Thoracic Clinical Nurse Specialist

University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust

The closing date is 17 June 2026

The Thoracic Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) plays a crucial role within the multidisciplinary team, serving as an expert practitioner delivering high quality, patient‑centred care to patients undergoing thoracic surgery at UHNM.

This role involves providing clinical care in line with national standards and the post holder will play an active part in service development, quality and safety initiatives, audit and research. The post holder will manage a patient case load, providing specialist support across the pre and post‑operative patient pathways. The CNS will work to enhance the experiences of the patient, their family, or carers by offering expert support and coordinating care throughout the patients' journey.

This role includes participating in the organisation and running of clinics within the Thoracic Surgery Service post‑op follow‑up clinic and lung volume reduction service working collaboratively with Cancer and Respiratory services as an experienced member of the thoracic team.

UHNM has adopted a Lean‑based improvement methodology. Building capability in our "Improving Together" approach is a key organisational priority. Delivery of Thoracic services will provide an opportunity to apply this approach in practice. As a Clinical Nurse Specialist – Thoracic Surgery, you will be expected to actively support the application of the "Improving Together" approach in delivering the outputs of your role.

• In collaboration with the clinical team and other key stakeholders, using physical/health assessment skills, undertake responsibility for the co‑ordination and management of thoracic surgery patients, providing specialist pre‑operative, peri‑operative and post‑operative care for patients with complex thoracic conditions, including lung cancer, and other lung pathologies.
• Act as a key worker for patients undergoing thoracic surgery, offering continuity of care throughout the diagnostic, treatment, and follow‑up pathway. Providing clear, compassionate education and support to patients and relatives, addressing treatment options, risks, recovery expectations, and long‑term outcomes. Facilitating informed decision‑making by ensuring patients understand their diagnosis, surgical plan, and available supportive services.
• Act as a core member of the Thoracic Surgery MDT, contributing specialist nursing input to case discussions, treatment planning, and service development. Coordinating care across specialties, ensuring effective communication between surgeons, oncologists, anaesthetists, radiology, physiotherapy, and community services. Advocate for patients within MDT meetings, ensuring their clinical, psychological, and social needs are represented.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

• Current NMC Registration
• Degree level qualification in Health/Nursing related studies
• Physical /Health Assessment
• Evidence of Level 7 Study

• Minimum of 3 years post registration within Thoracic Surgery, Respiratory or Cancer Services
• Minimum of 2 years experience at band 6
• Ability to lead change and lead new ways of working

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust