Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner, SAU - Job Opportunity at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Coventry, United Kingdom
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 27, 2025
On-site
£46,148 - £60,504 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive NHS pension scheme providing long-term financial security and competitive retirement benefits compared to private sector alternatives
Extensive professional development opportunities including Master's degree support and specialized surgical training programs
Access to world-class medical facilities and cutting-edge technology in one of Europe's most modern healthcare environments
Career progression pathways within one of the UK's largest teaching trusts with established advancement opportunities
Continuous learning environment with research and innovation opportunities at the forefront of global healthcare
Pathway to Excellence designation ensuring high-quality workplace standards and employee recognition
Diverse and inclusive workplace culture promoting equality, respect, and professional growth
Job security within the NHS system with comprehensive employment protections
Access to occupational health services and immunization programs
Opportunity to work across multiple surgical specialties expanding clinical expertise

Key Responsibilities

Lead autonomous clinical decision-making for complex surgical patients, directly impacting patient outcomes and hospital efficiency in the Surgical Assessment Unit
Drive the strategic development of Advanced Practice standards in emergency surgical care, establishing protocols that influence departmental operations
Coordinate comprehensive patient care pathways across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless service delivery and optimal resource utilization
Execute advanced clinical assessments and differential diagnoses using critical thinking skills that reduce diagnostic delays and improve patient throughput
Manage critically ill and deteriorating patients within scope of practice, making time-sensitive decisions that directly affect patient survival and recovery
Implement evidence-based treatment plans across colorectal, upper GI, HPB, urology, and vascular surgery specialties, contributing to improved clinical outcomes
Perform independent prescribing with full legal authority, ensuring appropriate medication management and reducing physician workload
Conduct specialized clinical procedures with appropriate supervision, expanding service capacity and reducing patient waiting times
Mentor and support junior practitioners in advanced practice development, building organizational capability and succession planning
Contribute to corporate objectives and quality improvement initiatives, directly supporting Trust-wide performance metrics and patient satisfaction scores

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Advanced Clinical Practice (completed or near completion with 2+ years completed)

Experience

Experienced registered Advanced Practitioner with wide range of skills working with adults and children in General Surgery and Urgent and Emergency care

Required Skills

Advanced critical thinking and decision-making skills High level of clinical skill and knowledge Diagnostic skills and evaluation of care capabilities Face to face consultation expertise Clinical management planning Independent and supplementary prescribing qualification Ability to interpret relevant investigations Clinical procedure competency Leadership and mentoring abilities Multidisciplinary team coordination Risk assessment and management Evidence-based practice implementation

Certifications

Independent and supplementary prescribing qualification Professional regulatory body registration Four pillars of advanced practice capability demonstration Surgical ACP competencies (to be completed within 12 months) Current immunisation and vaccination certification
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The NHS is experiencing unprecedented demand for advanced clinical practitioners as healthcare systems shift toward skill-mix optimization and cost-effective care delivery models. This trend is driven by physician shortages, increasing patient complexity, and the need for more flexible workforce solutions that can bridge the gap between nursing and medical practice. Advanced Clinical Practitioners are becoming essential in emergency and surgical settings where rapid decision-making and autonomous practice can significantly improve patient flow and outcomes. Digital transformation in healthcare is creating new opportunities for ACPs to leverage technology in clinical decision-making, with AI-assisted diagnostics and electronic prescribing systems becoming standard practice. This technological integration is enhancing the scope and impact of ACP roles while requiring continuous upskilling in digital competencies. There is a growing emphasis on preventive care and early intervention strategies within acute settings, positioning ACPs as key players in identifying and managing patients at risk of developing long-term conditions. This shift toward proactive healthcare management is expanding the traditional boundaries of emergency and surgical care roles.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £46,148 - £60,504 is competitive within the NHS Band 7-8a framework for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. This represents strong value considering the comprehensive benefits package, pension contributions, and career development opportunities. The range reflects the trainee nature of the position with progression potential as competencies are achieved.

Role Significance

The successful candidate will work within an established multidisciplinary team including consultants, junior doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. They will likely supervise or mentor 2-4 junior practitioners while collaborating with a broader surgical team of 15-20 professionals across different specialties. The role involves significant interaction with hospital-wide teams and external services.
This is a senior clinical role with significant autonomous decision-making authority and leadership responsibilities. The position sits at Band 7-8 level within NHS hierarchy, representing advanced practice with supervisory elements and strategic input into service development. The role holder will be expected to influence departmental protocols and mentor junior staff while maintaining direct patient care responsibilities.

Key Projects

Implementation of advanced practice competency frameworks across surgical specialties, establishing standardized protocols and assessment criteria Development of patient pathway optimization initiatives to reduce length of stay and improve surgical outcomes through enhanced early assessment and management Quality improvement projects focused on reducing surgical complications and readmission rates through enhanced pre-operative assessment and post-operative monitoring Research and audit projects examining the effectiveness of ACP-led care in surgical settings, contributing to evidence-based practice development Training program development for future Advanced Clinical Practitioners, creating sustainable succession planning and knowledge transfer systems

Success Factors

Clinical excellence and autonomous decision-making capabilities are fundamental, as the role requires independent assessment and management of complex surgical patients without direct supervision. Success depends on developing strong diagnostic reasoning skills and maintaining current knowledge across multiple surgical specialties. Leadership and mentoring abilities are crucial for driving service development and supporting junior practitioners. The successful candidate must demonstrate capability in influencing practice standards, implementing change, and building collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary teams. Adaptability and continuous learning mindset are essential given the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape and the need to complete surgical ACP competencies within 12 months. Success requires embracing new technologies, treatment modalities, and practice frameworks while maintaining high clinical standards. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are vital for patient advocacy, family liaison, and professional collaboration. The role demands ability to explain complex medical information to patients and families while maintaining therapeutic relationships during stressful situations.

Market Demand

High demand exists for Advanced Clinical Practitioners in surgical specialties, particularly those with emergency care experience. The NHS faces significant workforce pressures, and ACPs are increasingly viewed as essential for maintaining service delivery standards while managing costs. The multi-specialty exposure offered in this role makes it particularly attractive in the current market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Independent prescribing capability is absolutely essential as this forms a core component of autonomous advanced practice and directly impacts patient care efficiency and safety. Without this qualification, the practitioner cannot fulfill the fundamental requirements of the role and provide the level of clinical service expected in the surgical assessment unit environment. Advanced diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills are paramount for success, as the role requires rapid assessment and differential diagnosis of complex surgical presentations. These cognitive abilities directly correlate with patient outcomes and departmental efficiency, making them the foundation upon which all other competencies are built. Leadership and mentoring capabilities are crucial for driving service development and supporting the next generation of advanced practitioners. The successful candidate must demonstrate ability to influence practice standards, implement evidence-based changes, and guide junior staff through complex clinical scenarios. Multi-specialty surgical knowledge across the range of services offered is critical for providing comprehensive care and making appropriate referral decisions. Understanding of colorectal, upper GI, hepatobiliary, urological, and vascular conditions enables effective patient management and optimal resource utilization.

Beneficial Skills

Research and audit experience would significantly enhance the candidate's contribution to service improvement and evidence-based practice development. The teaching hospital environment provides numerous opportunities for clinical research participation and quality improvement initiatives that benefit from practitioners with research methodology understanding. Digital health and technology competencies are increasingly valuable as healthcare systems integrate AI-assisted diagnostics, electronic prescribing platforms, and telemedicine capabilities. Practitioners with strong technological skills can leverage these tools to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient care efficiency. Project management and change implementation skills would be highly beneficial for leading service development initiatives and quality improvement projects. The healthcare environment requires continuous adaptation and improvement, making these competencies valuable for career advancement and organizational impact. Educational and training delivery capabilities would enhance opportunities for involvement in professional development programs and academic partnerships. The teaching trust environment values practitioners who can contribute to education and training of future healthcare professionals.

Unique Aspects

Multi-specialty surgical exposure across colorectal, upper GI, hepatobiliary, urology, and vascular surgery provides exceptional breadth of experience rarely available in single positions, accelerating professional development and creating diverse career pathways
Integration with one of the UK's largest teaching trusts offers unique opportunities for research participation, clinical innovation, and educational involvement that enhance professional profile and career prospects
Pathway to Excellence designation demonstrates organizational commitment to advanced practice development and staff empowerment, providing a supportive environment for role expansion and professional growth
The combination of trainee support with autonomous practice expectations creates an ideal environment for experienced practitioners seeking to advance their scope while receiving structured development opportunities

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing ACPs, with opportunities for specialty focus or leadership roles emerging after demonstrating competency across the four pillars of advanced practice. Promotion to consultant-level positions generally requires 5-7 years of advanced practice experience with demonstrated leadership and service development achievements.

Potential Next Roles

Consultant Advanced Clinical Practitioner with strategic oversight of ACP services across the Trust Clinical Lead for Advanced Practice Development with responsibility for workforce planning and competency frameworks Specialty Advanced Clinical Practitioner focusing on specific surgical disciplines such as colorectal or vascular surgery Educational roles including Advanced Practice Program Lead or Clinical Teaching Fellow positions Management roles such as Clinical Service Manager or Deputy Department Head with operational responsibilities

Company Overview

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is one of the UK's largest teaching hospitals, serving a population of over one million people across Coventry and Warwickshire. The Trust operates multiple sites including University Hospital Coventry, Warwick Hospital, and Rugby St Cross Hospital, providing comprehensive acute and specialist services. As a major teaching trust affiliated with Warwick Medical School, UHCW combines clinical excellence with research and education, maintaining its position as a leading healthcare provider in the West Midlands region.

UHCW holds a 'Good' rating from the Care Quality Commission and has achieved Pathway to Excellence designation, placing it among the top-performing NHS trusts in England. The organization is recognized for its modern facilities, innovative treatment approaches, and strong financial performance. Its reputation for clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction consistently ranks above national averages, making it an employer of choice for healthcare professionals.
The Trust serves as the primary acute care provider for Coventry and South Warwickshire, operating as a key regional center for specialized services including trauma, cardiac care, and complex surgery. Its strategic location in the West Midlands provides access to a large catchment area while offering excellent transport links to Birmingham, Leicester, and Oxford. The organization plays a crucial role in the regional healthcare economy and maintains strong partnerships with other NHS trusts and clinical networks.
UHCW promotes a culture of innovation, excellence, and inclusivity, with strong emphasis on professional development and career advancement. The organization's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is reflected in its policies and practices, creating an environment where staff from all backgrounds can thrive. The teaching hospital environment fosters continuous learning and research opportunities, while the Pathway to Excellence designation demonstrates commitment to nursing and clinical staff empowerment and recognition.
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