Forensic Physical Health Lead Nurse | South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 02 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £53,751 - £60,651 per annum inclusive of HCAS |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 April 2026 |
| Location: | Kent, BR3 3BX |
| Company: | South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7712273/334-NUR-7712273-AP |
Summary
About the Role
South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dynamic and experienced Band 7 Physical Health Nurse to lead the Forensic Directorate Physical Health Team. This role is mainly based at River House, Bethlem Royal Hospital, a modern, purpose-built environment designed to support high-quality care and collaborative working.
This pivotal role combines advanced clinical practice with operational leadership to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care for individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) across eight inpatient wards and five community services, including Forensic Integrated Psychological Therapy Team (FIPTS).
You will join a dedicated multidisciplinary team that values professionalism, compassion, and innovation. Our culture is built on respect, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, creating an atmosphere where staff are empowered to lead change and deliver outstanding care. Working within the Forensic Directorate means being part of a supportive network of Matrons, Consultants, Service Managers, and allied professionals who share a commitment to excellence and patient safety.
You will play a key role in shaping physical health provision, driving service development, and ensuring compliance with national standards and the Trust’s Physical Health Strategy.
Main Duties of the Role Include (but are not limited to):
• Deliver expert physical health assessments, interventions, and ongoing monitoring for individuals with Serious Mental Illness in forensic settings.
• Lead and coordinate physical health services across inpatient and community pathways, ensuring consistent, high-quality standards of care.
• Oversee the GP suite operations and establish physical health clinics within community teams.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and produce performance reports using digital systems and dashboards.
• Manage staff and patient vaccination programs and ensure compliance with Infection Prevention and Control policies.
• Drive quality improvement initiatives, service development, and clinical governance activities.
• Provide training, supervision, and professional development for staff and trainees to embed physical health competence across the workforce.
• Build strong relationships with service users, carers, and external partners to improve access to physical healthcare.
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of care delivery.
The role requires close collaboration with senior clinical and operational leaders, external healthcare providers, and internal Trust teams such as digital and analytics, IPC, and medical devices governance. Working together, you will ensure safe, compliant, and data-driven physical health services that meet the needs of forensic patients and support the Trust’s commitment to excellence in care.
Why Join Us?
Working in our Forensic Services offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in a challenging yet rewarding environment. You’ll benefit from strong team support, access to professional development, and the chance to work in a service that values innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care.
About You
• Registered Nurse (RGN/RMN) with post-graduate training in physical health assessment and management.
• Significant clinical experience in acute or forensic settings.
• Strong leadership, data analysis, and quality improvement skills.
• Excellent communication and ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Clinical Expert Practice
• Provide advanced assessment, investigations, and interventions for people with SMI in forensic settings, ensuring care is evidence-based and trauma-informed.
• Deliver timely physical health screening, monitoring, and treatment, including long-term condition management and equitable access to primary/secondary care.
• Act as a physical health specialist, supporting diagnosis, treatment planning, and prescribing (where qualified).
• Provide specialist interventions (e.g., complex wound care, catheter care) and respond to early signs of deterioration.
• Promote sexual and reproductive health through screening and referral pathways.
Operational Leadership
• Lead the physical health agenda across inpatient and community forensic pathways.
• Oversee GP suite operations and establish physical health clinics within CMHTs.
• Support medical devices governance and compliance.
Digital, Data & Reporting
• Maintain accurate clinical records and manage scheduling, referrals, and DNA follow-up.
• Design and maintain physical health monitoring systems; produce performance reports and dashboards.
Vaccination & IPC
• Coordinate staff and patient vaccination programs and ensure compliance with IPC policies.
Quality Improvement & Governance
• Lead QI projects, audits, and pathway redesign; maintain protocols and risk assessments.
• Manage contracts with external providers and oversee resources.
Education & Workforce Development
• Deliver training, supervision, and professional development for staff and trainees.
Stakeholder Engagement & EDI
• Build strong relationships with service users, carers, and external partners.
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of care delivery.
This advert closes on Sunday 15 Mar 2026