This is the new developmental role to support liver services across UHL, and some GP practices within the remit of Cirrhosis, and fibrosis tests in early detection and diagnosis of liver cancer.
Patients with advanced liver fibrosis (F3) and early compensated cirrhosis are very unlikely to have symptoms and will not have impaired liver synthetic function.
Therefore, they are generally of low medical complexity. Their management is straight forward with a six-monthly liver ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein for liver cancer, and bloods tests measuring liver synthetic function to monitor for progression in cirrhosis.
With minimal education and central support to ensure requesting of ultrasounds is as straightforward as possible, the knowledge required is well within the skill set of GPs. Keeping these patients in primary care also has the advantage that the vital preventative lifestyle interventions can be coordinated from primary care.
The post holder will be instrumental in the development of a rapid pathway that will ensure that if the Ultrasound shows a lesion that is suspicious of liver cancer, the patient will be escalated to a 62-day cancer pathway, to ensure that the MRI scan is performed and acted on in a timely way.
• Working with Clinical lead to ensure effective application of care pathways, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the care cascade of evidence-based nursing care to liver disease patients.
• Audit, research, and data management involving 3 monthly audits across clinical settings; inpatients.
• Leadership and supervision of others carrying out all aspects of the caring process. Ensure the network functions and can focus on the system change and cost improvement elements that will also enhance quality of patient care.
• Actively contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of quality nursing care. There will be an expectation to undertake Fibroscan training and perform regular lists. Participate in the effective clinical leadership and management of patients with liver disease.
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
• Be responsible for patient caseload by maintaining a flexible approach and effective communication. Ensure patient confidentiality is always respected.
• Ensure that patient care plans are regularly updated, changes implemented, and that patients’ records and documentation are accurate and maintained.
• Participate in meetings including Hepatology histology meeting and MDT to discuss patient management.
• Participate under supervision the nurse led clinics for cirrhosis patients.
• Act as a role model, mentoring, teaching, assessing, and supporting students and learners on placement and participate in the education, development, and mentorship of other staff.
please see job description/person specification for further details on the role
This advert closes on Monday 17 Feb 2025