The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is funded through the Department of Health to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research and is a large, multi- faceted and nationally distributed organisation.

Since its establishment in April 2006, the NIHR has transformed research in the NHS. It has increased the volume of applied health research for the benefit of patients and the public, driven faster translation of basic science discoveries into tangible benefits for patients and the economy, and developed and supported the people who conduct and contribute to applied health research. The Health and Social Care Act 2012 places a statutory duty to promote research, and powers to support it, on the Secretary of State and on all levels of the NHS including the NHS Commissioning Board, and Clinical Commissioning Groups. The NIHR provides a key means through which the Secretary of State discharges this duty. The NIHR plays a key role in the Government's strategy for economic growth, attracting investment by the life-sciences industries through its world-class infrastructure for health research. Together, the NIHR people, programmes, centres of excellence, and systems represent the most integrated health research system in the world.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be a member of Division 1 (Cancer) CRN: South London team and will be responsible for delivering an agreed portfolio of NIHR studies. The post holder will also Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate CRN support delivered to portfolio study teams that have been or have the potential to be recruited onto a clinical trial programme, as appropriate. The Clinical Research Nurse/ Clinical Trials Practitioner, Flexible Delivery Staff will play a key role in ensuring that any research supported by the Network safeguards the well-being of the patients and is conducted according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trial) Regulations 2004 and Amended Regulations 2006. In conjunction with the other members of the team, they will facilitate the production of good quality of research.

The Clinical Research Nurse/Clinical Trials Practitioner, Flexible Delivery Staff will provide expert services to NIHR CRN portfolio teams active in the geographic area and will facilitate the development and maintenance of research infrastructure able to deliver NIHR Clinical trials. They will support recruitment of patients to ensure the successful working of the clinical research projects that they are assigned to.

Although the post holder will work primarily within the Division they may be required to work on studies within other divisions, should the need arise. This role will be matrix managed.

About us

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification

• Work in conjunction with the Research Team Leader to manage a caseload of patients, whilst working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Work with a named Research Team Leader to set, update and review a comprehensive work plan.
• Maintain effective communication with patients, carers and professionals to ensure service delivery.
• Identify patients suitable for screening and entry into clinical trials. This may include attending clinics and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
• Identify patients suitable for entry into clinical trials by attending clinics (screening notes/consultant referral) and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings. Please note this will involve flexible working across Trust sites. This may also include flexibly working outside core hours.
• Identify patients suitable for entry into clinical trials by attending clinics (screening notes/consultant referral) and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
• Ensure patients are fully informed prior to entry in any clinical trial programme.
• Assist in consenting, randomising, allocating of treatment of patients.
• Evaluate patient eligibility for clinical trials entry co-ordinating pre-study tests, obtaining results and arranging appropriate appointments according to trial protocol.
• Act as a resource and support to patients and their relatives, explaining practical aspects of clinical trials, assisting and supporting local nursing teams.
• Collect biological samples e.g. blood, required as part of the service support requirements of clinical trials and ensure safe and appropriate storage of specimens, in conjunction with local nursing teams.
• Maintain adequate patients records and ensure all relevant information is documented in the patients medical and nursing notes.
• Responsible for accurate completion of Case Report Forms (CRFs), in association with Clinical Trials Officers/Administrators as appropriate.
• Responsible for the collection, co-ordination and computerisation of data generated from the clinical trials as required.
• Implement and adhere to the principles of ICH GCP (International Conference on Harmonisation and Good Clinical Practice).
• Perform tasks required by the research protocol utilising highly developed clinical research skills Act as an expert resource on NIHR clinical trials for Clinical Research Teams.

Portfolio Management and Development

• Review and assess feasibility of trial protocols and advise on resource implications for the site.
• Liaise with and assist the medical team/sponsor organisation on the delivery component of the clinical trial.
• Assist in the set-up of trials on site e.g. liaise with Clinical Trial Units and other relevant staff to organise trial set-up visits.
• Work closely with medical and data section staff in the collation of data generated from clinical trials.
• Ensure that patient recruitment data is recorded by the study team.
• Support NIHR CRN recharging as required Liaise with other departments and wards at the site/s, in order to promote a good working environment, integration of research within open channels of communication.
• Inform appropriate medical personnel and departments of NIHR portfolio of clinical trials.
• Participate in the presentation of research delivery good practice findings within CRN: South London and outside agencies as appropriate.
• Contribute to the key work streams of Continuous Improvement (C.I), Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and Workforce Development working with the CRN South London local Leads.
• To report to the Trust Clinical Governance Team any serious adverse events or near misses.
• Maintain a dialogue of progress with the Research Team Leader and Research Delivery Manager as required.
• To participate in clinical audit/peer review activities as required.

Training and Development

• Attend the NIHR Clinical Research Network training programmes and other relevant education and training days/programmes as appropriate.
• Attend trial investigator/research nurse meetings and conferences when required.
• Maintain awareness of current advances in the relevant divisional specialities, research and nursing practice and use this knowledge to maintain high standards of care for oncology patients.
• Promote the impact of NIHR CRN research by assisting in the preparation of posters/research papers for meetings, conferences and publications. Also circulate trial information and carry our presentations locally.

Person Specification

Qualifications/ Education

Essential

• NMC Level One Registration OR other professional degreelevel qualification
• Relevant specialist course or equivalent experience

Desirable

• Relevant Post Graduate qualification

Previous experience

Essential

• Experience of collaborating with other agencies and developing research
• Evidence of accuracy to detail in data collection
• Ability to work across boundaries, integrating with multidisciplinary staff in relation to research trials.
• Significant experience working with service users or in a patient facing role

Desirable

• Report writing and presentation skills
• Familiar with Good Clinical Practice and UK ethical and governance frameworks

Skills/Knowledge/ Ability

Essential

• Extensive knowledge of a research area relevant to the Division
• Previous post registration experience within one or more specialist areas within the Division
• Knowledge of research methodologies
• Knowledge of quality, standard setting, benchmarking and audit
• Organisational and management skills
• An ability to work autonomously
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge and experience of handling complex relationships

Desirable

• Working knowledge of research nursing

Employer details

Employer name

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Royal Marsden Hospital Sutton

Downs Road

Sutton

SM2 5PT

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

282-CR1245066