JOB DIMENSIONS The post-holder will coordinate appropriate services to maximise the delivery of streamlined diagnostic pathways, thereby improving quality of care and experience for patients and their carers. The post holder will work across management teams and organisational boundaries, whilst linking closely with the Cancer Centre and contribute to service plans and developments. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Knowledge Application of Trust Policies, practices and procedures associated with the role of Cancer Pathway Manager. Knowledge of the care pathways, cancer waiting time standards and the management of patients on these pathways. Understanding of definitions and reporting requirements of the cancer standards (DoH Cancer Wait Times Guidance, Version 8, 2012). Application of data protection and patient confidentiality policies. An understanding of hospital information systems: e.g. PAS, PPM Database, CRIS. Skills IT skills in Word, Access, Excel, and ability to navigate PPM Database. Ability to accurately transcribe and record complex medical information to the database for tracking and monitoring purposes. Ability to cope with distressing and emotional nature of the work when dealing with sensitive situations involving patients and their families. Ability to work under pressure to meet the agreed timescales of the national cancer standards. Ability to communicate and negotiate key actions with all levels and disciplines of staff, within and external to LTHT. Excellent organisational skills, ability to prioritise workload, multi-task and meet deadlines. Experience Significant experience of working within a health care setting, Experience of IT applications in a Windows based environment. Working on own initiative and delivering results to deadlines. Working alongside multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high quality patient care. 6. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS The post-holder is expected to be a self-motivated, enthusiastic team member with a professional attitude and the ability to work flexibly in a demanding environment. The individual must be able to communicate sensitively and effectively with clinical and managerial teams in the Trust and referring units. The Cancer Pathway Manager must work within local Trust and NHS processes and protocols, demonstrate integrity and respect patient confidentiality. The post holder will be expected to manage their own workload, with the ability to work independently and take the initiative where appropriate, planning and organising his/her own time efficiently and effectively to meet all requirements in a timely and accurate manner. The role requires willingness to undergo training, professional and personal development in line with changes and advances. 7. CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING The Cancer Pathway Manager will demonstrate understanding of local and national standards/targets applicable to the area of service. This includes knowledge of the NHS Cancer Plan and national cancer guidance. In addition, the post-holder will have knowledge of key Trust information systems and the ability to navigate these to track patients. Knowledge of the patients pathway relevant to the CSU specialty and knowledge and understanding of applicable medical terminology is required. Knowledge of administrative processes and procedures in an acute hospital setting, including awareness of the Caldicott Guidance and Data Protection and Security Act relating to patient information is also required. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Communication and Coordination The post-holder will: Communicate with relevant departments and organisations to ensure that the patients pathway is as timely as possible and all delays are avoided. Communicate with key departments areas of the serviceto ensure all tests and investigations are completed in a timely manner and any issues are escalated. Communicate information on the patients progress on the care pathway to CSU managers and clinicians as appropriate. Liaise and communicate cancer guidance and definitions to key staff within the Trust. Develop positive working relationships with all members of the team, liaising in particular with management, consultants, Pathologists and administrative staff. To manage own workload, with the ability to work independently and take the initiative where appropriate, planning and organising his/her own time efficiently and effectively to meet all requirements in a timely and accurate manner. Information / Data Collection The post-holder will: Develop and maintain a database to actively manage and record patient level detail. Collect and record data on behalf of the consultants within the team, which can be manipulated to allow the extraction of data for audit and research purposes. Using data gathered identify, develop and implement, through collaborative working with the clinicians improvements to the patient pathway and overall. Collect and record patient information from Trust data recording systems (e.g. pathology, radiology, outpatients, bookings, PPM database etc. to ensure the patients progress can be measured. Tracking and Case Management The post-holder will: Work closely with consultants, Biomedical Scientists, clerical and other staff to deliver a coordinated, consistent management of patient cancer pathways. Monitor the patients progress on the pathway and check daily to ensure that escalation points are adhered to. Utilise reports in the PPM Database to monitor patients and identify delays for action. Liaise with other departments and trusts to ensure that investigations, opinions and treatments are sought in a timely fashion. Ensuring all new cancer patients are tracked and highlighted for discussion at MDT meetings, when results etc. are available. Escalation of Actions The post-holder will: Monitor patient pathways against the agreed timescales in accordance with the specified pathway. Ensure that all relevant information is provided to the staff responsible for delivery of the cancer pathway. Escalate those patients whose progress is likely to fall outside the agreed timescales. COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The post holder will be required to establish, maintain and respect working relationships and communication networks associated with the post. Communication will include those organisations, individuals and institutions the post holder comes into contact with. Typically these will include internal networks associated with the specialty area as well as other external contacts as appropriate. The post holder will be expected to represent them and the service in a professional, courteous and respectful manner at all times. 11. SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS There may be a requirement to support the delivery of service at other sites as necessary. This could be a regular feature of the post or only an occasional requirement. This will be confirmed following discussion with line manager. i) PHYSICAL EFFORT: Advanced keyboard skills and an expert knowledge of PPM are required. Using a variety of software applications to validate information demands accuracy and dexterity to ensure correct outcomes. Frequent sitting in a restricted position whilst carrying out duties on a PC and over the telephone. VDU and highly accurate keyboard skills for prolonged periods of time. ii) MENTAL EFFORT: Frequent mental effort/concentration required in relation to coordination of procedures and appointments to facilitate the patients clinical pathway Unpredictable workload, responding to changing circumstances (increase/decrease in demand/capacity, prioritisation of workload) Robust verbal and written communication skills required at all times. iii) EMOTIONAL EFFORT: Tracking of individual patients within tight timescales can be stressful and the resulting action can involve liaising with un-cooperative members of staff. There will be frequent exposure to emotional circumstances and difficult situations including death and dying, distressed patients, families and relatives carers. Dealing with complex workload iv) WORKING CONDITIONS: There are no anticipated problems with extremes of environment. The post-holder will be situated in an open plan office. Will use VDU equipment for most of the day, and will use the telephone on a daily basis. Violence & Aggression may experience violence and aggression from patients and/or relatives/carers