Colorectal Cns

The post holder is responsible for a defined caseload of patients with a suspected/confirmed colorectal cancer. They will be responsible for co-ordinating the patient's care. The post holder should be competent in history taking and following discussion with the patient and carers, agreeing the patient care plan by utilising expert knowledge and skills. In accordance with local guidelines/policy the postholder will be responsible for ordering the appropriate diagnostic/ on protocol tests i.e.

(Echo, MUGA, ECG, interval/surveillance CT scans, chest X rays, CTPA following PERC score, ultra sound scan/ Doppler following Wells score) and investigations strictly on behalf of MDT members. The postholder will be expected to complete non-medical independent prescribing course. They will support Clinicians when breaking bad news to patients/family/carer, thus ensuring the patients are informed without delay should they have a malignancy. Communication is key, to ensure referrals are discussed and reviewed with relevant Consultants, to ensure timely treatment plans are identified efficiently.

The post holder will assist in raising awareness and actively supporting health promotion and health education. The post holder is identified as a Key Worker as recommended by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG 2010). They will provide an important point of contact for the patient and those around them before, during and after completion of treatment, ensuring continuity of care throughout their individual pathways. They will ensure patients have rapid access to the oncology service if / when red flag symptoms are identified through contact via the post holder.

They will offer ongoing support throughout their disease trajectory up to and including palliative treatment modalities. The post holder will liaise with colleagues/management to develop services e.g. Nurse led clinics, video conferencing clinics, according to local guidelines and protocol, with Consultant support. They will utilise other specialties both based in the hospital and the community, and ensures patient/carers have access to local support networks by making timely referrals.

They will develop a service to support the patient with a malignancy with long term survivorship as in NCSI 2015. Ensuring that all patients with a suspected malignancy have access to a clinical nurse specialist as per JAG (Joint Advisory Group) guidelines for example. Ensure personal and professional development. The post holder is identified as a specialist in the oncology field and is a key contact for students, medical teams, and other allied care professionals in education and support.

To recognize and act when prioritization of care is required for the individual patient. When working in an environment that is demanding and unpredictable, appropriately responds to complex situations, formulating and adjusting care package accordingly. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.