Triage Specialist Practitioner

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.

We are looking for a Band 6 Specialist Practitioner to join our small nurse‑led triage team. Our service is available seven days a week for Oncology and Haematology patients to contact triage for telephone advice. The team provides expert advice to oncology and haematology patients to ensure early recognition of potential emergencies, treatment complications and the provision of a follow‑up structure.

Triage provides a clinical area for nursing and medical staff to assess and monitor patients prior to a decision to send the patient home or admit to a ward as appropriate.

We are looking for an experienced registered nurse with excellent interpersonal and communication skills who is keen to learn and take on new clinical skills. Oncology or Haematology experience is desirable but not essential as training will be given. Telephone and video assessment skills are vital in this role so clarity of message, decision making and picking up on verbal cues are crucial.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, committed and professional approach to the delivery of care, ensuring the best patient experience. Candidates should be excellent team players with the ability to use their own initiative and judgement to resolve issues. They should also have a tactful, sensitive manner, work well under pressure, with a flexible approach and a willingness to suggest ideas for improvements.

Previous experience in an acute setting, sound clinical assessment skills, demonstrable leadership along with an ability to demonstrate compassion and a commitment to learning new skills are all essential to the role.

• Providing expert telephone assessment and initiation of an initial treatment plan in response to the urgent needs of patients contacting or attending the Cancer and Haematology Centre.
• Directing the flow of emergency admissions into the Cancer and Haematology Centre, liaising with clinicians, ward co‑ordinators and operational managers, developing and maintaining systems for emergency admissions.
• Working in partnership with patients providing clear information during the assessment phase to promote participation in their care planning.
• Providing effective support, training and education to junior staff and other colleagues in order to support the delivery of skilled, evidence‑based care to patients in response to local, trust and national initiatives which underpin the safe admission and discharge process.
• Participating in the development and review of management and prescribing protocols to identify clear processes and pathways.
• Analyzing and interpreting patient histories, presenting symptoms, physical findings and diagnostic information to develop appropriate planning and implementation of treatment and care.
• Ordering the appropriate clinical investigations to support the assessment and treatment of acute oncological emergencies.
• In close liaison with the specialist medical teams to organise appropriate diagnostic intervention and future care planning.
• Liaising closely with operational managers, ward co‑ordinators and ward staff to effectively manage emergency patient flow into cancer services.
• Co‑ordinating the admission of emergency admissions to an appropriate clinical setting.
• Co‑ordinating incoming telephone referrals – alerting the appropriate clinical team and adhering to the most appropriate pathway.

• Registered nurse: entry on part 1 or 12 of the NMC register.
• Experience in an acute setting and relevant specialist experience (cancer/haematology).
• Postgraduate level study (HEI level
  7) or demonstrable postgraduate level working evidenced via a continuous professional development portfolio.
• Demonstrates up to date knowledge and expertise in the speciality.
• Able to support, mentor and supervise others.
• Evidence of commitment to the Oxford University Hospitals' vision and values.

For more information about this exciting role, please contact Hannah Voller, Ward Manager, Oncology and Haematology Triage at