Band 8a - Matron, Ophthalmology

Job Advert Skip to main content Cookies on NHS Jobs We've put some small files called cookies on your device to help us make improvements to our site. To improve our site we'd also like to use cookies which will send information to Google Analytics. You can read more about our cookies before you choose. Accept analytics cookies Do not accept analytics cookies Jobs Menu Sign in Create an account English Cymraeg Menu Close menu Search Sign in Create an account Display in Welsh (Cymraeg) Search Sign in Create an account Display in Welsh (Cymraeg) BETA Your feedback will help us to improve this service. West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Band 8a - Matron, Ophthalmology The closing date is 10 November 2026 Apply for this job Job summary We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and highly motivated Matron to lead our Ophthalmology services within the Surgery, Anaesthetics & Cancer Division. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior nurse with extensive ophthalmology experience to provide visible clinical, professional and operational leadership across our services. As Matron, you will champion high-quality patient care, lead service improvement, support workforce development and ensure delivery of safe, effective and responsive services. Working closely with clinical and operational leaders, you will play a key role in shaping the future of ophthalmology services, including the development of advanced clinical practice roles and innovative models of care. This role includes a clinical component, participation in the Senior Nurse out-of-hours rota and following a year focus on Ophthalmology expanding the portfolio to include Head and Neck services. This is a cross site role. Provisional date for interviews 19th November 2026. Main duties of the job You will provide strong professional leadership to nursing teams, ensuring patients remain at the centre of all care delivery. Key responsibilities include:Leading and developing ophthalmology nursing services. Maintaining a visible clinical presence and supporting frontline care delivery. Driving quality improvement, governance, patient safety and patient experience initiatives. Managing and developing senior nursing staff through appraisal, coaching and workforce planning. Leading responses to patient feedback, incidents and complaints to improve services. Supporting education, training and professional development across the workforce. Developing future workforce models, including Advanced Nurse Practitioner roles. Managing resources effectively and contributing to budget planning and financial performance. Working collaboratively with consultants, multidisciplinary teams, community partners and external stakeholders to deliver seamless patient pathways. About us With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application fo