Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Neurology service at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust in a Band 7 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Specialist Nurse role. We are seeking a knowledgeable senior nurse with highly developed interpersonal and excellent communication skills who has a passion for delivering excellence in care and is committed to driving improvements and developments across the MS and Neurology service. Successful applicants should possess previous experience at Band 6, have an interest in and sound clinical knowledge of neurology disorders along with an understanding of the specialist care and management required by patients across the MS pathway. Whilst the specialist nurse role is predominately outpatient based, inpatient and in-reach work will be required to support patients, carers and staff with specialist advice, education and training in managing MS and its associated complications. Candidates considering applying for this post are advised to arrange an informal visit prior to interview. Informal visits can be arranged by contacting Su Lindsay, Matron, REM on 0191 5656256, Bleep 52447 or email susan.lindsay7nhs.net or Sister Ashley Thomas MS Specialist Nurse on 0191 5656256, Ext 49854 or email ashley.thomas4nhs.net Main duties of the job We welcome applications from existing Band 7 MS nurses, as well as those working at Band 6 level aspiring to progress into a senior specialist nursing role. If you are able to meet the essential criteria for this post and have a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes for patients, we would love to hear from you. About us Please help us by adding your telephone number to your application form this will allow us to contact you quickly if required. One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for STSFT. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via the Trust's Flexible Working Policy. The Trust employs around 8,300 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area, in some cases to a population as great as 860,000. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. The Trust will not accept applications which are found to be AI generated. Date posted 02 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number C9155-MDNM-0425-1 Job locations Sunderland Royal Hospital Kayll Road Sunderland SR4 7TP Job description Job responsibilities Please see attached Job description for full details Main Duties of the post holder will include Clinical Act as a key worker and ensure provision of expert specialist advice and knowledge to patients, carers and staff regarding MS Accountable for the planning and delivery of all aspects of patient care in relation to the specialist area of practice Participate in a range of MS care for adults and who are transitioning into the service Pro-actively manage own workload and clinical caseload of patients, making decisions regarding care, treatment and support required In conjunction with the MS team, co-ordinate the delivery of the MS patient pathway through the use of evidence-based practice in line with agreed national standards for patient safety and monitoring Manage/lead specialist nurse led clinics in relation to reviewing patients and play a key role in optimising complex treatment regimes, facilitating hospital discharge and preventing avoidable hospital admissions Managerial Contribute to MDT meetings ensuring patients are appropriately reviewed and treatment options discussed Represent the MS service through attendance at a range of meetings and play a key role in ensuring that national and local standards/targets for specialist area are met Participate in MS service meetings, neurology and directorate level clinical governance discussions Audit / Research / Governance Participate in audit, research and governance activity relevant to the MS and wider Neurology service Continuously improve clinical care standards in line with the STSFT clinical governance framework Professional Exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code Comply with the SFTSFT vision, values and behavioural compact Job description Job responsibilities Please see attached Job description for full details Main Duties of the post holder will include Clinical Act as a key worker and ensure provision of expert specialist advice and knowledge to patients, carers and staff regarding MS Accountable for the planning and delivery of all aspects of patient care in relation to the specialist area of practice Participate in a range of MS care for adults and who are transitioning into the service Pro-actively manage own workload and clinical caseload of patients, making decisions regarding care, treatment and support required In conjunction with the MS team, co-ordinate the delivery of the MS patient pathway through the use of evidence-based practice in line with agreed national standards for patient safety and monitoring Manage/lead specialist nurse led clinics in relation to reviewing patients and play a key role in optimising complex treatment regimes, facilitating hospital discharge and preventing avoidable hospital admissions Managerial Contribute to MDT meetings ensuring patients are appropriately reviewed and treatment options discussed Represent the MS service through attendance at a range of meetings and play a key role in ensuring that national and local standards/targets for specialist area are met Participate in MS service meetings, neurology and directorate level clinical governance discussions Audit / Research / Governance Participate in audit, research and governance activity relevant to the MS and wider Neurology service Continuously improve clinical care standards in line with the STSFT clinical governance framework Professional Exercise accountability as set out in the NMC Code Comply with the SFTSFT vision, values and behavioural compact Person Specification Physical Skills Essential Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy. Carrying teaching equipment such as laptop, stationary, etc. Manual dexterity and up to date working knowledge of equipment, e.g. syringe drivers, infusion pumps, etc. Skills & Knowledge Essential Advanced specialist knowledge and skills within specialist sphere of practice. Good/intermediate IT skills. Effective presentation/report writing skills. Thorough understanding of contemporary nursing issues. Evidence of continuous professional development. Knowledge of how to facilitate learning. Leadership skills. Knowledge of current professional and clinical governance issues. Knowledge of research and clinical audit. Knowledge and experience of handling complex relationships and interpersonal dynamics. Venepuncture, cannulation and IV drug administration. Proven interpersonal skills. Practice assessor / practice assessor skills. Counselling and appraisal skills. Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to the post. Time management. Ability to assess, deliver, evaluate and benchmark quality care. Desirable Qualification in specialty. Resource management skills. Experience Essential Extensive post registration experience, some of which will be at a senior level within the required specialist area of practice. Experience of care delivery. Experience of leading a team. Evidence of leading innovation in practice. Evidence of leading change management. Evidence of practice development. Experience of coordinating care for a caseload of patients. Desirable Budget Management. Participation in recruitment and selection process. Project management. Experience in conducting research and critiquing clinical evidence. Experience in implementing quality frameworks. Qualifications Essential Current 1st level NMC registration. Degree in nursing studies or relevant clinical degree. Postgraduate level study, or equivalent specialist study/experience. Mentorship certificate/Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience. Clinical skills accreditation. Non-medical prescribing or willingness to complete. Desirable Leadership and Management Course. Basic knowledge of financial management. Person Specification Physical Skills Essential Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy. Carrying teaching equipment such as laptop, stationary, etc. Manual dexterity and up to date working knowledge of equipment, e.g. syringe drivers, infusion pumps, etc. Skills & Knowledge Essential Advanced specialist knowledge and skills within specialist sphere of practice. Good/intermediate IT skills. Effective presentation/report writing skills. Thorough understanding of contemporary nursing issues. Evidence of continuous professional development. Knowledge of how to facilitate learning. Leadership skills. Knowledge of current professional and clinical governance issues. Knowledge of research and clinical audit. Knowledge and experience of handling complex relationships and interpersonal dynamics. Venepuncture, cannulation and IV drug administration. Proven interpersonal skills. Practice assessor / practice assessor skills. Counselling and appraisal skills. Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to the post. Time management. Ability to assess, deliver, evaluate and benchmark quality care. Desirable Qualification in specialty. Resource management skills. Experience Essential Extensive post registration experience, some of which will be at a senior level within the required specialist area of practice. Experience of care delivery. Experience of leading a team. Evidence of leading innovation in practice. Evidence of leading change management. Evidence of practice development. Experience of coordinating care for a caseload of patients. Desirable Budget Management. Participation in recruitment and selection process. Project management. Experience in conducting research and critiquing clinical evidence. Experience in implementing quality frameworks. Qualifications Essential Current 1st level NMC registration. Degree in nursing studies or relevant clinical degree. Postgraduate level study, or equivalent specialist study/experience. Mentorship certificate/Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience. Clinical skills accreditation. Non-medical prescribing or willingness to complete. Desirable Leadership and Management Course. Basic knowledge of financial management. 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. 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. 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 South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust Address Sunderland Royal Hospital Kayll Road Sunderland SR4 7TP Employer's website https://www.stsft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)