Job summary

The Luton and Dunstable NHS Trust have introduced the Straight To Test (STT) service to transform the pathway for patients referred via the 2ww pathway to the colorectal services. The Cancer Services Improvement Partnership have evidenced that patients being urgently referred for suspected colorectal cancer do not need to attend an initial outpatients consultation. If the patient is properly assessed at the point of referral they can be booked 'Straight to Test' e.g. colonoscopy. This model will reduce the waiting time for the patient to be diagnosed and treated and will reduce the number of times the patient will need to come to the hospital thereby improving the patient experience. The revised model will also free up new out-patient appointment slots to reduce the pathway of the other source of referrals for colorectal symptoms. This will help The Trust meet the cancer and routine waiting time targets.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work alongside the established colorectal STT team to continue to assess patients referred on the 2ww pathway and to develop/implement a pathway for STT FIT negative/urgent referrals for symptomatic patients.

The role will include conducting telephone and face to face triage assessments, booking appropriate tests based on the patients' symptoms and fitness, providing appropriate patient information, and booking an outpatient appointment for those unsuitable for STT.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job description

Job responsibilities

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 6 nurse to join our established Colorectal STT team.

The post holder will be responsible for assessing/triaging patients on the 2ww colorectal cancer pathway. The post holder will also be responsible for assisting in setting up and implementing the STT FIT negative/urgent referral pathway; to establish a pathway for symptomatic non 2ww referrals, to streamline the referrals made by the GP to support achieving our cancer targets.

We are looking for someone who is very enthusiastic with experience/knowledge of the colorectal cancer referral pathway; with excellent time keeping, advanced communication and patient assessment skills. Training will be given to develop skills in assessing co-morbidities, requesting investigations and making clinical decisions within set protocols

• Responsible for the effective management of patients referred urgently by the GP for suspected colorectal cancer.

• Act as a change agent and innovator, planning, instigating and evaluating change in line with local and national guidance.

• Conduct telephone and face to face assessment clinics to triage the patients referred on the 2ww pathway and book the appropriate investigations.

• Complete training to use a Patient Group Direction (PGD) for bowel prep and enemas.

• Following a protocol, decide on the appropriate next step for the patient based on symptoms and book the test/appointment directly using the electronic booking system.

• Complete all relevant documentation, ensuring this is uploaded onto the electronic patient record system.
• Communicate with patients in order to properly prepare and pre-assess them for their procedures.

• Audit of patient outcomes and experience with the service.

• Communicate effectively with all members of the Multidisciplinary team and colleagues in primary care including the referring GP.

• As necessary respond to clinical incidents and where appropriate compile an incident report.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• RGN level 1

Desirable

• oDegree in nurse related specialty

Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience of working with an endoscopy/colorectal setting

Desirable

• experience of managing a caseload, responsibility of management of staff

Skills

Essential

• Effective communication skills; written and verbal Advanced communication skills IT skills Excellent planning and organisational skills. Assessment skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of a participation in audit

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

418-COLO5006-EH