Job summary As the Capsule Sponge Specialist Nurse you will be playing a supporting role in developing the Capsule Sponge service for the Trust alongside the Capsule Sponge Lead Nurse. Led by the Gastroenterology clinical lead for the Trust, you will be responsible for establishing a telephone assessment / triage clinic for all appropriate referrals, from both the diagnostic and Barrett's surveillance pathways. There are also plans to increase the service and offer open access referral from primary care. Main duties of the job Based on pre-defined inclusion / exclusion criteria, you will be making clinical decisions regarding which patients are fit and appropriate to undergo Capsule Sponge. You will also play a key role in running clinics and following up patients. Your role will be part of a wider drive to offer Capsule Sponge to the community and will involve liaising with regional partners, NHSE and the Cancer Alliance. You will be responsible for implementing an appropriate follow-up system for patients on the diagnostic pathway in the form of a dyspepsia clinic ensuring that patients are discharged or referred for further diagnostics as necessary. In addition to the role in Capsule Sponge, there will also be opportunities to train in and help support the Capsule Endoscopy Service. The Capsule Nurse Specialist role is to compliment the symptomatic service and to streamline suitable patients to minimally invasive capsule Endoscopy. The Capsule Endoscopy Nurse Specialist will work as a key member of the multi-disciplinary team providing support to the Endoscopy unit colleagues and referring clinicians. Based on the pre-defined inclusion / exclusion criteria, you will be making clinical decisions regarding which patients are fit and appropriate to receive a Colon/Small Bowel capsule. You will play a key role in running clinics and following up patients. Both roles are cross-site so you will be working on both the Luton and Bedford Hospital sites. About us Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology. Our Values We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences. Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job. Date posted 04 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum Contract Secondment Working pattern Full-time Reference number 418-NUR3560-PN Job locations Bedford Hospital - South Wing: Endoscopy Department Kempston Road Bedford MK42 9DJ Job description Job responsibilities As the Capsule Sponge Specialist Nurse you will be playing a supporting role in developing the Capsule Sponge service for the Trust alongside the Capsule Sponge Lead Nurse. Led by the Gastroenterology clinical lead for the Trust, you will be responsible for establishing a telephone assessment / triage clinic for all appropriate referrals, from both the diagnostic and Barretts surveillance pathways. There are also plans to increase the service and offer open access referral from primary care. Based on pre-defined inclusion / exclusion criteria, you will be making clinical decisions regarding which patients are fit and appropriate to undergo Capsule Sponge. This role will speed up the access to diagnostics and surveillance, save Endoscopy resources, allow earlier diagnosis and lead to improved outcomes for patients. You will also play a key role in running clinics and following up patients. Your role will be part of a wider drive to offer Capsule Sponge to the community and will involve liaising with regional partners, NHSE and the Cancer Alliance. You will be responsible for implementing an appropriate follow-up system for patients on the diagnostic pathway in the form of a dyspepsia clinic ensuring that patients are discharged or referred for further diagnostics as necessary, working closely with our Nurse Endoscopists and Gastroenterology Consultants. In addition to the role in Capsule Sponge, there will also be opportunities to train in and help support the Capsule Endoscopy Service. The Capsule Nurse Specialist role is to compliment the symptomatic service and to streamline suitable patients to minimally invasive capsule Endoscopy. The Capsule Endoscopy Nurse Specialist will work as a key member of the multi-disciplinary team providing support to the Endoscopy unit colleagues and referring clinicians. Based on the pre-defined inclusion / exclusion criteria, you will be making clinical decisions regarding which patients are fit and appropriate to receive a Colon/Small Bowel capsule. You will play a key role in running clinics and following up patients. Both roles are cross-site so you will be working on both the Luton and Bedford Hospital sites. The duties and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be exhaustive and are primarily directed to the Capsule Sponge element of the role. They are set to indicate the main areas of activity expected of the post holder, who will be expected to adopt a flexible approach when the needs of the service require under the guidance of the senior Endoscopy nurse management team. The post holder will be responsible and accountable for their practice and behaviour under the guidance and supervision of a registered practitioner. We are looking for a proactive, motivated Clinical Nurse Specialist who is enthusiastic about establishing new services that will make a significant positive difference to patient outcomes. Working relationships The post involves working closely with all key members of the multi-disciplinary team within primary and secondary care and service users relating to Upper Gastroenterology/Capsule Sponge and the Colorectal Team to ensure all patients receive a consistent and effective service: Consultants Medical, nursing and multi-disciplinary teams Endoscopy Admin Team Clinical Lead of Bedford Hospital Endoscopy Cyted Pathology Clinic reception and clinic nurses Medtronic GPs and GP Practice staff NHSE/Cancer Alliance/ICB Clinical Responsible for the effective management of patients referred with routine Reflux or appropriate Barretts surveillance. To pool the routine GP referrals for appropriateness and conduct telephone triage and assessment of patients as to their suitability for Capsule Sponge. This assessment will include history taking and assessment of Dyspepsia Symptoms. Decide on the appropriate next step for the patient based on symptoms and liaise with the booking team to ensure timely booking with consideration of breach date. Help to manage the service along with the Capsule Sponge lead nurse in order to properly prepare patients for their procedures and draw together feedback on the standard of service delivery. Communicate effectively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and colleagues in primary care including the referring GP. Run and co-ordinate Capsule Sponge clinics and train others to run clinics as appropriate. This will include travelling to primary care centres in the community so driving and having own vehicle is essential. As necessary, respond to clinical incidents, and where appropriate compile an incident report. Ensure that clinic summary letters and diagnostic results are dictated and sent to GPs for those patients which are assessed by the post holder. Create a physical and psychological environment conducive to the provision of high quality care. Recognise and respect the cultural and spiritual needs of others, as well as ensuring that the service is fully assessable to those with additional needs or requirements after considering equality impact assessments. To promote patient centred care, establishing and maintaining a supportive relationship with the patient, their families and carers throughout the capsule sponge pathway. Communication of sensitive information and knowledgeably discuss all options along the pathway. Where appropriate, act as advocate to enable the patient to undertake informed decision making. To actively seek to reduce the time and steps on the pathway to facilitate patients rapidly moving through to diagnosis, advice and follow up. To plan, co-ordinate and prioritise workload and support administration for telephone and capsule sponge clinics. Establish clear referral patterns, communication and co-operation with other departments, wards and relevant professionals as necessary. Monitor capacity and demand in diagnostics and out-patient slots liaising with the Endoscopy unit Education, Research and Audit Develop and maintain accurate auditable records of all interactions between patients, relatives, carers and other health professionals within patients notes, relevant IT systems and other required documentation. Maintain Audits of Patient Satisfaction, Outcomes, Conversions to Gastroscopy etc. Actively seek to raise the profile of the new diagnostic services across the Trust by educating, communicating and presenting as appropriate. To provide and deliver clinical expertise, specialist advice and education within the Upper GI specialty, specifically relating to lifestyle advice and management of Reflux, supporting lifelong learning and personal development. Professional Abide by the Nursing and Midwifery Council professional codes of conduct Take responsibilities for own personal professional development and continuing education. Contribute to the professional nursing agenda at the Trust Maintains a standard of conduct and dress to sustain public confidence and trust. Giving sensitive holistic care and respecting equality and diversity. Ensure health and safety working practices are maintained and comply with Trust policies/procedures. Other Key Responsibilities: Ensure high standard of care delivered safely in accordance with the hospital policies and procedures To triage patients to make sure they are clinically suitable to undergo capsule sponge procedures and that they meet the criteria. Completing the clinical assessment Schedule patients for their procedure Continued over the phone support for the patient both before and after tests. Encourage recognition of the patient as an individual, ensuring patients needs and comfort are given priority. To assess, plan and deliver capsule sponge care. Management, Co-ordination and care of patients referred for capsule sponge. Communicate with patients and relatives as required and provide appropriate and timely education to patient as appropriate. To obtain informed consent for capsule sponge procedures. Undertake capsule sponge procedures in accordance with hospitals standard operating procedures To oversee storage, provision and delivery of associated Sponge Devices and Pathology kits. Communicate with medical members of the Endoscopy Team regarding the patients outcomes and pathway. To analyse and report on Capsule Sponge Pathology Communicate the results of Capsule Sponge procedures to the referring clinician and the patient and arrange for appropriate follow up of patients including referral for conversion and dyspepsia clinic. Ensure a high standard of care is delivered at all times and to maintain proficiency and awareness of all developments in the field of Capsule Sponge practice. To ensure relevant documentation is maintained in accordance with unit protocol to ensure future access for teams and external practitioners as required Facilitate the arrangements necessary and participate where appropriate, in education and training of other hospital staff as the need arises. To support research within the unit and to undertake research as part of a multidisciplinary team. To assist in developing initiatives and strategies to optimize access to Capsule Sponge services and provide a timely service. To continue support for Endoscopy services when required To organize own workload and practice accordingly. Job description Job responsibilities As the Capsule Sponge Specialist Nurse you will be playing a supporting role in developing the Capsule Sponge service for the Trust alongside the Capsule Sponge Lead Nurse. Led by the Gastroenterology clinical lead for the Trust, you will be responsible for establishing a telephone assessment / triage clinic for all appropriate referrals, from both the diagnostic and Barretts surveillance pathways. There are also plans to increase the service and offer open access referral from primary care. Based on pre-defined inclusion / exclusion criteria, you will be making clinical decisions regarding which patients are fit and appropriate to undergo Capsule Sponge. This role will speed up the access to diagnostics and surveillance, save Endoscopy resources, allow earlier diagnosis and lead to improved outcomes for patients. You will also play a key role in running clinics and following up patients. Your role will be part of a wider drive to offer Capsule Sponge to the community and will involve liaising with regional partners, NHSE and the Cancer Alliance. You will be responsible for implementing an appropriate follow-up system for patients on the diagnostic pathway in the form of a dyspepsia clinic ensuring that patients are discharged or referred for further diagnostics as necessary, working closely with our Nurse Endoscopists and Gastroenterology Consultants. In addition to the role in Capsule Sponge, there will also be opportunities to train in and help support the Capsule Endoscopy Service. The Capsule Nurse Specialist role is to compliment the symptomatic service and to streamline suitable patients to minimally invasive capsule Endoscopy. The Capsule Endoscopy Nurse Specialist will work as a key member of the multi-disciplinary team providing support to the Endoscopy unit colleagues and referring clinicians. Based on the pre-defined inclusion / exclusion criteria, you will be making clinical decisions regarding which patients are fit and appropriate to receive a Colon/Small Bowel capsule. You will play a key role in running clinics and following up patients. Both roles are cross-site so you will be working on both the Luton and Bedford Hospital sites. The duties and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be exhaustive and are primarily directed to the Capsule Sponge element of the role. They are set to indicate the main areas of activity expected of the post holder, who will be expected to adopt a flexible approach when the needs of the service require under the guidance of the senior Endoscopy nurse management team. The post holder will be responsible and accountable for their practice and behaviour under the guidance and supervision of a registered practitioner. We are looking for a proactive, motivated Clinical Nurse Specialist who is enthusiastic about establishing new services that will make a significant positive difference to patient outcomes. Working relationships The post involves working closely with all key members of the multi-disciplinary team within primary and secondary care and service users relating to Upper Gastroenterology/Capsule Sponge and the Colorectal Team to ensure all patients receive a consistent and effective service: Consultants Medical, nursing and multi-disciplinary teams Endoscopy Admin Team Clinical Lead of Bedford Hospital Endoscopy Cyted Pathology Clinic reception and clinic nurses Medtronic GPs and GP Practice staff NHSE/Cancer Alliance/ICB Clinical Responsible for the effective management of patients referred with routine Reflux or appropriate Barretts surveillance. To pool the routine GP referrals for appropriateness and conduct telephone triage and assessment of patients as to their suitability for Capsule Sponge. This assessment will include history taking and assessment of Dyspepsia Symptoms. Decide on the appropriate next step for the patient based on symptoms and liaise with the booking team to ensure timely booking with consideration of breach date. Help to manage the service along with the Capsule Sponge lead nurse in order to properly prepare patients for their procedures and draw together feedback on the standard of service delivery. Communicate effectively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and colleagues in primary care including the referring GP. Run and co-ordinate Capsule Sponge clinics and train others to run clinics as appropriate. This will include travelling to primary care centres in the community so driving and having own vehicle is essential. As necessary, respond to clinical incidents, and where appropriate compile an incident report. Ensure that clinic summary letters and diagnostic results are dictated and sent to GPs for those patients which are assessed by the post holder. Create a physical and psychological environment conducive to the provision of high quality care. Recognise and respect the cultural and spiritual needs of others, as well as ensuring that the service is fully assessable to those with additional needs or requirements after considering equality impact assessments. To promote patient centred care, establishing and maintaining a supportive relationship with the patient, their families and carers throughout the capsule sponge pathway. Communication of sensitive information and knowledgeably discuss all options along the pathway. Where appropriate, act as advocate to enable the patient to undertake informed decision making. To actively seek to reduce the time and steps on the pathway to facilitate patients rapidly moving through to diagnosis, advice and follow up. To plan, co-ordinate and prioritise workload and support administration for telephone and capsule sponge clinics. Establish clear referral patterns, communication and co-operation with other departments, wards and relevant professionals as necessary. Monitor capacity and demand in diagnostics and out-patient slots liaising with the Endoscopy unit Education, Research and Audit Develop and maintain accurate auditable records of all interactions between patients, relatives, carers and other health professionals within patients notes, relevant IT systems and other required documentation. Maintain Audits of Patient Satisfaction, Outcomes, Conversions to Gastroscopy etc. Actively seek to raise the profile of the new diagnostic services across the Trust by educating, communicating and presenting as appropriate. To provide and deliver clinical expertise, specialist advice and education within the Upper GI specialty, specifically relating to lifestyle advice and management of Reflux, supporting lifelong learning and personal development. Professional Abide by the Nursing and Midwifery Council professional codes of conduct Take responsibilities for own personal professional development and continuing education. Contribute to the professional nursing agenda at the Trust Maintains a standard of conduct and dress to sustain public confidence and trust. Giving sensitive holistic care and respecting equality and diversity. Ensure health and safety working practices are maintained and comply with Trust policies/procedures. Other Key Responsibilities: Ensure high standard of care delivered safely in accordance with the hospital policies and procedures To triage patients to make sure they are clinically suitable to undergo capsule sponge procedures and that they meet the criteria. Completing the clinical assessment Schedule patients for their procedure Continued over the phone support for the patient both before and after tests. Encourage recognition of the patient as an individual, ensuring patients needs and comfort are given priority. To assess, plan and deliver capsule sponge care. Management, Co-ordination and care of patients referred for capsule sponge. Communicate with patients and relatives as required and provide appropriate and timely education to patient as appropriate. To obtain informed consent for capsule sponge procedures. Undertake capsule sponge procedures in accordance with hospitals standard operating procedures To oversee storage, provision and delivery of associated Sponge Devices and Pathology kits. Communicate with medical members of the Endoscopy Team regarding the patients outcomes and pathway. To analyse and report on Capsule Sponge Pathology Communicate the results of Capsule Sponge procedures to the referring clinician and the patient and arrange for appropriate follow up of patients including referral for conversion and dyspepsia clinic. Ensure a high standard of care is delivered at all times and to maintain proficiency and awareness of all developments in the field of Capsule Sponge practice. To ensure relevant documentation is maintained in accordance with unit protocol to ensure future access for teams and external practitioners as required Facilitate the arrangements necessary and participate where appropriate, in education and training of other hospital staff as the need arises. To support research within the unit and to undertake research as part of a multidisciplinary team. To assist in developing initiatives and strategies to optimize access to Capsule Sponge services and provide a timely service. To continue support for Endoscopy services when required To organize own workload and practice accordingly. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered Nurse - First Level Documented evidence of CPD ENB998, MSPP or equivelent Desirable Nursing Degree or working towards Management or Leadership Qualification or willing to work towards Completion of Capsule Sponge Competencies Experience of Running Capsule Sponge Clinics Experience Essential Endoscopy Experience at Band 5 Level Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team Knowledge and understanding of JAG, GIN, and GRS accreditation requirements Enthusiasm for introducing and facilitating change Experience of Audit and Research Desirable Experience of Running Capsule Sponge clinics and follow-ups IT Knowledge Essential Excellent IT Skills Experience of IPM, HICCS, ICE, Word, Outlook Desirable Experience of Big Hand and Letter Dictation Skills Essential Leadership Skills Able to organise and prioritise workload Time Management and Prioritisation Skills Able to work autonomously Ability to deliver high quality nursing care Desirable Driving License - ability to travel cross site and within the community Personal Skills Essential Self Awareness and Positive Attitude Ability to work under pressure and within agreed deadlines Confident yet approachable Flexible and reliable with good attendance Patient focused - committed to ensuring a positive hospital experience for patient, relatives and carers Team Focused Creative and Good Problem Solving Skills Other Essential Flexibility with regards to off duty requirements Desirable Ability to participate in an on call service when required and when appropriately experienced to do so Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered Nurse - First Level Documented evidence of CPD ENB998, MSPP or equivelent Desirable Nursing Degree or working towards Management or Leadership Qualification or willing to work towards Completion of Capsule Sponge Competencies Experience of Running Capsule Sponge Clinics Experience Essential Endoscopy Experience at Band 5 Level Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team Knowledge and understanding of JAG, GIN, and GRS accreditation requirements Enthusiasm for introducing and facilitating change Experience of Audit and Research Desirable Experience of Running Capsule Sponge clinics and follow-ups IT Knowledge Essential Excellent IT Skills Experience of IPM, HICCS, ICE, Word, Outlook Desirable Experience of Big Hand and Letter Dictation Skills Essential Leadership Skills Able to organise and prioritise workload Time Management and Prioritisation Skills Able to work autonomously Ability to deliver high quality nursing care Desirable Driving License - ability to travel cross site and within the community Personal Skills Essential Self Awareness and Positive Attitude Ability to work under pressure and within agreed deadlines Confident yet approachable Flexible and reliable with good attendance Patient focused - committed to ensuring a positive hospital experience for patient, relatives and carers Team Focused Creative and Good Problem Solving Skills Other Essential Flexibility with regards to off duty requirements Desirable Ability to participate in an on call service when required and when appropriately experienced to do so 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Bedford Hospital - South Wing: Endoscopy Department Kempston Road Bedford MK42 9DJ Employer's website https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)