CNS-Colorectal / Lower GI

The post holder will provide a specialist service to patients with Lower GI cancer and their families from diagnosis onwards, including treatment and symptom control. They will provide on-going advice and support to enable patients to make informed decisions about their management and care. There will be an expectation to contribute to the Personalised Care Agenda, involving Health and Wellbeing interventions.
The post holder will meet with patients who have received bad news and assess their emotional, physical and social needs. They will contribute to service development in order to empower patients to live as independently as possible. This will involve the post holder liaising with multiple agencies within and outside of the Trust to ensure the right support and advice is available for the patients, their carers and relatives.
The post holder will provide an accessible expert resource surrounding Lower GI cancer to all disciplines of health care staff within the Trust. In addition, they will act as an identified resource for information and advice to staff from other health and social care settings.
The post holder will be aware of the wider health care needs of patients with colorectal cancer.
The post holder will be a core nurse member of the site specific multidisciplinary team and participate in ensuring care standards and measures are maintained., o Act as the key worker for patients with Lower GI conditions, including colorectal cancer and benign colorectal conditions, ensuring continuity of care throughout the patient pathway.
o Provide expert clinical advice and emotional support to patients and their families from diagnosis, through treatment, and into follow-up or palliative care.
o Ensure every patient has a holistic needs assessment (HNAs) completed and develop individualised care plans tailored to the patient's physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs., o Educate patients and families on their diagnosis, treatment options, symptom management, and lifestyle modifications, including safety netting patients. .
o Promote awareness of early signs and symptoms of Lower GI conditions to improve early detection.
o Act as a resource for colleagues, providing education and training on Lower GI care to the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT).
3. Coordination of Care
o Work collaboratively within the MDT, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, dietitians, and other specialists, to ensure seamless patient care.
o Facilitate MDT meetings by providing detailed patient information and contributing to treatment planning.
o Act as the liaison between primary and secondary care to ensure effective communication and continuity during transitions.
4. Symptom Management
o Provide expert advice and interventions to manage Lower GI symptoms, such as stoma care, bowel dysfunction, pain, and nutrition-related issues.
o Support patients in managing side effects of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
5. Service Development and Quality Improvement
o Contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based policies, guidelines, and protocols for Lower GI care.
o Audit and evaluate service delivery to identify areas for improvement and ensure the provision of high-quality care.
o Participate in and lead quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing patient outcomes.
6. Emotional and Psychological Support
o Provide counseling and support for patients and families dealing with the psychological impact of a Lower GI diagnosis and treatment.
o Refer patients to specialist psychological services when appropriate.
7. Research and Evidence-Based Practice
o Participate in or lead clinical research and audits within the Lower GI specialty to advance practice and improve outcomes.
o Ensure practice is aligned with current evidence and national guidelines (e.g., NICE, BSG, and ACPGBI).
8. Professional Development
o Maintain and develop expertise in Lower GI care by attending relevant courses, conferences, and training.
o Supervise and mentor junior nurses and other staff interested in Lower GI care.
9. Advocacy and Patient Empowerment
o Empower patients to take an active role in their care by providing clear and compassionate information.
o Advocate for patients' needs within the healthcare system to ensure they receive timely and appropriate care.
10. End-of-Life Care
o Provide palliative care and support for patients with advanced disease, ensuring comfort and dignity.
o Work closely with palliative care teams to manage symptoms and provide holistic end-of-life care.
Important information for applicants
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex., We are currently in the process of relocating Elective Colorectal & Lower GI Cancer Surgery and Stoma Reversal Surgery from Royal Sussex County in Brighton to the Worthing site, creating a centre of excellence for Colorectal Cancer Surgery delivered across at Worthing and St Richard's hospitals
This is an exciting development where we be investing in new theatre and bed capacity and associated surgeon, anaesthetic, nursing, therapies and other workforce requirements to meet the additional demand in Worthing.
This new post will be key in supporting the delivery of the service.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack