Viral Hepatitis NurseinBrightoninBrightonPUBLISHED TUE 18 MAR 2025

An exciting opportunity has arisen for aViral Hepatitis Nurse to join our expanding Liver Service and the Sussex Viral Hepatitis Operational Delivery Network on a 15-month fixed-term contract.

This role plays a vital part in a nationally recognised Hepatitis C elimination programme, improving screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways across Sussex.

The post holder will provide nurse-led clinics in hospital and community settings, including substance misuse services, homeless shelters, and GP practices. Primarily based in West Sussex, the role includes cross-cover in Brighton and Hove, occasional travel across Sussex, and fortnightly attendance at the Hepatology nurses' main office at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust.

Key responsibilities include specialist assessment, patient education, counselling, and treatment support, alongside managing investigations, caseloads, and follow-up care.

This role is ideal for a motivated and adaptable nurse with experience in gastroenterology, substance misuse, or blood-borne virus care, looking to develop within a multidisciplinary team.

If you are passionate about expanding patient access to care and contributing to a pioneering Hepatitis C elimination initiative, we encourage you to apply.

Main Duties of the Job

The Viral Hepatitis Nurse will be responsible for:

• Provide nurse-led Hepatitis C assessment and treatment clinics in acute and community settings across Sussex.
• Support Sussex's pioneering Hepatitis C programme, significantly contributing to the National and Public Health England Hepatitis C Elimination Strategy.
• Deliver education and training to healthcare professionals and community partners, promoting best practice and improving clinical and patient engagement in case-finding initiatives.
• Contribute to the Sussex Viral Hepatitis Operational Delivery Network by enhancing pathways for screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Play a key role in ensuring Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust meets the required CQUIN measures and targets.
• Provide holistic, patient-centred care, supporting individuals through their treatment journey and addressing barriers to engagement.

• Working both independently and as part of a team, with flexibility to travel across Sussex for outreach clinics and meetings.
• A valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential.

About us

The Viral Hepatitis Nurse (Band 6) plays a key role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care within the Sussex Viral Hepatitis Operational Delivery Network (ODN). This role supports the Hepatitis C elimination strategy, providing specialist clinical care, education, and outreach services to improve access to testing, diagnosis, and treatment across Sussex.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualised treatment plans based on clinical findings.
• Interpret and action blood test results, radiology reports, and histology findings, ensuring appropriate follow-up care.
• Provide specialist advice, education, and counselling to patients and families, promoting informed decision-making and treatment adherence.
• Work collaboratively with GPs, substance misuse services, and community teams to optimise patient care pathways and improve treatment uptake.
• Ensure safe prescribing, monitoring, and follow-up of Hepatitis C treatment, escalating complex cases when necessary.
• Provide support and signposting to patients experiencing stigma, housing challenges, and mental health needs, ensuring they are connected with appropriate services and resources to enhance engagement and well-being
• Act as a patient advocate, ensuring individuals receive coordinated, holistic support throughout their treatment journey.

Education & Training

• Deliver training sessions to healthcare professionals, community organisations, and support workers to enhance knowledge of Hepatitis C screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Support workforce development, contributing to staff training, clinical supervision, and competency-building initiatives.
• Participate in public health campaigns and awareness initiatives to improve community engagement with Hepatitis C services.

Service Development & Governance

• Work within the Sussex Viral Hepatitis ODN to improve case-finding, screening, and linkage-to-care pathways.
• Support data collection, audits, and research projects to evaluate service effectiveness and inform future improvements.
• Ensure compliance with NHS governance, clinical guidelines, and best practices, maintaining high standards of patient safety and care.
• Promote evidence-based practice, contributing to the evaluation and implementation of innovative service delivery models.

Professional Requirements & Working Conditions

• NMC registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) is essential.
• Experience in gastroenterology, substance misuse, or blood-borne virus care is desirable.
• A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes is essential, as the role requires travel across Sussex to outreach clinics, events and partnership meetings.

Why join us?

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team committed to eliminating Hepatitis C. If you are passionate about public health, innovation, and delivering exceptional patient care, we encourage you to apply.