Rapid Diagnostic Centre Associate Nurse Specialist

Job overview

The NCA RDC was launched in June 2020 and has experienced rapid growth. We are seeking an experienced Nurse Specialist, with some awareness of cancer pathways (though this is not essential), to contribute to the further development of this innovative diagnostic service. This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to be part of a team that is helping to revolutionise the pathway for cancer diagnosis.

The RDC aims to ensure that patients with non-specific (Vague) but concerning symptoms—potentially indicative of cancer—have access to rapid diagnosis or exclusion of cancer within a maximum of 28 days. This will be achieved through all necessary diagnostic tests, carried out and reported within a streamlined, innovative pathway. The service is nurse-led, with senior medical input where required. Patients receive comprehensive information, guidance, and support throughout their RDC journey. The service is managed as a single entity across the Northern Care Alliance, with pathways initially delivered at two sites: Oldham Community Diagnostic Centre and Salford Community Diagnostic Centre.

This role offers the opportunity to help shape the RDC service at its formative stage, as well as providing hands-on patient care. Your ability to think creatively, embrace change, and be open to new ways of working is essential for this forward-thinking role.

Main duties of the job

The RDC provides an urgent referral service for patients presenting with non-specific symptoms that could indicate cancer, complementing the existing site-specific Two Week Wait (TWW) pathways. The service offers a rapid, holistic assessment of the patient to determine the appropriate diagnostic pathway, provide management advice, signpost to relevant support services, and facilitate swift onward referral to specialist teams if cancer is diagnosed.

Main duties of this role include:

• Conducting thorough telephone triage and assessment of TWW referrals
• Developing individualised investigation pathways tailored to each patient
• Coordinating patient pathways to ensure rapid progression through the diagnostic process
• Collaborating with multiple departments to support effective multidisciplinary team (MDT) working
• Providing holistic support to patients from referral through to discharge
• Maintaining accurate patient records and communicating pathway steps to patients, GPs, and other practitioners as required
• Working alongside the RDC nursing team, navigators, consultants, and the Programme team

The post holder will be cross-site working at both the Oldham and Salford Community Diagnostic Centres, where they will be involved in delivering clinical care within the RDC.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance within the attached Candidate Information Pack or by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk