Overview
Go back University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Specialist Screening Practitioner
The closing date is 16 February 2026
We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated nurses to join and work alongside our other experienced Specialist Screening Practitioners (SSP). You will be responsible for undertaking nurse led clinics including patient assessment, provision of information and preparation of those undergoing endoscopic investigation. The applicants should be highly motivated and flexible in their approach to work with excellent communication skills. You will be able to make clinically informed decisions to manage patients, utilising assessment skills and communications with multi-disciplinary team (Lead SSPs, SSPs, endoscopy team, colorectal team, pathology, radiology and cancer services in the trust) to provide a safe journey for the patient through the screening pathway and possible onward referral. The ability to be flexible & organised in the workplace with a passion for delivering a quality and successful service is essential. Induction, training and ongoing development will be supported by the team and Lead Screening Practitioner. We are looking for a committed, enthusiastic, innovative and flexible individual with the ability to prioritise a potentially demanding and diverse workflow and to work on his/her own initiative and as a member of a growing team.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will play a pivotal role in supporting the BCSP by working collaboratively with the Programme Hub, working closely as part of the team, co-ordinating and providing care from the screening centre to address the needs of individuals arising as a consequence of the screening programme. Required to work alongside other clinical colleagues in this area and across into the community and primary care to ensure quality of care to the patients is maximised. This will include the development of information standards and education programmes through involvement with health promotion activities with all sections of the community. The successful applicant will be expected to complete the Screening Practitioner\'s course at Liverpool John Moores University within the first 12 months of coming into post - This is a mandatory requirement for the role and includes a residential element. The post holder will be a first level registered nurse with evidence of post registration experience and professional development.
About us
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Job responsibilities
* Clinical: To work autonomously using specialist skills and knowledge to determine best pathway of care for bowel screening patients.
* To provide specialist information to assist patients in managing their treatment options.
* Ensure timely access to screening flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or alternative diagnostic intervention and seamless transition to agreed pathways in primary, secondary, tertiary or out-patient settings, during all stages of the screening pathway.
* To utilise highly specialist knowledge in assisting patients in managing treatment side effects.
* To develop an information standard and embed in practice.
* Maintain accountability and responsibility in all areas of practice, including excellent documentation and recording of information.
* Provide specialist, expert clinical knowledge to clinical colleagues, patients and carers/relatives.
* Delivering Specialist pre-assessment clinics following a patient positive Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) using their specialist knowledge.
* During pre-assessment clinic post holder will discuss potential reasons for abnormal result and assess patients suitability for colonoscopy and bowel preparations.
* Discuss complex facts and prepare the patient for a possible cancer diagnosis, informing them of the potential benefits and risks involved in colonoscopy screening.
* Post holder will need to ensure: timely access to screening colonoscopy or radiological diagnostics and seamless transition to agreed pathways; liaison with local colorectal cancer MDT to ensure timely presentation and transfer of patients to the MDT following Trust protocol.
* Perform comprehensive assessment of patient needs, plan, implement and evaluate care according to BCSP.
* Patient records are completed (electronic and paper) to include data on treatment, staging and outcomes which will be provided by the multidisciplinary care teams.
* Establish effective links with local colorectal cancer multi-disciplinary teams to ensure timely presentation and transfer of patients to the multi-disciplinary team when cancer is detected.
* Breaking bad news to patients following their colonoscopy, discussing the findings and explaining what happens next on their pathway.
* Present during each colonoscopy procedure to provide reassurance to the patient and collect an extensive pre-defined dataset, inputting information onto the Bowel Cancer Screening System (BCSS).
* Populate and maintain the BCSP National database.
* Participate in ongoing data collection and quality assurance, service feedback and audit with particular responsibility for the follow-up of patients at 30 days.
* Perform comprehensive assessment of patient needs, plan, implement and evaluate care according to BCSP.
* Collect, collate, evaluate and report information, maintaining accurate patient records.
* Act as a key participant in the health promotion programme adopted by the BCS team.
People Management and Development
* Support the provision of helpline services run from the Hub by resolving queries referred by them to the screening centre.
* Ensure patient records for the screening services are completed to include data on treatment, staging and outcomes provided by the multi-disciplinary team.
* Maintain professional competence and support that of other staff within the BCSP.
* Support the Lead Specialist Screening Practitioner and Programme Manager in the development of performance to the National Screening Programme, strategic groups and the wider health community.
* Contribute to the business and strategic planning for the BCSP.
* Provide specialist, expert knowledge to clinical colleagues, patients and carers/relatives.
* Work collaboratively with other health professionals and organisations.
* Evaluate service delivery, identify areas for improvement and initiate change.
* Travel between all clinic and endoscopy sites to ensure equity and timeliness of service delivery.
Service Delivery and Improvement
* In addition to SSP duties the post holder will assist the Lead SSP and Programme Manager in the planning, organisation and maintenance for delivery of the programme ensuring waiting list targets are met, where necessary.
* Ensure that clinical risks are identified, reported and managed within the department and adhere to local clinical governance policies.
* Identify need for, and undertake, research, clinical audit and benchmarking in order to improve effectiveness of patient care.
* Disseminate research and audit findings through presentation to professional groups and publication.
* Responsible for the development and implementation of policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to own area of work.
* Promote patient and public involvement activities in the BCSP, leading to service improvement.
* Promote people's equality, diversity and rights.
Interview/Communication
Person Specification
* NMC registered - Level 1 trained nurse
* Evidence of managing own workload
* Endoscopy/Gastroenterology Experience
* Degree Level Training/ Courses
* Understanding of Bowel Conditions
* JETs training
* Role within Colorectal field
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
£38,682 to £46,580 a yearDependant on Experience
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