Physical Health Nurse

at  Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust

JOB SUMMARY

The role of the physical health nurse for serious mental illness is to undertake the holistic assessment of physical health care needs and clinical management of individuals who are receiving care from the community mental health teams (CMHT). The primary purpose of this role is to coordinate a patient-focussed programme of work to improve the physical health of people with a serious mental illness (SMI) under the care of the Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT). Newly qualified nurses are encouraged to apply and will start as Band 5.
The work is underpinned by national guidance and Southern Health’s Physical Health in Serious Mental Illness Strategy.

The role has the following priorities:

• Providing a nurse-led physical health service working Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, providing clinics and home visits across west areas of Southampton.
• Personal professional development and supporting the education and training of others regarding physical health in mental illness.
• Close collaboration and liaison with CMHT colleagues, as well as external partners, primarily GPs / primary care colleagues, other health providers, health promotion and voluntary sector organisations.
• Developing a culture that recognises and gives equal importance to physical and mental illness whilst striving for quality improvement.

ABOUT US

Southern Health is one of the largest NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK, specialising in mental health and learning disabilities, as well as offering physical health community-based services.
With a workforce of more than 7000 and a footprint that spans more than 200 sites across Hampshire, we’re committed to providing the best possible healthcare, reaching a range of diverse communities, whilst placing patients and staff at the forefront of all our endeavours.
We are currently working closely with other NHS Trusts to combine all our collective community, mental health, and learning disability services, with the plan to create a new larger, more integrated and accessible organisation.
The transformation will happen in stages; Hampshire CAMHS, part of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust joined Southern Health in February 2024, with Isle of Wight NHS Trust mental health and community services transitioning across in May 2024. The final combination of Southern Health and Solent NHS Trust services is expected in late 2024, when our new organisation, to be known as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, will be formed.
Our new Trust will continue to cater to the unique needs of different communities, making healthcare across the county more accessible, as well as offering staff more opportunities for career development, training and partnership working.
Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to shape the future of healthcare in Hampshire.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached.
We are happy to talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process.

MAIN DUTIES, TASKS & SKILLS REQUIRED

• This is a post for a registered nurse who has a significant level of knowledge, skills, and experience of working with adults with physical and mental health needs
• Provide professional and clinical leadership in line with the changing service developments within the service
• Take responsibility for ensuring that evidence-based ways of working are carried out
• To provide professional training, teaching, and support (on an MDT basis) in relation to physical health within a multi-disciplinary team
  The role requires close collaboration and liaison with CMHT colleagues, as well as external partners, primarily GPs / primary care colleagues, other health providers, health promotion and voluntary organisations.

The role has the following priorities:

• Providing a nurse-led physical health service working Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, providing clinics and home visits across west areas of Southampton.
• Personal professional development and supporting the education and training of others regarding physical health in mental illness.
• Close collaboration and liaison with CMHT colleagues, as well as external partners, primarily GPs / primary care colleagues, other health providers, health promotion and voluntary sector organisations.
• Developing a culture that recognises and gives equal importance to physical and mental illness whilst striving for quality improvement