Specialist Screening Practitioner

Due to the expansion of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in Cornwall, we are seeking a dedicated nurse to join our NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme as a Specialist Screening Practitioner. This pivotal role involves facilitating early detection of bowel cancer and improving patient outcomes through the delivery of specialist nursing support throughout the screening pathway.

Working autonomously within NMC professional boundaries, you'll be part of a multidisciplinary team providing high-quality, patient-centred care. Based within Gastroenterology in Specialist Services and Surgery, you'll coordinate patient journeys from referral through to follow-up, ensuring safe and effective delivery of care that meets national screening programme standards and key performance indicators.

This role has been approved for advertising; however, it is also being assessed as a suitable alternative employment opportunity. As a result, the vacancy may be withdrawn or there may be a delay before shortlisting can begin.

This role is open to all applicants. However, in line with Cornwall First recruitment principles, initial shortlisting will prioritise applicants from Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and the Integrated Care Board for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Main duties of the job

You'll conduct comprehensive pre-assessments of patients referred through the bowel screening programme, assessing fitness for procedures through holistic needs assessment and identifying potential risks. Using specialist knowledge and advanced communication skills, you'll provide detailed information about colonoscopy procedures and obtain informed consent.

You'll act as a role model to others, supporting staff development and contributing to departmental development and change. The position requires you to support the Lead SSP in management and mentorship of newly appointed staff, whilst actively participating in public awareness campaigns and community engagement activities.

The role involves clinical support during endoscopic procedures, participation in health promotion, multidisciplinary meetings, contribution to audit, research and quality improvement activities. You'll maintain clinical competence through ongoing professional development and provide clinical training for new staff members.

Working under the supervision of the CNS Lead Specialist Screening Practitioner, you'll collaborate closely with the Clinical Matron for Gastroenterology, the Clinical Director BCSP, and Programme Manager. Your role involves working in partnership with endoscopy teams, colorectal specialists, pathology, radiology, anaesthetics and cancer services across the trust.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It serves a population of around 470,000 people, a figure that can increase significantly with visitors during the busiest times of the year. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £740 million.

RCHTis responsible forthe provision of services at three main sites with approximately 780 inpatient beds:

Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro

St Michael's Hospital in Hayle

West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance

We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School.

Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we are continually developing our clinical services as well as ourfacilities, andare committed to maximising the range of specialist care that can be offered locally. Allied to this is a growing reputation for research and innovation.

The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles. This plays a vital part in attracting andretaininghighly skilled teams of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who support the care of well over half a million people each year.