Job summary
The Surrey HCV ODN is responsible for testing, treating and supporting those with HCV and potential cirrhosis in the community by means of our outreach Van. We work closely with drug and alcohol services and deliver a personalised service to our patients at point of access.
We are delighted that you are interested in joining our energetic, dynamic and collaborative Operational Delivery (ODN) Network team. You will join a team of consultants, nurses, operational managers, allied health professionals, and other administrators all committed to levelling up care, and reducing health inequalities across hepatology pathways within Surrey.
The Royal Surrey is one of the pilot sites funded by NHS England and NHS Improvement to deliver a programme of work to develop a Surrey Liver Surveillance ODN. The pilot aims to screen for liver disease in at risk populations and for those individuals with cirrhosis engage and retain them in hospital-based liver cancer surveillance pathways (6 monthly USS / bloods and clinical review). The aim is to contribute to the national strategy around early cancer diagnosis. We are expanding our team to support our prime goal of providing outstanding, well -resourced, patient-centred care following further funding.
Main duties of the job
This role is to support the delivery of the Surrey Liver Health Checks Operational Delivery Network (ODN) which will integrate the existing Hepatitis C ODN.
Primary liver cancer is the eighth most common cause of cancer death in the UK accounting for 3% of cancer related mortality (CRUK). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and presents in patients with cirrhosis. The dominant risk factors include cirrhosis caused by alcohol or viral hepatitis, and metabolic or fatty liver disease. There is a strong link with deprivation including homelessness, drug addiction, and obesity. Whilst HCC incidence is increasing in the UK (Burton JHEP reports 2021) survival remains poor with less than 15% 5-year survival.
The NHS Long Term plan https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/ sets out stretching targets ambitions and commitments to improve cancer outcomes and services in England over the next ten years with an ambition that by 2028 75% of cancers will be diagnosed at stage I or stage II. Liver cancer is a specific focus and represents 1/20 of the shift in early diagnosis required nationally to achieve this goal.
The Royal Surrey is one of twenty-two providers commissioned to deliver a local HCV ODN and has been selected as one of ten pilot sites for the Liver Health Checks / Cirrhosis Surveillance ODN. Funded by NHS England and Improvement the work of the HCV and Liver Cirrhosis ODNs are mutually synergistic.
About us
Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing program along with a commitment to developing and advancing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family will ensure you that you feel valued from your initial interview through your entire tenure.
We are clinically led and provide joined up care by bridging the gap between hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford with community hospital sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh. We provide adult community health services in homes across Guildford and Waverley.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have given us an overall rating of Outstanding.
Royal Surrey has a strong reputation and history to build on. We are proud of our achievements and we are investing in our colleagues through our commitment to supporting professional development as well as investing more than £45 million in our physical environment and new equipment in the next few years. There has never been a better time to join us.
Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
A video about the Royal Surrey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification
This post is required to expand Hepatology services for the effective delivery of a program of work in the Liver Health Checks pilot. Working with existing team members the post holder will deliver clinics designed to identify people with undiagnosed cirrhosis within target populations at risk for metabolic liver disease, alcohol related liver disease or people at risk of viral hepatitis.
This post has strategic and operational components and the post holder will be required to work with key stakeholders and patients across the network, to proactively support timely and rapid progression from diagnosis to cancer surveillance pathways for those identified on fibro scan assessment to have liver cirrhosis.
The successful candidate will be trained to undertake fibro scans a non-invasive diagnostic test to identify patients with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Community based liver health checks clinics will recruit patients for assessment working closely with GPs, the HCV ODN van team, and other stakeholders. The post holder will have a key role in delivering education and health promotion advice to all patients enrolled in the program, including those with normal diagnostic investigations.
The liver health checks practitioner will co-ordinate onward referral to secondary care liver clinics and Hepatocellular cancer surveillance pathways and will work closely with the lead clinician peer support workers and pathway navigators to retain patients in cancer surveillance pathways. There will be significant overlap with the existing HCV ODN, and the post holder will also collaborate with the existing clinical nurse specialists (HCV and HBV), hepatologists and HCV ODN MDT coordinator to ensure any patient with liver disease caused by viral hepatitis can access additional diagnostics e.g., HCV diagnostics and treatment.
This is a very exciting new role to support the delivery of the Surrey Liver Health Checks ODN, which will integrate with the existing Hepatitis C ODN and the regional Hepatocellular Cancer MDT team at the Royal Surrey. Working with existing team members, including another community liver health check nurse, the post holder will deliver clinics designed to identify people with undiagnosed cirrhosis within target populations at risk for metabolic liver disease, alcohol related liver disease or people at risk of viral hepatitis.
The successful applicant, under the direction, guidance and supervision of the Hepatology CNS team and Consultants, will deliver liver health assessments in primary and secondary care including GP surgeries, hospital clinics, the mobile outreach van, and static clinics within drug services. Additional responsibilities will include co-ordination of care for patients engaged in hepatocellular cancer surveillance pathways and work to improve access to care for Hepatitis C positive patients.
A background in clinical hepatology oncology or research would be an advantage but induction and training will be available for the successful appointee. Whilst this post may appeal to a nurse seeking a CNS role candidates with research and case management experience with appropriate skills will be eligible for appointment.
This post has strategic and operational components and the post holder will be required to work with key stakeholders and patients across the network, to proactively support timely and rapid progression from diagnosis to cancer surveillance pathways for those identified on fibro scan assessment to have liver cirrhosis. Full training will be given in fibro scanning to ensure an ongoing comprehensive service for our patients.
The liver health checks practitioner will co-ordinate onward referral to secondary care liver clinics and Hepatocellular cancer surveillance pathways and will work closely with the lead clinician peer support workers and pathway navigators to retain patients in cancer surveillance pathways. There will be significant overlap with the existing HCV ODN, and the post holder will also collaborate with the existing clinical nurse specialists (HCV and HBV), hepatologists and HCV ODN MDT coordinator to ensure any patient with liver disease caused by viral hepatitis can access additional diagnostics e.g., HCV diagnostics and treatment.
Experience of substance misuse, especially alcohol would be an advantage in this role but a non-judgmental attitude is a must. The applicant must be self-motivated and organised; and treat people with compassion and empathy. A car to be able to travel to the outreach sites is also beneficial.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification
This post is required to expand Hepatology services for the effective delivery of a program of work in the Liver Health Checks pilot. Working with existing team members the post holder will deliver clinics designed to identify people with undiagnosed cirrhosis within target populations at risk for metabolic liver disease, alcohol related liver disease or people at risk of viral hepatitis.
This post has strategic and operational components and the post holder will be required to work with key stakeholders and patients across the network, to proactively support timely and rapid progression from diagnosis to cancer surveillance pathways for those identified on fibro scan assessment to have liver cirrhosis.
The successful candidate will be trained to undertake fibro scans a non-invasive diagnostic test to identify patients with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Community based liver health checks clinics will recruit patients for assessment working closely with GPs, the HCV ODN van team, and other stakeholders. The post holder will have a key role in delivering education and health promotion advice to all patients enrolled in the program, including those with normal diagnostic investigations.
The liver health checks practitioner will co-ordinate onward referral to secondary care liver clinics and Hepatocellular cancer surveillance pathways and will work closely with the lead clinician peer support workers and pathway navigators to retain patients in cancer surveillance pathways. There will be significant overlap with the existing HCV ODN, and the post holder will also collaborate with the existing clinical nurse specialists (HCV and HBV), hepatologists and HCV ODN MDT coordinator to ensure any patient with liver disease caused by viral hepatitis can access additional diagnostics e.g., HCV diagnostics and treatment.
This is a very exciting new role to support the delivery of the Surrey Liver Health Checks ODN, which will integrate with the existing Hepatitis C ODN and the regional Hepatocellular Cancer MDT team at the Royal Surrey. Working with existing team members, including another community liver health check nurse, the post holder will deliver clinics designed to identify people with undiagnosed cirrhosis within target populations at risk for metabolic liver disease, alcohol related liver disease or people at risk of viral hepatitis.
The successful applicant, under the direction, guidance and supervision of the Hepatology CNS team and Consultants, will deliver liver health assessments in primary and secondary care including GP surgeries, hospital clinics, the mobile outreach van, and static clinics within drug services. Additional responsibilities will include co-ordination of care for patients engaged in hepatocellular cancer surveillance pathways and work to improve access to care for Hepatitis C positive patients.
A background in clinical hepatology oncology or research would be an advantage but induction and training will be available for the successful appointee. Whilst this post may appeal to a nurse seeking a CNS role candidates with research and case management experience with appropriate skills will be eligible for appointment.
This post has strategic and operational components and the post holder will be required to work with key stakeholders and patients across the network, to proactively support timely and rapid progression from diagnosis to cancer surveillance pathways for those identified on fibro scan assessment to have liver cirrhosis. Full training will be given in fibro scanning to ensure an ongoing comprehensive service for our patients.
The liver health checks practitioner will co-ordinate onward referral to secondary care liver clinics and Hepatocellular cancer surveillance pathways and will work closely with the lead clinician peer support workers and pathway navigators to retain patients in cancer surveillance pathways. There will be significant overlap with the existing HCV ODN, and the post holder will also collaborate with the existing clinical nurse specialists (HCV and HBV), hepatologists and HCV ODN MDT coordinator to ensure any patient with liver disease caused by viral hepatitis can access additional diagnostics e.g., HCV diagnostics and treatment.
Experience of substance misuse, especially alcohol would be an advantage in this role but a non-judgmental attitude is a must. The applicant must be self-motivated and organised; and treat people with compassion and empathy. A car to be able to travel to the outreach sites is also beneficial.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Experienced healthcare professional e.g. Registered nurse with current NMC PIN Qualifications or current research practitioner with extended scope of practice including patient facing activities.
Desirable
- Mentor/Teaching/Assessing qualification
- Qualification in advanced communication skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of specialist areas relevant to this post acquired through experience in clinical settings e.g., Hepatology inpatients or outpatients, drug or alcohol services, cancer care or research.
- Experience of independent practice assessing patients in a clinical area.
- CPD - Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development
- Must understand the background to and aims of current healthcare policy/national guidance/CQC/ and appreciate the implications of this on engagement for this project
- Understanding of the importance of informed consent
- Clinical Governance and risk management
- Working in a multi-disciplinary team environment
- Ability to manage own caseload in accordance with Screening targets, NHS cancer targets and working across multiple sites.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Liver disease management including relevant diagnostic investigations
- Understanding of Cancer Pathways relevant to liver disease surveillance and management
- Research and or audit experience
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Experienced healthcare professional e.g. Registered nurse with current NMC PIN Qualifications or current research practitioner with extended scope of practice including patient facing activities.
Desirable
- Mentor/Teaching/Assessing qualification
- Qualification in advanced communication skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of specialist areas relevant to this post acquired through experience in clinical settings e.g., Hepatology inpatients or outpatients, drug or alcohol services, cancer care or research.
- Experience of independent practice assessing patients in a clinical area.
- CPD - Evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development
- Must understand the background to and aims of current healthcare policy/national guidance/CQC/ and appreciate the implications of this on engagement for this project
- Understanding of the importance of informed consent
- Clinical Governance and risk management
- Working in a multi-disciplinary team environment
- Ability to manage own caseload in accordance with Screening targets, NHS cancer targets and working across multiple sites.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Liver disease management including relevant diagnostic investigations
- Understanding of Cancer Pathways relevant to liver disease surveillance and management
- Research and or audit experience
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
