Job summary
We are looking for a full-time Nurse or Radiographer to work as a Suspected Cancer Pathway (SCAN) Navigator on a 1-year fixed term contract (or secondment if applicable), based in the Radiology Department at the Churchill Hospital.
You will need post-graduate NHS experience, strong communication skills, and the confidence to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering the SCAN pathway. You will support patients through the diagnostic process, coordinate appointments, and contribute positively to the ongoing development of the service.
This role is suitable for a Nurse or Radiographer who wants to work in a patient-focused, pathway coordination role within a dedicated team. CT experience is desirable but not essential for Radiographers, as training can be provided.
Main duties of the job
The SCAN (Suspected CANcer) Pathway:
Many patients visit their GP with 'vague' symptoms such as weight loss and tiredness. These symptoms are called 'non-specific' as they affect the whole person.
Often the cause of these symptoms remains unclear after GP assessment. There is commonly a minor cause for such symptoms. However, there is a small chance that they could be the signs of a serious illness, such as cancer. Therefore, these symptoms are often called 'low-risk but not no-risk' symptoms.
The SCAN Pathway provides GP's with access to rapid investigations for patients with 'non-specific' symptoms. This avoids patients can go back and forth between their GP and the hospital many times until a diagnosis is made; this takes time with diagnoses and treatment potentially delayed. Although the risk of serious disease is low, a delay in diagnosis and treatment may have a negative effect on the patients' health and overall wellbeing.
Dependent on these results, an appointment with a Doctor working in a Multi Diagnostic Clinic (MDC) is arranged. The aim is to reach a diagnosis and begin treatment as quickly as possible.
Navigators co-ordinate all aspects of the SCAN pathway, both face to face and virtually; organising appointments, acting as a support and information role for others within the service and undertaking clinical duties.
About us
The Churchill Radiology Department is within the Cancer and Haematology Centre, opened in 2009. We provide imaging services across the specialities found on site: Oncology, Radiotherapy, Breast, Renal, Urology, Transplantation, Chest Medicine, Upper and Lower GI, Head and Neck, Haematology and Infectious Diseases.
We have recently replaced both our CT scanners and currently have one 64 slice GE CT scanner and one 256 Slice GE CT Scanner. We also have 2 new GE MRI Scanners, a 1.5T and 3T. We cover all types of scanning in CT this includes cardiac, pneumocolons, orthopaedic and all various CT guided interventional procedures including microwave ablations. In MRI we provide an equally broad range of scanning including MRI guided breast biopsies as well as supporting the MSK and Neuro imaging for other sites within the trust.
The department also includes 2 flat plate interventional rooms, 2 PET/CT scanners, 2 Gamma Camera's including SPECT CT, 4 ultrasound rooms, a Lithotripsy unit and 5 DR GE Definium HD rooms.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key aspects of the role (please see Job Description for full details)
- Provide a constant point of contact, provide advice, support and information for all patients referred to the SCAN pathway, from referral to diagnosis or at the point they are assigned a Cancer Nurse Specialist (if a cancer is found).
- Liaise with referring GPs to collect data/information required for project.
- Cannulate patients and take blood samples prior their CT scan.
- Ensure that samples collected from patients are sent to laboratory for testing.
- Collect required survey information from patients throughout the patients pathway.
- To liaise with the Multi Diagnostic Clinic teams to arrange patient appointments and review.
- To vet within guidelines and assess referrals as required.
- To advise medical and non-medical referrers as to the appropriate radiological investigationas required.
- To undertake formal training in role extension as required and in accordance withdepartmental policies and requirements.
- To provide professional and emotional support to peers and junior staff.
- To relate to all patients with understanding and care, respecting their privacy and dignity toprovide a caring and confidential service.
- To demonstrate dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail in the preparation of specialistequipment for procedures to be undertaken within the unit whilst adhering to Local andTrust policies e.g. intravenous drug administration, taking blood samples.
- To be able to use the departmental Radiology Information System, ComputerisedRadiography system and the Picture Archiving Communication System following training.
- To manage own workload and organise departmental workload when necessary.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key aspects of the role (please see Job Description for full details)
- Provide a constant point of contact, provide advice, support and information for all patients referred to the SCAN pathway, from referral to diagnosis or at the point they are assigned a Cancer Nurse Specialist (if a cancer is found).
- Liaise with referring GPs to collect data/information required for project.
- Cannulate patients and take blood samples prior their CT scan.
- Ensure that samples collected from patients are sent to laboratory for testing.
- Collect required survey information from patients throughout the patients pathway.
- To liaise with the Multi Diagnostic Clinic teams to arrange patient appointments and review.
- To vet within guidelines and assess referrals as required.
- To advise medical and non-medical referrers as to the appropriate radiological investigationas required.
- To undertake formal training in role extension as required and in accordance withdepartmental policies and requirements.
- To provide professional and emotional support to peers and junior staff.
- To relate to all patients with understanding and care, respecting their privacy and dignity toprovide a caring and confidential service.
- To demonstrate dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail in the preparation of specialistequipment for procedures to be undertaken within the unit whilst adhering to Local andTrust policies e.g. intravenous drug administration, taking blood samples.
- To be able to use the departmental Radiology Information System, ComputerisedRadiography system and the Picture Archiving Communication System following training.
- To manage own workload and organise departmental workload when necessary.
Person Specification
Professional registration & NHS experience
Essential
- Professional registration
- Post graduate experience working in the NHS
- Understanding of NHS systems and patient pathways
Desirable
- Experience working in oncology, radiology, or diagnostic services
Clinical & technical competence
Essential
- Evidence of safe clinical practice, including patient assessment
- Evidence of venepuncture/ cannulation
- Evidence of adhering to policies and procedures
Desirable
- IV cannulation course completed
- Experience working in imaging or MDT settings
Organisation, initiative & development
Essential
- Ability to manage own workload
- Ability to manage time effectively to deliver priorities within agreed timescales
- Ability to work under pressure
- Evidence of commitment to CPD and maintaining professional standards
Desirable
- Experience of teaching or mentoring
- Experience of audit or service improvement
Communication & patient-centred care
Essential
- Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with patients, carers, and staff
- Ability to explain complex or upsetting information in a way patients can understand
- Evidence of maintaining confidentiality and dignity
- Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
- Experience supporting patients through complex or distressing pathways
Person Specification
Professional registration & NHS experience
Essential
- Professional registration
- Post graduate experience working in the NHS
- Understanding of NHS systems and patient pathways
Desirable
- Experience working in oncology, radiology, or diagnostic services
Clinical & technical competence
Essential
- Evidence of safe clinical practice, including patient assessment
- Evidence of venepuncture/ cannulation
- Evidence of adhering to policies and procedures
Desirable
- IV cannulation course completed
- Experience working in imaging or MDT settings
Organisation, initiative & development
Essential
- Ability to manage own workload
- Ability to manage time effectively to deliver priorities within agreed timescales
- Ability to work under pressure
- Evidence of commitment to CPD and maintaining professional standards
Desirable
- Experience of teaching or mentoring
- Experience of audit or service improvement
Communication & patient-centred care
Essential
- Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with patients, carers, and staff
- Ability to explain complex or upsetting information in a way patients can understand
- Evidence of maintaining confidentiality and dignity
- Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
- Experience supporting patients through complex or distressing pathways
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
