Head of Clinical Services

Derwentside Hospice Care Foundation – or Willow Burn Hospice as we are known locally - is currently seeking a Head of Clinical Services to lead our dedicated clinical team. We are an independent charity delivering palliative and end of life care services to adults and their families across Derwentside and County Durham.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join the Willow Burn Hospice Senior Management Team and to take the Clinical Services here forward in 2026 and beyond.

Key Responsibilities
The Head of Clinical Services will be responsible for:

Being a member of the Senior Management Team and provide clinical leadership and clear lines of accountability for all teams caring for patients, carers and families at Willow Burn Hospice.

Ensuring a high standard of quality care is provided to patients, carers and families by providing advice, direction, management and responsibility for all clinical and support teams and ensuring effective governance.

Being the regulated CQC Registered Manager.

Being the Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer.

Being the designated Safeguarding Lead.

Actively ensuring that the voice and needs of patients, carers and families are at the heart of all our service delivery and improvement/development activity.

Having a number of direct reports – All clinical staff in collaboration with Designated Deputy. This currently covers Helen McArdle in patient wing, Sir Tom Cowie Day Services and Family support.

See full recruitment pack on the Willow Burn Hospice website