Suspected Cancer Pathway Navigator

Job overview

OXFORD UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL NHS TRUST RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT CHURCHILL HOPSITAL

We are seeking full time Nurse or Radiographer to work as a Suspected Cancer Pathway Navigator, to work at the Churchill Hospital Radiology Department, as part of a team delivering the SCAN (Suspected Cancer) Pathway. Successful candidates must have post graduate experience in the NHS, and will be expected to contribute positively and enthusiastically to the professional running and future development of the service. The post is suitable for a Radiographer or Nurse that would like to work as part of a dedicated and professional team to provide holistic care and support to patients referred to Radiology under the SCAN Pathway and support the service lead in developing the pathway to extended the service in the future. For Radiographers interested in the post CT experience is not essential as training can be provided.

Main duties of the job

The SCAN (Suspected CANcer) Pathway:

Many patients visit their GP with 'vague' symptoms such as weight loss and tiredness. These symptoms are called 'non-specific' as they affect the whole person.

Often the cause of these symptoms remains unclear after GP assessment. There is commonly a minor cause for such symptoms. However, there is a small chance that they could be the signs of a serious illness, such as cancer. Therefore, these symptoms are often called 'low-risk but not no-risk' symptoms.

The SCAN Pathway provides GP’s with access to rapid investigations for patients with 'non-specific' symptoms. This avoids patients can go back and forth between their GP and the hospital many times until a diagnosis is made; this takes time with diagnoses and treatment potentially delayed. Although the risk of serious disease is low, a delay in diagnosis and treatment may have a negative effect on the patients' health and overall wellbeing.

Dependent on these results, an appointment with a Doctor working in a Multi Diagnostic Clinic (MDC) is arranged. The aim is to reach a diagnosis and begin treatment as quickly as possible.

Navigators co-ordinate all aspects of the SCAN pathway, both face to face and virtually; organising appointments, acting as a support and information role for others within the service and undertaking clinical duties.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Provide a constant point of contact, provide advice, support and information for all patients referred to the SCAN pathway, from referral to diagnosis or at the point they are assigned a Cancer Nurse Specialist (if a cancer is found). Liaise with referring GP’s to collect data/information required for project. Cannulate patients and take blood samples prior their CT scan. Ensure that samples collected from patients are sent to laboratory for testing. Collect required survey information from patients throughout the patients’ pathway. To liaise with the Multi Diagnostic Clinic teams to arrange patient appointments and review. To vet within guidelines and assess referrals as required. To advise medical and non-medical referrers as to the appropriate radiological investigation as required.

To undertake formal training in role extension as required and in accordance with departmental policies and requirements. To provide professional and emotional support to peers and junior staff. To relate to all patients with understanding and care, respecting their privacy and dignity to provide a caring and confidential service. To demonstrate dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail in the preparation of specialist equipment for procedures to be undertaken within the unit whilst adhering to Local and Trust policies e.g. intravenous drug administration, taking blood samples. To be able to use the departmental Radiology Information System, Computerised Radiography system and the Picture Archiving Communication System following training. To manage own workload and organise departmental workload when necessary. To work Saturdays and Sundays as required, as part of extending the working week. To undertake the departmental and Trust induction Programme. To adhere to all Trust policies including Health & Safety Regulations, COSHH Regulations, and the Data Protection Act. To comply with all radiation protection policies such as IR(ME)R the Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons against Ionising Radiations arising from Medical and Dental use and the IRR 99 Regulations. To adhere to safe systems of work with regard to manual handling. To be aware of all Quality Control procedures with the department, including Quality Assurance testing for image quality and equipment safety, and to perform clinical audits within the department.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.