Specialist Dietitian

Do you want to work in a fast-paced, dynamic team covering complex head and neck oncology? Then we have a job for you Due to new funding we have an opportunity for a Band 6 Dietitian to join our team of 3 other Head and Neck Dietitians and 8 other Specialist Oncology Dietitians and Assistants at Southampton General Hospital. This post covers a variety of settings including head and neck surgical ward, acute oncology wards, head and neck clinic, radiotherapy and prehab/rehab clinics

The department of dietetics and SLT employs around 130 staff working across acute, community and paediatrics in a range of specialities. Our Oncology unit is one of 12 regional cancer centres in the UK, serving a population of approx 1.7million. We have a large radiotherapy unit with 7 linear accelerators, 6 oncology wards, acute oncology unit, chemotherapy units, Macmillan and Maggies centre and multiple outpatient clinics. Southampton is a leading centre for cancer research and clinical trials.

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Be responsible for the specialist provision of a dietetic service to head and neck cancer patients undergoing multiple modality oncology treatment.
- Work in a variety of clinical settings including acute surgical wards, acute oncology wards, radiotherapy clinic, chemotherapy outpatients and head and neck multidisciplinary clinic.
- Provide complex nutritional support to patients with head and neck cancer including management of enteral feeding, complex home enteral feeding discharges, and nutritional management of radiotherapy/chemotherapy related side effects.
- Work with an experienced team of oncology dietitians covering upper GI, head and neck, haematology, teenage young adults, gynaecology, chemotherapy and general oncology patients.
- Be a key member of the multidisciplinary teams working closely with head and neck surgeons and oncologists, advanced nurse practitioners, speech and language therapists, advanced radiographers and ward nurses. You will also be required to liaise closely with members of the head and neck oncology teams at other hospitals.
- Provide educational talks on the importance of nutrition in oncology to inform patients, nurses and doctors.
- Be involved with the supervision and support of dietitians, dietetic assistants and student dietitians.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for someone who has a keen interest in oncology, with evidence of relevant, strong clinical skills. Flexibility, ability to prioritise and manage a busy, complex caseload is essential. You must have excellent communication skills as well as an empathic nature to help patients manage their long term condition and be aware of the psychological impact this may have. You should have experience of working with nutritional support patients requiring enteral nutrition. Experience of working with oncology patients is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided.