Job overview
The Gynaecology Patient Navigator is an integral of the RAC nurse Specialist team and will work very closely with the nurses to provide a single point of contact for the patients within the Gynaecology tumour site. The role will also link closely with MDT Co-ordinators and Diagnostic Services to promote seamless coordination and timely management of patients at all points of their 28-day suspected cancer pathway. The post holder will be working in partnership with the specialist nurses, clinicians and cancer services to ensure patients are fully informed and supported and that the pathway is co-ordinated by proactively tracking timelines through the diagnostic pathway. The post holder will be responsible for the service activity reporting, coordination and the administrative function of the pathway, including and not limited to: Booking blood tests, chasing appointment dates, liaising closely with radiology, checking blood tests results are available, multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) discussions, liaising with cancer care services and keeping patients always informed. Through effective and efficient patient focused co-ordination of the pathway, patients will be given a diagnosis or exclusion of cancer at the earliest opportunity.
Main duties of the job
1. To act as a centralised point of contact for patients, receiving triaging and responding to face to face, telephone and written queries, liaising and escalating to the RAC nurses for complex queries and concerns.
2. Provide explanations of procedure and processes to patients and their family regarding the pathway, verbally and by sending out relevant trust leaflets and instruction packs where appropriate.
3. Present and communicate information to a wide range of audiences and agencies, within and outside the Trust.
4. Demonstrate high levels of empathy, sensitivity, calm and professionalism in all communications with patients and their families, recognising where referral to the RAC nurses for advice and support would be beneficial.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
The Gynaecology Patient Navigator is an integral of the RAC nurse Specialist team and will work very closely with the nurses to provide a single point of contact for the patients within the Gynaecology tumour site. The role will also link closely with MDT Co-ordinators and Diagnostic Services to promote seamless coordination and timely management of patients at all points of their 28-day suspected cancer pathway. The post holder will be working in partnership with the specialist nurses, clinicians and cancer services to ensure patients are fully informed and supported and that the pathway is co-ordinated by proactively tracking timelines through the diagnostic pathway. The post holder will be responsible for the service activity reporting, coordination and the administrative function of the pathway, including and not limited to: Booking blood tests, chasing appointment dates, liaising closely with radiology, checking blood tests results are available, multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) discussions, liaising with cancer care services and keeping patients always informed. Through effective and efficient patient focused co-ordination of the pathway, patients will be given a diagnosis or exclusion of cancer at the earliest opportunity.
Person specification
essential
Essential criteria
5. Educated to Degree level or demonstrable equivalent level of appropriate work experience
essemtial
Essential criteria
6. Previous experience of working within a multidisciplinary environment, including busy environments with multiple departments
7. Experience of hospital specific administration systems
8. Understanding of the NHS Cancer Waiting times Framework and best practice timed diagnostic cancer pathways
9. Computer literate in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook /Diary Management.
Desirable criteria
10. Previous experience in cancer services or experience of working within NHS or similar environment
11. Experience of having working relationships with clinicians, GPs, Managers and Consultants
12. Knowledge and understanding of the published FDS National framework, the Cancer Waiting Times, Cancer Outcomes and Services Dataset and National Cancer Audit Datasets
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
13. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
14. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications