Viral Hepatitis/Liver Diseases CNS

Job overview

To provide a high quality service across Lewisham and Greenwich Healthcare NHS Trust. Through line management of the clinical nurse specialists / specialist midwives and working in close collaboration with consultants and other clinical colleagues lead the development in the delivery and expansion of an expert nurse/midwifery-led service across the organisation. The post holder will contribute to advancing the body of knowledge through education, research and audit with the aim of improving access to treatment services.  The post holder will have a key role in ensuring seamless, co-ordinated and timely approach to care for their patient group.  The post holder will also provide leadership, management and a high level of clinical expertise in their specialism and contribute to the support, education and training for their team and other healthcare professionals. The post holder will have a clear understanding of the strategic political view and challenges faced by primary and secondary care through the STP in meeting recommendations for the development of the service and will work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team in the planning and development of a more integrated service for patients across primary and secondary care.

This post will include working and travelling to all hospital and community sites.

Main duties of the job

To work as an autonomous Clinical Nurse Specialist within the Hepatology service specialising in viral hepatitis, providing expert and complex care advice, clinical care, education, advice and support for individuals and their carers through the development and provision of nurse led clinics, a designated telephone support line and the training of nursing and medical staff. Admitting and discharging patients from own caseload as appropriate.

• By working collaboratively within multi-professional teams, the Nurse Specialist will maintain effective communication systems especially with all other healthcare staff within the Trust responsible for the care of viral hepatitis, delivering timely and appropriate information in line with current best practice.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To provide and undertake nurse led clinics that will deliver direct clinical care, monitoring efficacy and compliance of patients undergoing treatment.

To undertake advanced clinical care, interventions and procedures commensurate and as required within the specialty.

To provide expert evidence based advice to patients, carers and other healthcare professionals.

Employ effective decision making skills to address complex, distressing and sensitive issues and use effective change management skills to complement them.

Undertake comprehensive assessment of patient health needs.

Assess, monitor and evaluate disease activity and drug therapy of patients where necessary by initiating and interpreting clinical data, explaining treatment goals and managing side effects.

To act as the point of contact for the service.

To ensure optimum liaison and co-ordination of care for patients between primary, community and secondary care.