Associate Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Clinical Nurse SpecialistinManchesterinManchesterPUBLISHED THU 6 FEB 2025

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated nurses to join the Clinical Network Services Division. The positions are full time 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

The post will involve offering specialist nursing input to patients with oesophago-gastric cancer. Together with the established oesophago-gastric cancer team and multi-disciplinary team, the Associate CNS will aim to deliver an enhanced patient experience.

The Associate CNS will work within the busy and dynamic UGI team. The majority of patients will be receiving treatment to control their cancer and often have supportive and palliative needs. Sign posting patients to appropriate services, providing advice, support and symptom management is a fundamental aspect of the CNS role. They will be line-managed and work in conjunction with the Band 7 UGI Clinical Nurse Specialist.

The successful candidate will have oncology experience, be highly motivated and driven to improve patient care. The candidate must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. They will also have well-developed clinical and professional leadership skills to encourage and promote best outcomes for patients, their relatives, and carers. The ability to work autonomously is paramount for this post together with confidence to engage and work with a range of colleagues at all levels and from all professional groups.

You will provide specialist support and advice to patients with UGI cancers and act as their keyworker. You will oversee and co-ordinate care to deliver a supportive nursing service for patients and their families receiving treatment at The Christie. You will be responsible for delivering specialist CNS cancer care across organisational, professional, and geographical boundaries both autonomously and as part of a dedicated team.

We welcome you to contact us for an informal chat about this opportunity.

Please contact Vikki Owen-Holt or Christina Nuttall via for further information. Or by telephone or

About us

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a key contact for patients with UGI malignancies and provide support for their carers and other healthcare professionals
• Provide advice, support and symptom management as appropriate, liaising with other relevant health care professionals
• Demonstrate knowledge of current best practice in relation to the treatment and management of patients with UGI malignancy

Clinical duties

1. Attend medical and Clinical Oncology UGI clinics at The Christie in order to meet patients and their carers and provide relevant information to support their treatment.

2. Provide psychological support and make referrals to relevant professionals if appropriate

3. Participate in weekly review of radiotherapy/chemotherapy patients. Assessing toxicities, arranging appropriate prescriptions and alerting MDT to abnormal bloods. Completing EOT letters, arranging further follow up or admission if required.

4. Provide effective communication between patient, relatives/carer and MDT/ ward

5. Be fully conversant with treatment protocols and demonstrate knowledge of current evidence based management of patients with UGI malignancies. Liaise with UGI research nursing team accordingly

6. Accurately document patient care in accordance with Trust policies and standards

7. Liaise with appropriate team members when patients are admitted as in-patients, either at The Christie, or another Trust

8. Carry out clinical duties to ensure the patient pathway runs effectively and efficiently

9. Act in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code and other supporting documentation

Professional/Clinical Leadership

1. Act as a role model and expert resource to patients, carers and colleagues

2. Support the Senior UGI CNS in acting as a specialist resource for the ward team providing care for patients with UGI malignancies

3. Evaluate service delivery, identify areas for improvement and initiate change and clinical development when appropriate

4. Keep accurate documentation of service delivery and performance using tools available on CWP

5. Receive clinical supervision and mentorship, if desired, in order to facilitate reflective practice

6. Attend and participate in the CNS forum

Education and Development

1. Participate in annual appraisal and accept personal responsibility for professional growth and development. Maintain a professional portfolio

2. Ensure compliance with Trust mandatory training

3. Contribute to educational programmes in collaboration with CNS colleagues. This could include teaching colleagues, dissemination of best practice through presentations, and participation in patient education days

4. Attend relevant educational meetings in order to keep up-dated with current best practice

5. In collaboration with other colleagues, develop information and resources for patients and their carers

Research and audit

1. In collaboration with colleagues, undertake clinical and organisational audit in order to improve practice

2. Disseminate change in evidence based practice to colleagues at The Christie and the wider network

3. Evaluate service delivery; identify areas for improvement, and initiate change as appropriate