Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Lead OPAT & Vascular Access Clinical Nurse Specialist
The closing date is 09 April 2026
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Lead OPAT (Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy) and Vascular Access Nurse to join our multidisciplinary team.
This post is primarily advertised at Band 8a, though Band 7 appointment will be considered for candidates not yet meeting all essential Band 8a criteria, particularly independent PICC line insertion competency.
The role involves delivering specialist nursing care for patients receiving IV antimicrobial therapy in outpatient or community settings, supporting safe and effective treatment outside hospital. You will provide expert vascular access care, including assessment, insertion and maintenance of devices such as PICC lines, midlines, peripheral cannulas, and port-a-caths.
Band 8a candidates must demonstrate independent competence in ultrasound‑guided PICC insertion. Band 7 candidates should be competent in ultrasound‑guided midline insertion.
Working with infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, pharmacists and the wider team, you will coordinate care, support antimicrobial stewardship, and facilitate early discharge.
You will also contribute to service development, deliver education and training, and uphold high clinical standards. This role suits an experienced, autonomous nurse committed to high‑quality, patient‑centred care across acute and community settings.
Main duties of the job
As the Lead OPAT and Vascular Access Clinical Nurse Specialist you will deliver and develop OPAT and vascular access services, ensuring high‑quality, safe, and effective care across inpatient, outpatient and community settings.
You will assess, insert and manage vascular access devices, including peripheral cannulas and midlines. At Band 8a you will independently perform ultrasound‑guided PICC line insertions using evidence‑based infection prevention practices.
You will assess patients for OPAT suitability, coordinate care, provide education to patients and carers, and act as a key contact for advice and troubleshooting.
Working closely with Infection Prevention & Control, microbiologists, pharmacists and community teams, you will support seamless, patient‑centred care and antimicrobial stewardship.
The role includes leading audits, surveillance and reporting related to vascular access, contributing to infection prevention strategies. You will also educate and train staff, promoting best practice and competency.
You will support service development and quality improvement, including policy and pathway updates, and participate in research, audit and governance activities to enhance patient outcomes.
Additionally, you will provide telephone advice and outreach support to community staff and patients to reduce admissions and maintain continuity of care.
About us
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high‑performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.
We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard's Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.
Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.
We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.
Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well‑regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.
Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
* Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
* Band 8a: Completed PICC line insertion course and independently competent
* Band 7: Competent in ultrasound‑guided midline insertion
Skills/Abilities
* Band 7: Competent in managing vascular access devices and troubleshooting
* Band 8a: Expert in managing central vascular access devices, including advanced troubleshooting
* Band 7: Competent in ultrasound‑guided midline insertion
* Band 8a: Expert in ultrasound‑guided PICC and midline insertion
* Ability to demonstrate advanced clinical expertise in Vascular Access and/or OPAT
Experience
* Experience of working autonomously in Vascular Access & OPAT
Knowledge
* Knowledge of current developments and complex issues related to clinical practice in Vascular Access, OPAT and Antimicrobial Stewardship
Other Requirements
* Understanding and demonstration of the Trust Values
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.
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