clinical governance framework and all activities related to it. This includes participation in the clinical audit programme.
• Develop monitoring and reporting systems which promote the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality services.
• Ensure that clear and accurate records and communication systems relating to clinical and care delivery are maintained and effectively used by colleagues.
• Act as a role model for good clinical and care governance practice.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and support for clinical and care colleagues and act as a champion for members’ safety and dignity.
• To maintain skills and knowledge and ensure that care is delivered according to the latest guidelines and best practice evidence available.
• Comply with the clinical governance framework and all activities related to it. This includes participation in the clinical audit programme.
• Develop monitoring and reporting systems which promote the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality services.
• Ensure that clear and accurate records and communication systems relating to clinical and care delivery are maintained and effectively used by colleagues.
• Act as a role model for good clinical and care governance practice.
• Work with the general manager to formulate strategies for service development or changes in service provision and support implementation.
• Supervise nurses on a day-to-day basis and through formal clinical supervision.
• Act as a mentor for new nurses joining the team or for those who require specific support to develop clinical skills or knowledge.
• Liaise with GPs and other health professionals to ensure that residents receive the medical and clinical support they require.
• Demand high quality service delivery focused on residents’ individually assessed needs.
• Promote the professional image of the services through excellent communication, appropriate behaviour, and professional appearance.
• To be responsible for selection, recruitment, induction, retention, and development of Nursing colleagues in accordance with legislation and company guidelines.
• Maintain an awareness of changes in the care environment and take responsibility for leading colleagues through the necessary changes to develop the service.
• Ensure there is effective communication and dissemination of information on a frequent and regular basis using various methods to all colleagues.
• Maintain skills and keep up to date with clinical developments and best practice in areas relevant to care delivery.
• Ensure that Nurses have undertaken training appropriate to their role and that learning is transferred into practice.
• Monitor delivery of care, ensuring high standards of care are maintained, including infection prevention and control procedures, e.g. wound care, catheter management.
• Develop links with local nurse specialists and teams e.g. continence nurse, tissue viability nurse, falls service etc. and ensure that members are referred according to local procedures and protocols.
• Provide support in relation to medicines management and be able to assess colleagues’ competency to manage medication.
• To attend all statutory and mandatory training as required by the Company to fulfil your duties.
• Collate performance information required for the monthly management and other reports as required by Loveday Governance Framework.
• Undertake clinical audits as stated in the Loveday Governance Framework, ensuring action plans are fully implemented.
• Review accidents and incidents and ensure that lessons learnt are translated into practice.
• Conduct investigations as directed by the General Manager, following an accident, incident, or complaint.
• Ensure high standards of record keeping are maintained in accordance with NMC and company requirements.
• Review compliance with the Health and Social Care Act (2008) and ensure that any requirements and recommendations made following a CQC review are actioned appropriately.
• Report areas of concern to the General Manager and agree appropriate action to be taken.
• To ensure appropriate numbers and skills mix of colleagues to meet the requirements of the service.
• Ensure colleagues are aware of company policies and procedures and that these are incorporated into practice.
• Ensure effective and clearly documented handover systems are in place and that they facilitate the effective transfer of information between colleagues.
• Ensure that notifications are completed and sent to CQC, in accordance with regulatory requirements and that all accidents and incidents are reported, recorded, and investigated in line with company policy.
• Ensure that all colleagues are aware of safeguarding vulnerable adult’s procedures and that these are implemented within the home.
• Organise nurse team meetings and ensure that minutes are taken and disseminated.
• Provide information to residents and relatives in relation to care delivery, being mindful of data protection and Caldicott requirements.
• To undertake clinical assessments of prospective service users to ensure that their care needs can be met by the Home in a safe and compliant manner.
• Work collaboratively with the sales and admissions manager to ensure member population is maintained, enabling business to make budgeted revenue targets.
• Act always within own competence and knowledge in line with NMC registration requirements.
• Report any concerns regarding poor performance or unsafe practice to the General Manager and Head of Care and Quality.
• Intervene immediately in situations where there is significant risk to members and others.
• Assist the General Manager to meet all relevant regulatory, contractual, and good practice standards.
• Assist in the auditing process to ensure that best practice and compliance is maintained in line with regulatory requirements.
• Participate in continuous professional development to ensure requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) revalidation are met.