Job responsibilities
Advanced Clinical Leadership and Practice.
To act as Clinical Lead Dietitian within the Cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation service at both sites and within the community. Lead the development and integration of best practice within the clinical setting, supporting effective interventions in cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation across multiple tumour sites, in line with the latest evidence base. Deliver specialised treatments informed by the most current clinical evidence, maintaining up-to-date knowledge through engagement with relevant literature, research tools, and collaboration with practitioners both within and outside the service. Provide expert dietetic advice. This will involve nutritional assessment (interpretation of biochemistry, anthropometrics, drug interactions, clinical condition, diet history and ethical outcomes) and development of treatment plans (calculation of nutrional requirements and client centred goals). This will also include patients on artifical nutrition support Directly advise on nutritional supplements and enteral feeds for patients. Trained to trainer level in the safe use of enteral feeding pumps and anthropometrical equipment and report faulty equipment in accordance with local policy. Ensure a consistently high standard of patient care by implementing, monitoring, and reviewing clinical standards relevant to the cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation service. Support other senior colleagues in the development and implementation of, clinical and service-specific protocols, procedures, and guidelines. Independently prioritise and manage a highly specialist caseload in cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation, delivering advanced individualised assessments and tailored interventions to both individuals and groups, while maintaining accurate clinical records To carry out highly specialist assessment and treatment of patients with a wide range of conditions as well as addressing the dietary needs prior to and following cancer treatment, including surgery. To determine a clinical diagnosis, develop, deliver, implement, evaluate and modify individualised treatment programmes and/or provide specialist advice, ensuring appropriate pathways of care and communication via liaison and referral to other agencies as required. To provide highly complex sensitive nutritional counselling to patients and carers using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques and the use of empathy, reassurance and motivational interview skills to overcome barriers to change. Delegate tasks appropriately to colleagues, including support staff and fitness professionals in community and leisure settings, in line with their training and competencies to support safe and effective service delivery. Provide clinical and operational supervision and guidance to colleagues, supporting their development and ensuring high standards of care across the team. To plan, organise and deliver group activities, co-ordinated with other members of the MDT, taking into account patients physical and mental capabilities. To have expert verbal and non-verbal communications skills of motivation, explanation and reassurance to agree and gain co-operation of patients and carers in their treatment programmes, specifically related to cancer, and cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation. To take part in the education and training of therapists, support workers, qualified and nonqualified healthcare / social services / education staff including medical staff. To work collaboratively with health and social care community and acute colleagues. To work collaboratively with other Highly Specialist Dietitians and all key stakeholders of the Active programme within other trusts, sharing learning, education and resources as appropriate. Proactively and appropriately facilitate seamless transitions of care between settings, ensuring continuity of therapeutic management and clear communication with the patient throughout. To work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary manner within the MDT, being able to debate the blurring of boundaries across professions and where competent and appropriate take on aspects of blurred boundary working. To participate in the supervision process with staff daily and for students as required. Provide highly specialist assessment and advice to the multidisciplinary team (MDT), actively contributing to MDT meetings and supporting effective care pathways, including discharge planning. Act as a key resource within cancer services, offering expert guidance to dietitians and other professionals on the assessment, treatment, and management of patients before and after cancer treatment. To organise and participate in in-service training programmes, under direction, ensuring appropriate training is delivered. To give highly specialist advice, teaching and training to patients / clients, carers, volunteers and other health, educational and social care professionals, as appropriate to ensure provision of good patient care. To be responsible for the supervision and education of dietetic students to graduate level in the role of clinical educator. To contribute to the supervision and education of students from other professional groups e.g. Nurses, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists in as required.
Operational Delivery To ensure effective day to day running of the team including support staff. Actively participate in research and clinical audit activities related to cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation, including data collection for programmes such as Active Together. Present findings from research, audits, and patient surveys to internal teams and external stakeholders, including at local and national conferences. Lead on completing appraisals for the team. To work flexible across a variety of settings, including out of hours working, including 7 day a week rota to meet the needs of the service. To have access to a vehicle for timely, independent travel across community and hospital sites, with flexibility to work in a changing environment. To provide advice / information to the Prehabilitation Service lead to help in the planning and development of the service. In conjunction with the Prehabilitation Service lead, ensure adequate staff cover within the team by agreeing annual leave, study leave, and report sickness absence to the Prehabilitation Service lead. This will require a basic knowledge of e-rostering. To assist the Prehabilitation Service lead in achieving the service objectives, and Active Together Programme deliverables and outcomes. To assist the Prehabilitation Service lead in the monitoring of professional, clinical and departmental standards and assist implementation of change as appropriate. To participate in the staff recruitment process. To have awareness of team budgets and work with the Prehabilitation Service Lead on cost efficiencies. Deputise for the Prehabilitation Service Lead as required. Participate in regular clinical supervision. To represent and advocate for the Trust and the Active Together programme externally (locally, regionally and nationally).
Risk, Governance & Safety Work autonomously within Trust policies and professional practice, maintaining accurate and comprehensive up to date records within appropriate clinical systems. To give feedback and contribute on policies in line with clinical specialist input when required, which may impact on the management and care of patients within the service. To be responsible for the issue and safe use of equipment used in your area of work and to adhere to the appropriate service policies. Ensure compliance with all national, professional, Trust, and service-specific policies and procedures, including active participation in induction and regular risk management training. Identify and assess potential risks within the department or community settings during service delivery, ensuring these are reported to management and appropriate actions are taken to mitigate them. In line with trust policy, to complete incident reports and supporting documentation for any unexpected event or incident they are involved in. To work with the Prehabilitation Service Lead Team Leader, assisting them in the management of complaints and incidents. Maintain confidentiality of all patient identifiable information in line with Trust policies relating to the Data Protection Act. Initiate discussions with the Prehabilitation Service lead about any circumstances that could prevent the postholder or other staff fulfilling the requirements of the job description
Personal Engage in appropriate development opportunities as identified through the Trusts Personal Development Review process, taking responsibility for following and complying with an agreed personal development plan. Maintain an up-to-date CPD portfolio including evidence of experiential learning, reflective practice and any relevant training or experience. This should demonstrate responsibility for maintaining own competency to practice. Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration. Working within own professional scope and limitations and seek advice and support from the Line Manager whenever necessary. Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times.
