Specialist Screening Practitioner

Act as the referred participants named contact and support. Act as an advocate and put forward views and wishes on behalf of the referred participant. Assist the Clinical Director, where appropriate, with operational and strategic development of the BCSP Screening Centre. Provide counselling and support to participants diagnosis with benign and malignant colorectal disease, ensuring referral to appropriate specialist teams.

Present patients whom have cancers or malignant polyps detected and confirmed as a result of the screening examination at their local Colorectal MDT, referring them over for continuing specialist care. Ensures the participant and screening centre are informed of their referral to the Colorectal Team and their new point of contact. Develops and maintains collaborative working with the Colorectal Cancer MDT. Provides information in a variety of forms and media to facilitate understanding and questions, which enable individuals to participate in the BCSP and make informed decisions about screening options, care and treatment.

Provides support in collaboration with the wider public health and promotion teams to maximise participation in the Bowel Screening Programme. Provide nurse-led clinics to enable participants to make informed decisions about undertaking the screening examination (colonoscopy or alternative). Through nurse-led clinics assess the participant's suitability, acceptability and fitness for the screening examination, requesting alternative screening examinations based upon the above and the participant's informed choice. Ensure timely access to the screening examination with timely reporting of findings to the participant.

Utilising knowledge and skills and through nurse-led clinics and individual contact, make informed judgements and plan further care and follow up based upon the outcomes of the screening examination. Ensure further screening, surveillance and/or treatment is implemented within agreed pathwyas, referring to other specialist nurses and services as appropriate, and that accurate and contemporaneous records are made of same. Participates in quality assurance measures towards the provision of a high quality screening service and is involved (via clinical governance frameworks) with strategies to develop quality assurance standards and management. Participates within audit and research to provide an evidence-based practice base.

Assist with national, regional and local clinical trials and research as part of the work of the BCSP. Initiates, completes and maintains accurate and timely records of care provided. Promotes sharing of skills, knowledge and experience throughout the BCSP screening centre and hub through formal and informal networks.