(IBD) Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job summary

The post holder will provide expert clinical practice within this specialty, assisting in the delivery of high-quality Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) services throughout the Trust. Working alongside other clinical colleagues to provide expert care, treatment and support for this patient group. They will play a key role within the multidisciplinary team in order to ensure a seamless, coordinated and timely approach to care. They will act as a clinical and professional resource to the multi-disciplinary team, patients and carers. Assisting in the development of a specialist inflammatory bowel disease service to prevent unnecessary admissions, support in-patient care and enhance early effective discharge. Contribute to advancing the body of knowledge through education, research and audit, as well as developing practice. Contribute to the IBD infusion service by working closely with the infusion nurse team to support for advice and guidance including monitoring guidelines and protocols for this service in relation to IBD.

Main duties of the job

Provide professional leadership and management for the IBD services. 2 Be the Nursing Lead and expert for all issues related to IBD, demonstrating highly developed nursing knowledge underpinned by academic theory and experience of health service management, including change management and resource management. Professional lead for the services, the post holder will represent the interests of Nurses, multi-professional and partner agencies liaising with nursing and relevant stakeholders in the delivery of programmes both nationally and locally. Lead an agreed teaching/training programme by identifying current clinical skills to ensure appropriate level of training can be developed and delivered, in collaboration with educational leads and Head of Nursing. The post holder will hold a training qualification or equivalent experience. As senior nurse, be accountable to the organisation for the delivery of a safe clinical service. Work closely with the patient safety and quality team to investigate and respond to incidents and complaints. Be responsible for the strategic development and implementation plans of local policies and procedures for development and maintaining service delivery in order to support safe effective patient care. Demonstrate inspirational leadership to engage with multidisciplinary teams and with external stakeholders.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Details

• Date posted: 27 August 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 7
• Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 001092
• Job locations: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

A clinical expert required to work autonomously exercising high levels of judgement, discretion and decision making in clinical care, monitoring and improving standards of care through clinical audit, leading the development of practice through research, teaching and the support of professional colleagues.

Work with clinical teams to develop a comprehensive pathway for assessment of patient needs in early detection of IBD.

Work towards achieving Advanced Clinical skills in assessment and treatment for IBD patients.

Liaise and work closely with all members of the multidisciplinary team, gastroenterology wards and departments, outpatient departments and community teams as well as with consultant physicians, GP’s and other care providers. Acting as first point of contact maintaining and forging links between primary and secondary care teams so ensuring a high-quality collaborative approach to patient care.

Working within defined parameters, liaising effectively with patients, carers, GPs, Consultants and other appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team both pre and post discharge to and from hospital.

Involve patients and carers / relatives to clinical judgement to plan, implement and evaluate care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

To provide, develop and manage nurse-led specialist IBD clinics and telephone advice line for patients with IBD, identifying problems and initiating treatment pathways in line with local and national guidelines.

To manage own caseload of patients within defined parameters, providing specialist intervention, care and support.

To support admission and discharge of IBD patients.

Monitor investigation results, initiating further assessment / review of treatment pathways as required.

Pre-assess, monitor, counsel and manage patients on treatment

Work with the Specialist Gastroenterology Pharmacist to support patients requiring immunosuppressant therapy, biologics

Liaise with the Pharmacy Homecare team and Pharmacy TSU for the provision of biologic drugs.

Participate in the Trusts Patient Safety and Quality process.

To actively facilitate the patients’ journey, ensuring timely and appropriate referral of patients to other disciplines and out-patient settings

Progress the development and interaction of the IBD patient panel, encouraging patients and carers to be involved with the service.

To deal with referrals about patients with IBD from members of the Gastroenterology teams and primary care teams, both medical and nursing.

Practice as, or being willing to work towards practicing as, a registered non- medical prescriber according to NMC standards of practice and Trust non- medical prescribing policy.

Work with the dietetic service to refer patients as required.

Ensuring that all communication, (which may be complex, contentious or sensitive) is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvements and ways to move forward.

Ensuring all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental conditions.

Participate in multidisciplinary case reviews and clinical teaching.

Triage clinical calls from hospital and community teams effectively prioritising clinical tasks that are required.

To act as a point of contact for professional and specialist clinical advice, supporting nursing/medical staff in caring for patients both in an in-patient and community setting.

To lead the review and re-design of patient pathways and services to ensure that these meet the changing needs of patients whilst optimising resources.

Working closely with the IBD team supporting one another to provide a seamless service.

Working closely with Pharmacy and other Allied Healthcare workers to ensure best use of resources in line with National guidance.

Following consultant guidance; applying for funding for high cost medicines. Responsibility for Implementation of policy and / or service Developments.

Provide expert advice working collaboratively with clinical colleagues to develop services and ensure that quality of care is delivered in line with National guidance.

To contribute to the development, implementation and promotion of policies, protocols and guidelines for managing patients with IBD in collaboration with other health care professionals.

To perform patient satisfaction surveys to ensure that the service is assessed and monitored regularly. Provide feedback and ensure that service deficiencies are identified and managed appropriately to effect change.

Promote effective communication and liaison with the multidisciplinary team, primary care and the Clinical Research Organisation.

Show commitment to clinical excellence and maintain standard of practice.

Carry out regular audit and review of the inflammatory bowel disease service and produce outcomes in an annual report ensuring user involvement.

To ensure the service is evidence based, through regular literature review and updating Trust guidelines accordingly.

To develop nursing research skills and contribute to the development of nursing research within the specialty.

The post holder must exercise initiative and discretion in accordance with the Data Protection Act (2018) and local Trust policies. The post holder will be expected to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships.

To document all care given using the Trust guidelines.

To ensure the Trust IBD registry is up to date.

Demonstrate competent I.T. skills.

Provide accurate record keeping of Case Records.

To be proficient at using all hospital IT software packages, e.g. AlexHealth Unisoft tool, Kris, Infoflex, Blue Tech