Lead Upper & Lower Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist

Job overview

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate GI Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist to provide expert, patient-centred care within our gastrointestinal cancer service.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading clinical role, supporting patients with complex needs across their pathway while promoting personalised care, equity of access, and excellent patient experience.

The post holder will work as an autonomous practitioner within the multidisciplinary team, providing advanced clinical assessment, decision-making, and care coordination. They will also contribute to service development, education, and quality improvement, ensuring high standards of care are maintained.

You will play a key role in shaping a responsive, inclusive service that meets the needs of a diverse patient population, while supporting colleagues and influencing best practice.

Main duties of the job

• Provide advanced clinical assessment, decision-making, and care for patients with GI conditions across the pathway
• Act as a key worker, coordinating care and supporting patients and carers with personalised, holistic support
• Work autonomously within the multidisciplinary team, ensuring high-quality, safe, and effective care
• Lead on delivering a compassionate, inclusive service that promotes excellent patient experience and equitable access
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement, and achievement of cancer performance targets
• Support and develop the CNS team through clinical leadership and education
• Deliver patient and staff education to improve understanding, self-management, and care outcomes
• Ensure effective communication with patients, families, and professionals, including those with complex or additional needs

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The GI Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist will provide expert clinical care and leadership for patients with gastrointestinal conditions, ensuring care is safe, effective, and tailored to individual needs.

The post holder will work as an autonomous practitioner within the multidisciplinary team, coordinating care across the patient pathway and acting as a key worker and advocate for patients and their families.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Deliver advanced clinical assessment, decision-making, and management of patients with complex GI conditions
• Manage a defined caseload, providing continuity and coordination of care across inpatient and outpatient settings
• Act as a key worker, supporting patients from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up
• Provide specialist advice, symptom management, and psychosocial support to patients and carers
• Promote shared decision-making and personalised care planning

Leadership and Service Delivery

• Provide clinical leadership to the CNS team, supporting high standards of practice and patient care
• Contribute to the development of a responsive and inclusive service that meets the needs of a diverse population
• Support delivery of cancer pathway targets and service performance standards
• Act as a visible and accessible clinical expert within the service

Multidisciplinary Working

• Work collaboratively with consultants, nursing staff, AHPs, and wider teams to ensure coordinated care
• Actively contribute to MDT meetings, representing patient views and supporting care planning
• Liaise with community and external services to support seamless transitions of care

Service Development and Quality Improvement

• Participate in service improvement initiatives to enhance patient experience, access, and outcomes
• Support audit, data collection, and evaluation to inform service development
• Contribute to reducing health inequalities and improving access to care

Education and Training

• Provide education and support to patients and carers to promote understanding and self-management
• Support the development of staff through teaching, mentorship, and sharing of best practice
• Contribute to developing patient information that is accessible and inclusive

Communication

• Communicate complex and sensitive information with empathy, clarity, and professionalism
• Adapt communication to meet the needs of individuals, including those with additional or diverse needs
• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive clinical documentation

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain NMC registration and practice in line with professional and organisational standards
• Participate in continuing professional development and maintain advanced clinical competence
• Act in accordance with Trust values, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of care