Qualified or Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner

We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for Trainee or Qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP) to join our dynamic Cardiothoracic team in Brighton. This unique role covers the full cardiac patient journey, from admission to post-operative care and discharge planning.

As an ACP, you will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality, patient-centred care in various clinical settings, including admission, theatres, cardiac intensive care, and step-down wards. Your responsibilities will include clinical decision-making, diagnostics, treatment planning, and ongoing care coordination.

This role is perfect for those with a passion for cardiothoracic surgery and acute care. You will work alongside an experienced ACP team, consultants, anaesthetists, specialist nurses, and allied health professionals, with opportunities for leadership, innovation, and professional growth. Trainee ACPs will be supported through an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, while qualified ACPs can lead service improvements and engage in education and research.

Strong communication, critical thinking, and a compassionate approach are essential. Experience in cardiothoracic, surgical, or acute care is desirable but not essential.

This is a progressive post, commencing at Band 7 and advancing to Band 8a upon successful completion of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice pathway and achievement of the required ACAT competencies.

Trainee ACPs undertake supervised clinical assessments, developing skills to formulate differential diagnoses and management plans for cardiac patients. You will participate in care across the full cardiac pathway, from admission to post-operative care in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and recovery in step-down ward, under expert supervision. Trainees engage in structured placements and academic study as part of a nationally recognised MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice. During training, you'll build core competencies in interpreting diagnostics, recognising patient deterioration, and contributing to multidisciplinary decision-making. Trainees also participate in quality improvement, audit, and evidence-based practice, with opportunities to present work at internal and regional events.

Qualified ACPs independently assess, diagnose, and manage complex cardiac conditions across the entire patient pathway. You will deliver expert care in CICU and ward settings, managing patients from admission to discharge, including providing onsite ACP cover overnight in CICU. Qualified ACPs lead ward rounds, apply advanced clinical skills to manage cardiac patients, and interpret a broad range of diagnostics. You will offer clinical leadership, mentor trainees and junior staff, and drive service development through research and audit. ACPs represent the service at local, national, and international forums, promoting innovation and best practice

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Louise Best Job title: Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner Email address: louise.best3@nhs.net Telephone number: 07815424751

Mr Michael Lewis

Lead Consultant Cardiac Surgeon

michael.lewis22@nhs.net

Informal visits and/or discussion are highly recommended