Job overview
The Epilepsy Team at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) for a fixed term period of 8 months to cover a period of maternity leave. This is an excellent opportunity for secondment and would give valuable experience working as a CNS in a supportive team. Full training would be provided.
The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) has one of the largest, most comprehensive programmes in Europe for the evaluation and medical and surgical treatment of epilepsy based at Queen Square in central London and Chalfont St Peter. The service has close links with UCL Institute of Neurology and UCL Partners, including Great Ormond Street Hospital.
These links allow the epilepsy group to evaluate and treat the widest range of patients – ranging from individuals seeking diagnosis after their first seizure – to more complex cases, including those for whom epilepsy forms only part of a broader medical or surgical condition.
We are looking for someone who can work autonomously and as part of a strong team to provide care and support to a wide range of patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy. Care is provided through nurse led outpatient clinics, telephone clinics and ward based care. The candidate must be able to make decisions.
The successful individual will have a pivotal role in delivering Trust Objectives and ensuring that the care delivered within this specialty reflects the Trust Vision and Values.
Main duties of the job
Fundamental to the role is working closely with the Epilepsy Consultants and the wider multidisciplinary team, along with the community team. Clinical duties include running nurse-led outpatient clinics, including general epilepsy and VNS. Providing direct advice and liaison with GP’s and other allied health professionals.
The post holder will be expected to practice autonomously to undertake assessment of people with epilepsy using a range of different assessment methods, which included physical examination, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and evaluating seizure diaries.
The post holder will provide education to patients, families and healthcare professionals on epilepsy within the trust; assist in clinical trials, audits and research into epilepsy and future management, to develop and improve services for people with Epilepsy
This is a Fixed Term contract that requires a five-day week commitment ( without night, weekend, or bank holiday working.
Working for our organisation
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.
We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:
1. University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
2. National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
3. Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
4. University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
5. Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
6. University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
7. The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
8. University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street
We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women’s health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.
We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.