Nurse Specialist - Upper GI​/Priority Upper GI Telephone Clinic

The Upper GI (UGI) Telephone Assessment Clinic (TAC) Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) functions within a field of practice that focuses on the needs of the patient and encompasses interaction with others in delivering nursing, health and social care.

The CNS promotes excellence in nursing practice through the integration of expert clinical practice, education, consultancy, acting as a resource and commitment to nursing research. The post holder will work closely with the General Surgery, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy teams across the patient pathway.

The post holder will contribute to the on-going role in the development of the service for patients with suspected or confirmed UGI cancers. This will include developing protocols; setting up; and running a Telephone Assessment Clinic for patients on the 2WW pathway requiring further investigations.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist will be an experienced practitioner within their speciality. They will be responsible for the nursing leadership within the specialty and giving support and guidance within the multidisciplinary team, contributing to the high-quality care given to patients, in accordance with clinical governance. The post holder will ensure delivery and expansion of an expert and advanced nurse-led service through effective interdisciplinary care, utilising clinical and managerial expertise, which will include a review of the effectiveness of treatment.

To possess a background in upper GI or endoscopy nursing with knowledge of upper GI conditions

To possess excellent communication skills both verbal and written

To have good knowledge of the Faster Diagnosis Standards Pathway, how this works and the benefits for patients referred

Triage referrals to the Priority Upper GI Pathway to ensure they are appropriate for booking into a telephone assessment clinic

Independently undertake telephone assessment clinics reviewing patient's referrals, taking a detailed clinical history

Make a clinical decision regarding investigations based on the patient's presenting symptoms and a holistic assessment

Discuss appropriate investigations with the patient, giving the rationale for recommending these whilst taking into account the patients holistic needs

Provide support to patients, their families and carers addressing any concerns and queries with empathy and compassion

Liaise with the wider multi-disciplinary team / primary care regarding the care of the patient on the pathway

Review results of investigations and escalate findings accordingly

Action indications for further investigations as directed gastroenterology colleagues

Work closely with the Lead TAC CNS and wider TAC CNS team to improve delivery of the service

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

• Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
• Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
• Improving the experience of staff with disability
• Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
• Making equalities mainstream

Key Result Areas & Performance:

All the following are to be carried out while working in close collaboration with members of the multi-disciplinary team led by a Consultant. To demonstrate clinical expertise within the speciality and work autonomously, managing own allocated clinics independently and seeking guidance/support when necessary.

To provide expert nursing advice to patients with suspected UGI malignancies over the phone (could be expanded to Face-to-Face as the service develops).

To demonstrate specialist skills and knowledge through expert nursing practice.

To liaise with all relevant members of the multidisciplinary team in the care and support of individual patients including GPs.

To maintain a high profile in the clinical area, acting as a role model for other health care professionals.

To facilitate individualised patient care based upon the principles of evidence-based practice.

To hold a variety of nurse led clinics, including the development of written protocols based on national standards, triaging or following up suspected UGI cancer patients, arranging investigations, reviewing results, diagnosing and referring back to a medical team as appropriate.

To work in close collaboration with all members of the MDT.

To provide professional clinical leadership and expertise to other nursing staff.

To work as part of the…