About the role
This role has been approved for advertising; however, it is also being assessed as a suitable alternative employment opportunity. As a result, the vacancy may be withdrawn or there may be a delay before shortlisting can begin.
This role is open to all applicants. However, in line with Cornwall First recruitment principles, initial shortlisting will prioritise applicants from Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and the Integrated Care Board for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Prehabilitation is a multimodal service designed to optimise patients both physically and mentally in preparation for elective colorectal cancer surgery. Patients are referred from the point of cancer suspicion—prior to histological confirmation—allowing for earlier intervention, a longer optimisation period, and enhanced outcomes.
The service provides education, screening and triaging to support the implementation of needs‑based interventions. Those identified as needing further prehabilitation input will be offered tailored one‑to‑one therapy support throughout their surgical journey.
Established in 2024, the prehabilitation service has secured ongoing funding and is now entering an exciting phase of development. We are seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our team and help shape the future of this growing service.
Job responsibilities
The role of the Clinical Lead Prehabilitation Dietitian is to provide a highly specialist dietetic service, including specialist assessments, treatment, and collaborative goal setting for patients. The post holder is tasked with the delivery and facilitation of the continued development of the Prehabilitation Service at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.
Qualifications
* Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics or equivalent
* HCPC Registered
* Member of the British Dietetic Association, including prehabilitation and oncology specialist interest groups
* Evidence of further formal study e.g. postgraduate qualifications (postgraduate certificate/Diploma, Masters modules, or equivalent management qualification)
Experience
* Comprehensive post‑qualification experience covering a wide range of clinical areas and issues including surgery, oncology, complex nutrition support, complex weight management, high‑output stomas and the need for low‑residue advice
* Proven experience of managing a service or change process
* Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team, a good understanding of their roles and respect for the other professionals within the team
* Highly developed communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate contentious or complex information effectively, even when there are barriers to communication
* Evidence of relevant leadership training
* Experience working at Band 7 level
* Experience in budget management and business planning
Skills
* Advanced communication skills—empathy and compassion, negotiation, and motivation, presenting complex facts in an understandable way, reassurance, and support particularly to anxious people
* Evidence of clinical audit/research activity
* Knowledge of relevant national agendas and priorities
* Evidence of innovative working and use of digitalisation
Requirements for NHS employment
* Identity checks
* Professional registration and qualification checks
* Employment history and reference checks
* Occupational Health clearance
* Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
* Right to work in the UK
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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