Deputy Clinical Nurse Specialist

The post holder is expected to act as an independent clinical resource for patients, carers and other health care professionals about support for those affected by cancer. They will support the Band 7 Senior CNS. The individual will need to have a solid understanding of cancer care and be able to manage patient queries through a drop-in service, phone and email. They will carry out nursing and information assessments and will require excellent communication skills plus psychological assessment skills. They will have a good knowledge of support services available to cancer patients, both within and outside the Trust and be able to signpost and refer patients according to their needs. The role involves working at Guys and St Thomas and Queen Mary's Hospital. They will be able to identify and address the patients' needs through Personalised Care and support planning with the use of HNA's (Holistic Needs Assessment).

The post-holder will have regular and frequent contact with Dimbleby Cancer Care staff and volunteers, service and general managers, tumour specific clinical nurse specialists, clinical and medical oncology clinicians and staff, therapy radiographers, ward staff, and others treating cancer patients within the Trust. In addition, there will be close contact with the Citizen's Advice Bureau and Macmillan Cancer Support, as well as other charities and services.

Clinical and Patient Care

To work autonomously in the information drop-in centres and outreach service, conducting holistic assessment/triage on patients and their carers to identify their information and supportive needs.

Providing specialist advice and/or information from appropriate and up to date resources.

Signpost and/or refer to other health care professionals (HCP)/organisations when necessary.

Liaise with HCP, medical team, welfare advisors, Psycho-oncology Support Team where necessary.

Keep up to date on oncology and haematology diseases, current treatments and side effects.

Keep up to date on supportive services in the local community

Participate in accurate collection of data.

Ensure all written information used is current and good quality.

Participate in ensuring there is a good level of stock patient information and reorder information accordingly.

Support the Senior CNS with specialist cancer information in compiling monthly reports and audit data.

Coordinate information on tumour specific support groups ensuring dates, times and venues are set for the oncoming year.

Attend specific support groups when required.

Attend information team and Dimbleby Cancer Care team meetings and to maintain a good dialogue of progress with the Senior CNS.

To support the Senior CNS and wider cancer team to improve access to cancer information and support services for diverse service users including hard to reach groups within the cancer centre and associated cancer units.

Undertake educational and promotional seminars to staff and patient groups about Dimbleby Cancer Care and other cancer related topics.

Manage own workload and time appropriately and act as a role model for cancer information nursing team.

Supervise and support volunteers at both sites

To deputise for the Senior CNS as required.

To provide cover, when necessary, sometimes at short notice to cover periods of sick, study or annual leave.

Act as an advocate for patients within the department, to ensure a patient orientated approach to the delivery of care and to meet standards within the NHS Plan and other relevant guidelines.

Ensure that patients receive high quality clinical care and a good patient experience, having regard for their customs, religious beliefs and doctrines.

Recognise and avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the individuals.

Is wholly accountable for his / her practice in line with the NMC code of professional conduct and takes every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve his / her knowledge and professional competence.

Ensure safe and effective care for complex patients requiring advanced specialist clinical skills and responsible for carrying out specialist nursing procedures to area.

To be responsible, for maintaining a safe environment for patients, visitors and other staff within the clinical environment.

Ensure that sensitive patient records are stored appropriately.

Ensures the cultural and spiritual needs of patients are recognised and accommodated within resources available.

Support and enable patients and carers to make informed decisions relating to their treatment and management.

Participate in case conferences in relation to the management of patients, ensuring the coordination of ongoing care.

Dimbleby Cancer Care is a dedicated information and support service based at Guy's Cancer Centre, London, and Guy's Cancer at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup. We provide a welcoming and supportive environment, offering cancer information, psychological support, benefits advice and complementary therapies to patients and carers. Open Monday to Friday, our service plays a vital role in helping people navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and beyond.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK's best known hospitals - Guy's, St Thomas', Evelina London Children's Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield - as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high-quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.

We are one of the UK's busiest and most successful foundation trusts, providing specialist services including heart and lung, cancer and renal care, alongside a full range of local hospital and community services. As part of King's Health Partners, we are an Academic Health Sciences Centre, combining world-class clinical services, research and education.

As one of the largest NHS organisations and local employers, we are committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve and building strong partnerships with patients, local organisations and stakeholders.

Our staff are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring our services remain high-quality, safe and patient-focused.

Experience

Qualifications / Education

Skills and knowledge