Care Group Head of Service (Medicine)

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Role Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Operational Senior Leadership Team at The Royal  Devon University NHS Foundation Healthcare Trust in the role of Care Group Head of Service based at Barnstaple Hospital.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is embarking on an exciting period of transformation. At over 60 miles distance and a 1.5 hour journey time to the next nearest acute hospital, NDHT is the most remote acute hospital in mainland England. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a pro-active, transformational and hardworking MDT team that make up the Medicine Division. 

As an inspirational leader you will ensure that staff are empowered to continue to deliver high quality care to our local community; whilst meeting the challenges of modern healthcare delivery, through innovative and integrated solutions.

You will lead the Emergency Department during an exciting time, having the opportunity to lead projects and work programmes to achieve NHS performance targets. 

About the Role

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

The Care Group Head of Service is a leadership role ensuring high standards of leadership and consistent, optimal performance across a defined range of specialties and services within the wider Care Group.

The post holder will be expected to act independently, taking timely decisions to ensure the operational delivery of the services & specialities within their domain, leading change and improvement by supporting and influencing clinical, operational and, where necessary, corporate teams.

The post holder will provide strong operational leadership within their area of responsibility to ensure transformative, effective, and efficient delivery of services. The Care Group Head of Service will support the development and implementation of the Care Group plan which will maintain patient care to the highest levels of safety and quality; ensure efficient use of resources; promote a culture that is progressive and inclusive; meet the objectives contained within the Trust priorities and operational plan.

The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the delivery, & reporting, of patient access targets; a range of key performance indicators relating – but not limited to - urgent and emergency care, elective care including referral to treatment times, cancer & diagnostic waiting times; financial performance and Delivering Best Value programme within the services managed.

The post holder may be required to deputise for the Associate Director, representing the services within their domain at internal and appropriate external meetings.

The post holder will participate in the designated on-call rota (depending on experience and following a suitable period of training), taking overall responsibility for the site out of hours including at major incident status.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Monday - Friday

Interview Date: 1st May 2025

For further information please contact: Alaric Moore - Care Group Associate Director - Medicine on 01392 402883 or alaric.moore@nhs.net

This is a fixed term contract for 13 months. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.