Job Title

Clinical Lead – Pre-Operative Assessment (POA)Canterbury, Kent37.5 Hours | PermanentUp to £44k per annum (dependent on experience, training and qualifications)A leading independent healthcare provider with a nationwide network of hospitals and clinics is seeking an experienced Clinical Lead – Pre-Operative Assessment (POA) to join its hospital site in Canterbury.This organisation is one of the UK’s largest private healthcare providers, delivering complex surgical services across multiple specialties. This opportunity offers the chance to take on a pivotal leadership role within a well-established surgical service.The RoleThe Clinical Lead – POA will provide senior clinical and operational leadership to the Pre-Operative Assessment service, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centred care.This is a hands-on leadership position requiring a visible clinical presence within the department, alongside full responsibility for service quality, patient safety, operational flow, and team performance.The successful candidate will play a key role in patient optimisation, clinical risk management, and suitability-to-proceed decision-making, ensuring patients are appropriately prepared for surgery and that avoidable cancellations or deteriorations are minimised.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide senior clinical leadership for the Pre-Operative Assessment serviceMaintain high standards of patient safety, including management of complex co-morbidities and VTE riskLead clinical decision-making regarding optimisation, escalation, and surgical suitabilityEnsure pre-operative assessments are accurate, comprehensive, and compliant with national standards and regulatory requirementsOversee day-to-day operational management of the POA department, ensuring capacity aligns with surgical demandDrive sustainable service improvements and pathway optimisationLead, support and develop the POA nursing and clinical team, promoting accountability and continuous improvementAct as the clinical liaison between POA and anaesthetists, surgeons, consultants, theatres and senior leadershipEnsure full compliance with CQC standards and clinical governance frameworksCandidate RequirementsRegistered Nurse or Allied Health Professional with current professional registration (e.g. NMC or equivalent)Significant post-registration experience within Pre-Operative Assessment or peri-operative servicesPrevious experience in a senior or clinical leadership roleStrong understanding of peri-operative pathways, clinical risk stratification and patient optimisationKnowledge of clinical governance, audit processes and regulatory compliance (CQC)Confident decision-maker with the ability to manage clinical risk and escalate appropriatelyAbility to lead within a fast-paced acute environmentDesirable:Postgraduate qualification in peri-operative practice, advanced clinical practice, or leadershipNon-Medical Prescribing qualificationExperience in service redesign, pathway improvement or quality improvement initiativesBackground within independent healthcare or large acute hospital settingsSalary & BenefitsCompetitive salary up to £44000 per annum25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)Private pension schemePrivate healthcare coverLife assuranceEnhanced family-friendly policiesEmployee discount and benefits platformWellbeing support resourcesStructured training and professional development opportunitiesTo apply, contact Jamie Carroll on 07458142790 or email