Bed Manager - Cancer Care

Role overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting for a Bed Manager to join its Cancer Care service. This role supports the smooth flow of oncology and haematology patients through inpatient care by helping ensure beds are available when needed.

The position sits within a busy bed management team and plays a key part in both planned and emergency admission pathways. You will work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues to coordinate bed use across Cancer Care wards and the Acute Oncology Service.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate admissions and transfers for Cancer Care patients within UHS and when movement to other hospitals is required.
• Track and manage bed capacity so that changing demand, urgent cases, and clinical priorities are handled efficiently.
• Share the current bed position at the 08:10 Care Group Huddle, including admissions and discharges, through the team communication channels.
• Take part in the daily site coordinator bed meetings and any other relevant care group meetings.
• Review service referrals and include them on the weekly elective admission list.
• Use available beds across Cancer Care as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Working pattern

This is a flexible, seven-day service covering 07:30 to 20:00. Shifts are long-day shifts of 12.5 hours, including a 1-hour break.

About the employer

University Hospital Southampton is one of England’s largest acute teaching trusts and offers extensive learning and development opportunities to support career growth. Southampton provides a strong place to live and work, with direct rail links to London, an international airport, and easy access to the New Forest, South Downs, and Jurassic Coast.

The trust highlights the importance of using technology thoughtfully while also submitting a personal application that reflects your own experience, skills, and achievements. It encourages flexible working where possible to help colleagues balance work with family, study, and wellbeing. The organisation also promotes an inclusive, anti-racist, and anti-discriminatory culture where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

Person specification

• Must have sufficient health and physical capability for the role, with reasonable adjustments where needed under relevant equality legislation.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above, or an equivalent qualification.
• Educated to vocational level 3, equivalent level, or with relevant work-based experience and training, plus strong knowledge of secretarial and administrative processes to handle a range of non-routine issues.
• Understanding of medical terminology and organisational policies and procedures, with the ability to solve problems or help improve existing processes.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience is desirable.
• Ongoing personal or professional development is desirable.

Trust values

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Additional information

This vacancy is focused on operational support for Cancer Care inpatient services. The role is fast-paced and requires strong communication, problem-solving, and close teamwork across clinical and operational groups.