Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Faster Diagnosis Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to join our team on a one-year fixed-term contract. The role streamlines the diagnostic process for patients referred under the cancer pathway, providing specialist clinical leadership, ensuring timely diagnostics in line with Faster Diagnosis Standards (FDS), and offering tailored care and emotional support. The CNS collaborates to enhance patient experience, minimise delays and improve clinical outcomes within QVH and externally.
The FDS CNS plays a vital role in the skin cancer care pathway, supporting patients referred with suspected cancer through timely, efficient, and patient-centred diagnostic processes. The CNS liaises between patients, MDTs and external agencies to meet national Faster Diagnosis Standards, especially the 28-day diagnostic target. The role encompasses clinical leadership, pathway coordination and the provision of tailored emotional and practical support to improve outcomes and patient experience.
Main duties
Clinical Duties
* Provide specialist, holistic and compassionate care to patients and families throughout the diagnostic pathway.
* Act as a key contact and advocate for patients, particularly those who are vulnerable or experiencing delays.
* Conduct thorough patient assessments, triage referrals, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and escalate concerns appropriately.
* Communicate results and care plans clearly to patients and the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
* Use expert clinical judgment to identify red flags and tailor care pathways to individual needs.
* Promote shared decision-making and patient empowerment.
* Collaborate across internal and external services to ensure seamless and timely diagnostic care.
* Engage in clinical audits, research and service improvement to enhance outcomes.
Education & Training
* Act as a specialist resource and educator for staff, patients and families.
* Develop and deliver training for staff and produce patient education materials.
* Mentor students and new staff members.
* Promote health education and professional development within the team.
Managerial Responsibilities
* Lead and improve 28 FDS pathways and services.
* Participate in MDT meetings, focusing on patient-centred decision-making.
* Collaborate with external partners to enhance referral processes and service delivery.
* Drive pathway redesign and service development initiatives.
About us
Rated GOOD overall with outstanding care by the CQC. A specialist NHS hospital providing life-changing reconstructive surgery, burns care and rehabilitation services across the South of England and beyond. We specialise in eyes, hands, head and neck cancer, skin cancer, reconstructive breast surgery, maxillofacial surgery and prosthetics, delivering regional and national services. We also treat common conditions of the eyes, hands, skin and teeth for East Grinstead and surrounding areas. QVH provides a minor injuries unit, expert therapies, a sleep service and growing community services. Patients rate QVH highly for quality of care. We support training and development across the workforce.
Details
Date posted: 09 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 1 year
Working pattern: Full-time
Location: Queen Victoria Hospital, Holtye Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3DZ
Job responsibilities
Clinical
* Provide specialist support to patients and families to empower participation in treatment and rehabilitation.
* Act as primary contact, delivering seamless, compassionate care and reassurance throughout the diagnostic pathway.
* Foster strong relationships with patients and families, addressing concerns and anxieties related to cancer diagnostics.
* Advocate for patients during delays or disruptions in their diagnostic pathway, particularly for vulnerable groups.
* Conduct patient-centred discussions about diagnostic tests, results and next steps, ensuring understanding.
* Communicate pathway changes clearly to patients and the MDT.
* Provide holistic care including emotional and psychosocial support.
* Promote collaboration within the MDT and patient-centred care.
* Conduct clinical assessments, triage referrals and prioritise investigations.
* Identify red flags and ensure timely communication of findings.
* Screen urgent referrals and assign appropriate diagnostic pathways.
* Order and monitor diagnostic tests in line with guidelines.
* Identify delays and implement solutions to improve pathways internally and externally.
* Develop specialist care pathways tailored to individual needs and service improvements.
* Coordinate with external agencies for complex cases and update pathways as required.
* Promote shared decision-making and evidence-based care; contribute to research and audits.
* Analyse outcomes to inform and refine diagnostic processes.
* Maintain independence and clinical autonomy in decision-making.
Education and training
* Act as a specialist resource for staff education and professional development.
* Deliver education to staff and patients about skin cancer diagnostics and pathways.
* Develop training sessions and patient information resources.
* Mentor students and new staff; contribute to ongoing professional development.
Managerial
* Drive service development and pathway design to address delays and ensure timely access to diagnostics.
* Lead MDT discussions to ensure patient-centred decisions.
* Collaborate with NHS providers and primary care to improve skin service delivery and referrals.
* Work with operational teams to meet KPIs including the 28-day FDS target and pathway improvements.
Administrative
* Ensure chargeable episodes are documented and resources used cost-effectively.
Personal and professional development
* Adhere to the NMC Code, maintain clinical expertise and revalidation.
* Contribute to corporate nursing objectives and maintain patient confidentiality.
* Participate in annual appraisals, pay progression (where applicable) and mandatory training; pursue CPD to maintain advanced skills.
General
Undertake other duties as reasonably required by the post holder’s skills and experience.
Qualifications
Essential
* Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
* Degree
* Significant clinical experience in plastic surgery, dermatology or oncology
* Knowledge of cancer waiting times guidance and suspected cancer diagnostic pathways
* Experience of multi-professional working
* Knowledge of the skin cancer pathway
Desirable
* Post-basic qualification in cancer or skin or dermatology
* Masters level or working towards
* Experience with patient management systems such as Somerset or Infoflex
* Experience with audits and quality improvement projects
* Counselling or communications qualification
Compliance
Disclosure and Barring Service This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require a DBS disclosure.
Visa Applications from skilled workers welcome; UK visa guidance applies. Applications may require sponsorship; refer to UK Visas and Immigration.
Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer
Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Queen Victoria Hospital, Holtye Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3DZ
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