The purpose of the Lung Health Screening Programme is to enable the early detection of lung cancer diagnosed at Stage 1 and 2 to improve survival rates for those patients diagnosed with cancer. The Lung Cancer Screening Programme targets those most at risk of lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Screening nurse will provide specialist nursing advice and support to patients who are eligible for the TLCH programme. They will assess the patient’s eligibility via a telephone assessment taking into account smoking history, family history of lung cancer or personal history of cancer. This assessment will inaddition identify and support patients with diverse needs, who mayrequire additional support in order to consent or attend the CT scan appointment e.g. interpreter, learning disability support, carer etc. There is a focus on holistic needs within the assessment to provide patient centred care and providing support, advice and signposting to additional services as required. The lung cancer screening nurse will conduct both face to face and telephone clinics, documenting the assessments accurately on Infoflex. Ensures service cover with a team approach. You will be expected to contribute to the development, review and implementation of protocols, standard operating procedures, pathways and developing patient information ensuring it is accessible to all patients/Carers.
A key part of the role will be to provide education and support regarding smoking cessation. The Lung cancer screening nurse will be expected to have some understanding of lifestyle, behavioural theories, motivational interviewing,health promotion, education and support.This may also extend to lifestyle advice to support those patients with new or chronic respiratory conditions.
The Lung Cancer Screening nurse will provide patients with information regarding the CT scan and obtain consent, in addition to safely assessing whether a patient is suitable for a CT scan and will complete requests following required training and competency, guided by agreed protocols as per trust policy and radiology guidance.
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.
The Lung Cancer Screening nurse will be a pivotal part of the multidisciplinary team as they are likely to have been the patients first point of contact. Holistic Information from the initial Lung Cancer Screening assessment regarding physical, social, financial and psychological needs is vital in supporting patients. They will also escalate any concerns or risks to the Responsible Assessor and or the Responsible Clinician to ensure patient safety. The post holder will work closely with the Straight to test nurses and cancer navigators for those patients with suspected lung cancers to support communication with patients and their carers for delivery of safe transfer of pathway care and expedite the onward plan. This may also involve and extend to cover incidental findings for other tumour specific sites and completion of onward MDM requests and liaising with CNS teams/MDM coordinators.
Provision of joint service cover within the lung nursing team as required, for the benefit of patient care and service standards if adequate staffing within the Lung Screening team allows.
The Lung Cancer Screening nurse will make informed decisions in line with the service and their own area and scope of professional practice to ensure agreed standards, objectives, Lung Cancer Screening Programme metrics, CWT standards and specific KPI’s as set out by NHS England for the Lung Screening programme are achieved. It is expected that the post holder will work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and will perform nurse-led clinics in the community diagnostic centre, located at Buckland hospital and with the expansion of the service within other locations within East Kent as the service is rolled out. The Lung Cancer Screening nurse will also be able to recognise, assess and manage emergency presentations taking prompt action and creation of onward plan of care.
This advert closes on Wednesday 26 Mar 2025