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. This role plays a pivotal part in streamlining the diagnostic process for patients referred under the cancer pathway. The successful candidate will provide specialist clinical leadership, ensure timely diagnostics in compliance with Faster Diagnosis Standards (FDS), and offer tailored care and emotional support. This role is integral in enhancing patient experience, minimising delays, and improving clinical outcomes through collaboration, education and quality improvement initiatives within QVH and externally.
Clinical Responsibilities
* Provide specialist, holistic and compassionate care to patients and families throughout their diagnostic pathway.
* Act as a key contact and advocate for patients, especially those who are vulnerable or experiencing delays.
* Conduct thorough patient assessments, triage referrals, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and raise concerns appropriately.
* Communicate results and care plans clearly to patients and the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
* Use expert clinical judgement 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.
* 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‑day FDS pathways and services.
* Participate in MDT meetings, focusing on patient‑centred decision making.
* Work with external partners to enhance referral processes and service delivery.
* Drive pathway redesign and service development initiatives.
Benefits
* Tailored personal development to support career aspirations, including accredited clinical and management development programmes.
* Flexible working arrangements for a work‑life balance that suits you and your needs.
* A dedicated reward programme, offering a range of national and local discounts, cashback and tax relief schemes.
Working for our Organisation
Rated GOOD overall with outstanding care by the CQC, QVH is a specialist NHS hospital providing life‑changing reconstructive surgery, burns care and rehabilitation services across the South of England and beyond.
We specialise in conditions of the eyes (corneoplastics), hands, head and neck cancer and skin cancer, reconstructive breast surgery, maxillofacial surgery and prosthetics, providing regional and national services in these areas of clinical expertise. Our world‑leading clinical teams also treat more common conditions of the eyes, hands, skin, and teeth for the people of East Grinstead and the surrounding areas.
In addition, QVH provides a minor injuries unit, expert therapies, a sleep service, and a growing portfolio of community‑based services. Patients consistently rate QVH amongst the top hospitals in the country for quality of care.
Our success is underpinned by the skills and enthusiasm of our staff and a strong culture of partnership. We are fully committed to training and development of the workforce with support for continuing education and learning.
Sustainability
At Queen Victoria Hospital we want to be the first Net Zero Hospital in England, and we expect all staff to reuse and recycle more, to use energy and water efficiently, to walk or cycle to work if you can, and to have a focus on sustainability in the workplace. Sub‑system efforts include avoiding unnecessary patient journeys and improving our carbon footprint. You can view our Green Plan here.
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