Chemotherapy Scheduler

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Ambulatory Care Unit in the Cancer and Haematology Centre. Providing a pivotal role you will be responsible for the scheduling of all patients receiving systemic anti-cancer treatments (chemotherapy). Working closely with the ACU Nurse Manager and wider team you will have a thorough understanding of all processes underpinning the delivery of chemotherapy.

The role requires a self-motivated and highly organised individual with excellent interpersonal skills as liaison with medical staff/administrative colleagues and patients is an important element of the post. You will need to be an excellent team player as well as being able to work on your initiative. Attention to detail and good keyboarding skills are essential and knowledge of databases would be an advantage although full training will be given.
- To be a member of the Ambulatory Care Unit team and provide comprehensive administrative support to the ACU Nurses and Service based at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford.
- Be responsible for scheduling of new patient referrals for systemic anti-cancer treatment (formerly known as chemotherapy), in accordance with the needs of the service and with direction from the ACU Nurse Manager
- Learn all the other processes underpinning the delivery of chemotherapy, referral of patients for a named group of procedures to other teams, *eg district nurses) so as to enable participation in cover arrangements of any team member, at times of training, annual leave, sick or leave vacancy.
- To have a sensitive and compassionate manner with patients and relatives who are in various states of emotional distress in view of the delicate nature of the disease.

The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel.
1. Monitor ACU message pool on EPR and co-ordinate the scheduling new referrals in accordance with local guidance.
1. Schedule all new referrals as per local procedure and patient pathway (most patients will attend ACU, with a smaller group attending other sessions (eg bone marrow biopsies) or other units (e.g. private hospitals). Liaise with patients via telephone to ensure that the proposed start date is amenable, to answer simple questions re attending ACU, procedures such as PICC insertion and to escalate complex concerns to the nursing team. To confirm in writing, all verbal information told to the patient.
2. Ensure any required procedures or referrals to other members of the multi-disciplinary teams are requested and appointments confirmed in a timely manner e.g. PICC insertions, district nurse referrals, third party companies e.g. Healthcare at Home, Private Patients Office, Echo requests.
3. Using the chemotherapy electronic software package, ensure the patients scheduled dates for treatment are synchronised with the “targeted” dates for treatment.
4. Manage “deferrals and cancellations” of new starters as per local processes.
5. Maintain ongoing audit of number of referrals received per month.

See full job description for more details.