Upper Gastrointestinal Nurse Specialist in Chorley

Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (MWL) provides clinical support to patients with cancers of the Upper GI tract. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and motivated nurse to join a well‑established Upper GI team. We are looking for an innovative, forward‑thinking nurse who is highly motivated to improve practice and committed to developing clinical skills.

Main Duties of the Job

• Applications are invited from Registered Nurses with the following:
• Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• Completed a recognised mentorship course.
• Relevant and recent experience in Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Care.
• Masters degree or currently working towards one.

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities

Key Duties

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate programmes of evidence‑based nursing care.
• Provide expert advice and clinical practice guidance.
• Deliver specialist education and training to colleagues.
• Collaborate with clinical colleagues to develop services and ensure high quality of care.
• Lead the development of clinical services within the specialist field.
• Provide leadership to the specialist nursing team in first contact assessments and comprehensive assessments.
• Manage an agreed patient caseload, using advanced clinical judgement.
• Order, undertake, interpret and act on diagnostic tests and investigations.
• Possess independent endoscopic skills or willingness to undertake training for preliminary diagnosis.
• Identify, assess and triage patients for smooth transition to other services.
• Undertake highly specialist procedures and lead clinical pathways.
• Support the team in developing comprehensive care plans and measurable outcomes.
• Ensure team involvement of patients, carers and relatives in care planning.
• Act as a highly autonomous practitioner with minimal supervision.
• Maintain compliance with regulations such as Quality Surveillance Programme, drug administration, record keeping, and data collection.
• Develop protocols for nurse‑led clinics and monitor outcomes.
• Initiate medication and treatment reviews independently.
• Manage complex cases and specialist investigations, referring to MDT when appropriate.
• Lead integrated care with primary and secondary care clinicians and other agencies.
• Ensure support services are in place for home management of the condition.
• Abide by statutory rules and promote professional practice in line with NMC Code.
• Maintain specialist clinical skills in assessment and treatment of patients.
• Develop and deliver the ‘Living with and beyond cancer’ patient support service.
• Develop and deliver the Recovery package as per NHS England requirements.
• Provide specialist telephone advice and act as a key worker.

Clinical & Professional Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive assessment of patient nursing needs and deliver care accordingly.
• Perform advanced clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
• Collect, collate, evaluate and report information, maintaining accurate patient records.
• Involve patients and carers in care planning and service development.
• Monitor investigations and coordinate treatment pathways.
• Collaborate with other professionals to ensure effective discharge arrangements.
• Maintain effective communication with patients, carers, relatives and health professionals.
• Contribute to health promotion initiatives locally.
• Pursue non‑medical prescribing as per NMC and trust guidance.
• Attend clinical supervision sessions.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Support MDT preparation and follow‑up for direct patient care.
• Dictate and sign letters.
• Request patient appointments.
• Process clinical outcome sheets.
• Update Somerset Cancer Registry.
• Write reports and give presentations.
• Address issues raised by remote follow‑up clinic service.

Teaching & Training Responsibilities

• Identify learning needs and deliver educational programmes.
• Participate in the education of nurses, medical staff, AHPs, patients and carers.
• Address specific health targets through education.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory training and PREP requirements.

Line Management / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide specialist clinical knowledge to colleagues, patients and carers.
• Evaluate service delivery against performance targets and initiate improvements.
• Optimise resource utilisation and suggest appropriate supplies and equipment.
• Collect and report activity data to stakeholders.

Research & Audit

• Identify need and conduct research, audit, benchmarking and equipment trials.
• Disseminate findings through presentations and publications.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Promote patient and public involvement activities.
• Advance equality, diversity and rights.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NMC registration.
• Substantial post‑registration experience.
• Speciality related course completed.
• Communication skills training (e.g., Advanced Comms).
• Completed clinical examination and diagnostics.
• Non‑medical prescribing qualification.

Knowledge and Experience

• Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of Upper GI diseases.
• Experience caring for patients with upper GI disease.
• Understanding of national cancer agenda, NICE guidance and CQC standards.
• Knowledge of current clinical and nursing research.
• Experience of multidisciplinary team working.
• Understanding of Macmillan priorities.
• Line‑management experience.
• Knowledge of appropriate diagnostic tests and investigation interpretation.
• Understanding of the recovery package and key worker role.
• Ability to facilitate education programmes.
• Willingness to undertake nurse‑led follow‑up clinics.
• Experience developing clinical pathways and protocols.
• Ability to conduct patient experience surveys.

Skills

• Willingness to undertake advanced invasive procedures.
• Autonomous and collaborative working within an MDT.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Time management and organisational skills.
• Presentation skills.

Other

• Flexible approach to work.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We actively cultivate a professional environment of fairness, equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals. We welcome people from all backgrounds and value the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences you bring. We are grounded in the belief that diversity enhances our collective strength, fostering innovation and excellence within our workforce. We welcome all applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, and in particular those from under‑represented groups.