RCN Wales launches Ward Manager project with report and short filmÂ
23 February 2022
The RCN Wales Ward Manager Project is part of the safe and effective care campaign
The aim of the project is to promote the importance of the ward manager role. The project output will include a short film premiere with a follow-up discussion alongside the publication of the ward manager policy report entitled ‘The Importance of Being Supernumerary.’
Helen Whyley, Director RCN Wales:
The ward manager role is complex, ranging from staff allocation and auditing to teaching, upskilling and assessment of staff, data collection/processing and overall patient flow through the hospital including discharge.
She continued: “The ward manager should have the support and legislation in place to have the power and capacity to be fully supernumerary/supervisory. The RCN report maps out how Welsh Government, NHS Wales and health boards can implement RCN suggested priorities to make this a reality.”
RCN Wales is asking the Welsh Government to call on health boards to provide resources and facilities, whilst promoting the role of the ward manager to the public.
--ENDS--
Notes to editors:
• The RCN Wales successfully campaigned for the first safe staffing legislation in Europe: The Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Act 2016. After being fully implemented by April 2018, specifically to acute adult medical and surgical wards, this legislation was extended to paediatric wards from October 2021
• Ward Manager Report Key Terminology:
o Supernumerary: Describes the administrative elements of the role, which involve ward managers’ time to complete rotas, risk assessments etc.
o Supervisory: Describes the elements of the role that provide clinical supervision to nurses, healthcare support workers and students. Ward managers can use their clinical expertise and support nursing staff in providing safe and effective care.
o Ward Manager: This role is also known as ward sister or charge nurse
• The short film will be a celebratory and educational 15-minute video, providing first-hand insight into the Ward Manager’s crucial role in improving patient care and reducing mortality, the impact of Covid-19 and their role in supporting their teams.
• Attendees from a wide range of organisations and nursing roles will participate and both the film will be available at
• The ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ represents nurses and nursing, promotes excellence in practice and shapes health policy.
• For further information please call the RCN Communications and Media Hub on 029 20680769 or 07773 367707.
Page last updated - 18/03/2023
