Head of Hospice Rapid Access Services (HRAs)


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£50,762 to £59,722 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Chelmsford, CM1 7FH
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	12 Oct 2026
Closing date:	1 Nov 2026

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Summary

The Head of Hospice Rapid Access plays a key role in ensuring Farleigh Hospice can meet growing demand for end-of-life care across Mid Essex. Based in Chelmsford, the post-holder will lead the Rapid Access to End-of-Life Care Team, coordinating urgent care packages and placements for patients who are rapidly deteriorating and entering the dying phase. The service also provides vital support to families and carers. The successful candidate will be an empathetic and effective leader with excellent communication skills and a passion for service improvement. They will build strong relationships with healthcare and social care partners to ensure coordinated, person-centred care and support Farleigh Hospice's position as an integral part of the local health and care system. Working within Farleigh Hospice's "One Team" approach, the post-holder will collaborate across clinical and non-clinical services to deliver the best outcomes for patients and families. The team includes Rapid Assessment and Discharge Nurses/Clinicians, Care Coordinators and an Administrator, with support from locality teams, the Inpatient Unit, Bereavement Services, Education and the Medical Team. The role also includes supporting service delivery through flexible workforce management where required to maintain safe, high-quality patient care. Farleigh Hospice is committed to leading excellence in palliative and end-of-life care, enabling patients to receive the best possible care in the setting that best meets their needs and wishes. Lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team to deliver responsive, person-centred end-of-life care, ensuring excellent patient outcomes, service improvement, and strong partnership working. Provide clinical leadership and support to deliver efficient, holistic palliative care services. Manage, develop and inspire a multidisciplinary team to work collaboratively as one team. Drive innovation and continuous improvement through quality improvement methodologies and measurable outcomes. Build strong relationships with external partners and participate in the Clinical Manager on-call rota for operational support.

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