Plastics Clinical Nurse Specialist in Manchester

An exciting 12-month secondment opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated nurse to join the Plastics Service at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust as a Plastics Breast Reconstruction Clinical Nurse Specialist (DIEP). The post holder will provide specialist nursing support and care coordination for patients undergoing breast reconstruction, with a particular focus on Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction. Working as part of a highly specialised multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will support patients throughout their reconstructive journey from referral and pre-operative assessment through surgery, recovery and follow-up.

This maternity leave cover provides an excellent developmental opportunity for an experienced nurse wishing to develop advanced specialist skills in breast reconstruction, complex case management, service improvement and patient experience. The role will involve close working with members across the Plastics MDT to deliver safe, effective and compassionate patient-centred care.

The post holder will contribute to service development, patient information, audit, governance and quality improvement initiatives to support the ongoing advancement of the breast reconstruction service at MFT.

Main duties of the job:

• The post holder acts as a key point of contact throughout the patient pathway, delivering expert advice, education and emotional support from initial consultation through to recovery.
• They participate in consultant-led and multidisciplinary clinics, supporting patient assessment, preparation and informed decision-making regarding reconstructive surgery.
• Working collaboratively with surgical teams, ward staff and allied health professionals, the Nurse ensures continuity of care across inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Key responsibilities include post-operative follow-up, monitoring recovery, managing patient enquiries, identifying complications, providing safety-netting advice and escalating concerns appropriately.
• The role includes coordinating referrals to services such as physiotherapy, lymphoedema, psychology, smoking cessation and rehabilitation to optimise patient outcomes.
• Contribute to MDT discussions, supports complex patient management and promotes personalised, evidence-based care.
• The post holder maintains accurate clinical records and contributes to service development through audit, quality improvement, patient experience initiatives and the development of patient information and clinical pathways.
• They also support the education of healthcare professionals involved in breast reconstruction care.
• Act as a patient advocate, promoting shared decision-making and ensuring the highest standards of patient care and experience throughout the reconstructive pathway.

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.

Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.

At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions. Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Job responsibilities:

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you'll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Diversity Matters: MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Person Specification:

• Experience Essential: Surgical Nursing experience, Evidence of MDT working, Able to self-manage workload, Evidence of supporting staff in practice/mentorship.
• Desirable: Breast or Plastics experience, Wound care knowledge, DIEP trained, Hive knowledge.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.