An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly motivated Breast Nurse Consultant to join the Surgery and Cancer Division at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, based at Leighton Hospital. This senior clinical leadership role will provide strategic and operational leadership for breast cancer services, leading the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care across the breast cancer pathway.
The post holder will act as an expert autonomous practitioner, leading the rapid assessment and diagnosis service for patients with suspected breast cancer, supporting achievement of the Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS), and driving service improvement in line with national cancer priorities, GIRFT recommendations and NHS England guidance.
Working closely with consultants, the multidisciplinary team and regional partners, the Nurse Consultant will provide strategic leadership for service transformation, workforce development, personalised cancer care, advanced practice and implementation of the ACCEND framework.
As part of the Trust's future vision, the post holder will play a key role in service redesign and innovation associated with the New Hospital Programme, ensuring breast cancer services are designed around modern pathways, digital transformation, enhanced diagnostics and best practice models of care. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future delivery of breast cancer services across Cheshire and beyond.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
- Provide expert clinical leadership and consultancy across the Breast Cancer Service.
- Lead the rapid assessment pathway for patients with suspected breast cancer and support delivery of the Faster Diagnosis Standard.
- Undertake autonomous advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and management of patients with benign and malignant breast disease.
- Lead nurse-led diagnostic, treatment and follow-up clinics.
- Independently prescribe and manage treatment pathways within agreed protocols.
- Lead service transformation and pathway redesign in line with GIRFT recommendations and NHS Cancer Programme priorities.
- Support implementation of personalised cancer care and risk-stratified follow-up pathways.
- Provide professional leadership for the Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist and Cancer Support Worker workforce.
- Develop advanced practice roles, education programmes and workforce succession plans.
- Lead audit, quality improvement, research and service evaluation initiatives.
- Represent the Trust at regional cancer networks, Cancer Alliance meetings and specialist breast forums.
- Contribute to development of future breast cancer services associated with the Trust's New Hospital Programme. (Derived from the strategic service development responsibilities detailed within the role.)
Working for our organisation
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services for East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). Our services include planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care, child health, maternity, and intermediate care across Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.
Through our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, we deliver extensive services in 26 medical centres and schools in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance. With 500 beds and around 5,500 staff, we are one of the area’s largest employers.
Since the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust has become a key partner in Cheshire East & Cheshire West and Chester and in two provider collaboratives, aligning our strategic goals with the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System.
As part of the national New Hospital Programme, we’re reimagining Leighton Hospital to create a new health and care neighbourhood, transforming healthcare delivery for a Healthier Future. Learn more on our Healthier Futures website .
At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Lead the rapid assessment pathway for patients with suspected breast cancer and support delivery of the Faster Diagnosis Standard. [JD Breast...al Version | Word]
- Undertake autonomous advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and management of patients with benign and malignant breast disease. [JD Breast...al Version | Word]
- Contribute to development of future breast cancer services associated with the Trust's New Hospital Programme. (Derived from the strategic service development responsibilities detailed within the role.)
Person specification
Qualifications
- Registered Nurse (NMC Registration)
- Master's Degree or equivalent level experience in Advanced Clinical Practice
- Independent Non-Medical Prescriber or willingness to obtain within agreed timeframe
- Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to breast cancer care and advanced practice
- Leadership or management qualification or equivalent experience
- Doctoral qualification or working towards doctorate level study
- Extensive experience in Breast Cancer Services at a senior level
- Significant experience of autonomous advanced clinical practice
- Experience of leading service improvement and transformation programmes
- Experience of multidisciplinary team working and clinical leadership
- Experience of audit, quality improvement and clinical governance
- Experience at Nurse Consultant or equivalent level
- Experience of regional or system-wide service development
- Involvement in research and publication activities
Knowledge
- Advanced knowledge of breast cancer pathways, diagnostics and treatment
- Knowledge of national cancer standards, Faster Diagnosis Standard and personalised cancer care
- Understanding of Advanced Clinical Practice and ACCEND framework
- Knowledge of clinical governance, safeguarding and risk management
- Knowledge of GIRFT recommendations for breast services
- Understanding of New Hospital Programme implications for service redesign
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent clinical assessment and decision-making skills
- Strong leadership and influencing skills
- Ability to lead and manage change across teams and services
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex clinical and performance data
- Experience representing organisations at regional or national forums
- Experience leading workforce development and advanced practice programmes
Personal Qualities
- Committed to delivering high-quality patient-centred care
- Demonstrates professionalism, integrity and compassion
- Innovative and proactive approach to service development
- Ability to work autonomously and strategically
Key Messages
We are a forces-friendly employers.
Candidates should ensure that all submissions and interactions reflect the candidate’s own skills, experience, and understanding. Any use of AI that compromises the integrity, fairness, or authenticity of the recruitment process may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of offer, or dismissal if this these circumstances come to light post hire.
Candidates that require sponsorship to work in the UK are strongly advised to check the Government website for up-to-date information about whether the role they are applying for (incl. offered salary) is eligible.
Please let us know if you require an adjustment to our recruitment process and we'll be happy to discuss this with you.
We actively promote flexible working so please discuss any requirements you may have with us.
Secondments will be considered for fixed term positions when both parties agree. Candidates should seek approval from their current line manager before application.
All correspondence will be sent via the email address you have registered as your TRAC account.Selection is based on the Trust's values, and the criteria outlined in the Job Description for the role.
Appointments are subject to a 6-month probationary period. LED Doctors are subject to a 3-month probationary period.
You are required to pay for a DBS disclosure where the post requires one, and we encourage applicants to join and remain registered with the DBS update service.
We do not reimburse travel to interview expenses.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name Deb Challinor Job title Matron Cancer Services Email address deborah.challinor@mcht.nhs.uk Telephone number 01270 273601 Additional information
Hannah Latcham
Service Manager for GS and Breast x 8302
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Breast Nurse Consultant in Crewe employer: Mcht
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