Position Summary
To support the provision of Level 2b Haematology services ensuring a co‑ordinated, comprehensive and holistic service for patients with a Haematological diagnosis. The Haematology Nurse Specialist will be an integral member of the multi‑professional team providing specialist nursing support for staff, patients and their carers. To support the Haematology multi‑professional team in the implementation of novel SACT regimens, the introduction and implementation of new commercial and non‑commercial clinical trials. To be named key‑worker for patients with a Haematological malignancy throughout the disease trajectory. To undertake nurse‑led follow clinics with consultant oversight. To provide close liaison with the hospitals where referrals are received from, including units treating patients requiring intensive treatment such as CAR‑T cell therapy, stem cell and bone marrow transplantation. To facilitate links between the Trust hospitals and community, ensuring a coordinated referral system that guarantees continuity of care. They will work with the Lead Haematology Nurse and MHDC team to deliver an excellent patient‑focused service for patients. Facilitate the delivery of systemic anticancer therapy (SACT), supporting and training junior staff to ensure safe delivery of complex drug regimens.
Hospital Background
The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital in the London Borough of Hillingdon and offers a wide range of services including accident & emergency, inpatient care, day surgery, outpatient clinics and maternity services. The Trust’s services at Mount Vernon Hospital include routine day surgery, a minor injuries unit and outpatient clinics. The safety and well‑being of our patients and staff is paramount and we are making urgent improvements to address this – particularly in infection prevention and control. We are working in partnership with local GPs, charities, community services, academic partners, the local authority, neighbouring hospitals and the wider North West London Integrated Care System to listen to and support our population. We focus on high quality, safe and compassionate care while driving the construction of the new Hillingdon Hospital. We have over 3,500 staff members that are proud to care for almost half a million people, with a vision to be an outstanding provider of health care through leading health and academic partnerships, transforming services and providing the best care where needed.
Key Responsibilities
* To work in conjunction with other members of the specialist multi‑professional team to provide expert clinical care to patients and carers with a diagnosis of a haematological malignancy.
* To ensure the provision of specialist/expert knowledge and research‑based practice to all patients requiring specialist haematology care.
* To act as a specialist resource to other members of the multi‑professional team involved in planning, coordinating and delivering care to patients with a haematological malignancy and their carers.
* To maintain regular contact with the following groups to facilitate the care of patients: multi‑professional team (including acute and primary care), specialist palliative care services, social services, local and national support groups, governance, quality and performance.
* To ensure a high standard of care through assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of care programmes, setting realistic goals with patients, carers and the multi‑professional team.
* To be knowledgeable of treatment regimens and side‑effects related to haematology conditions and to use a problem‑solving approach in managing potential complications.
* To support the medical team in bone‑marrow and lumbar‑puncture investigations. Participate in the safe administration of intrathecal chemotherapy, assuming the “Nurse Checking” role in line with national and Trust policies for adult patients.
* To carry out practical clinic tasks, providing all necessary care and supervision for blood transfusions and other intravenous treatments.
* To coordinate care for patients with neutropenia, establishing links with other Trust areas involved in their care.
* To organise workload to reflect the core components of the nurse‑specialist role, allowing time for patient contact, service management, patient and staff education, and participation in local and network groups.
* To act as the key‑worker for patients, collaborating with patients, MDT members and other services to provide access to information and promote continuity along the treatment pathway.
* To ensure safe administration and storage of systemic anti‑cancer therapy (SACT). To supervise and teach junior staff as required.
* To assist junior staff with the completion and assessment of the UKONS SACT passport and to ensure all relevant investigations are undertaken prior to chemotherapy administration, completing all documentation.
* To coordinate patients’ treatment based on pre‑treatment investigations.
* To facilitate effective communication within the multi‑professional team, ensuring care follows agreed care pathways. Liaise with consultants regarding MDT outcomes and planning.
* To support the Lead Haematology Nurse in providing protocols and guidelines for patient care, ensuring all nursing colleagues understand and work within them.
* To provide patients and families with highly distressing, sensitive and complex information, using empathy, reassurance and counselling skills; to be present when delivering diagnoses or “bad news”.
* To act as a resource person in specific skills and care for patients, carers and the multi‑professional team.
* To promote professional development through evidence‑based research practices.
* To maintain accurate documentation and collate data as required by the multi‑professional team.
* To undertake specific projects as requested by the Nursing Services Manager or MDT Lead Clinician.
* To establish, and run nurse‑led follow‑up clinics, creating SOP and MDT processes to ensure safe patient management.
* To implement patient‑initiated follow‑up (PIFU) into practice alongside the Haematology MDT team.
* To practice as a professional at all times, demonstrating responsibility and fostering teamwork throughout specialties.
* To support the Trust nursing strategy in relation to the clinical nurse specialist role; to uphold Trust policies, emergency procedures and attend required training sessions.
* To accept professional responsibility and accountability for workload management.
* To collaborate with the Nursing Service Manager and MDT Lead Clinician so the service develops in line with corporate strategy.
* To ensure the Haematology nursing service reflects up‑to‑date national guidance.
* To assist with the implementation and evaluation of practice‑development areas and arrange training for novel treatments once licensed.
* To engage in clinical audit, monitor outcomes and use quality‑life indicators; to help the Haematology Support worker complete eHNA and develop care plans.
* To develop, with multi‑professional colleagues, specific information for patients and carers, liaising with blood‑cancer charities, Macmillan and local services.
* To participate in professional forums representing the Haematology service, feeding back to appropriate personnel; to attend RM‑partner meetings and the local cancer board as required.
* To adapt flexibly to any future restructuring of services, potentially across sites, to meet patient needs.
* To be a visible and approachable resource for patients and staff on clinical and personal matters.
* To identify educational needs of health professionals caring for haematological patients and participate in formal and informal education programmes.
* To support the Trust in CVAD training and assessment.
* To work with the research team, supporting patient recruitment into clinical trials and the delivery of SACT.
* To stay updated with developments in nursing and haematology care by reviewing literature and attending relevant training; to disseminate information to staff.
* To be aware of current clinical trials available for haematology patients and those at high risk.
* To participate in, and contribute to, research programmes that are formally agreed within time and funding limits.
* To follow and adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses at all times.
* To maximise available resources for patient benefit, ensuring any changes with resource implications are discussed with the Nursing Service Manager.
* To carry out all duties to the highest standard, in line with quality initiatives.
* To maintain a dynamic, positive “can‑do” attitude, adapting and evolving the Haematology service as needed.
* To undertake regular performance reviews with the Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist and agree on personal development plans aligned with service objectives.
Note: Once a sufficient number of applications have been received, the vacancy may be closed prior to the published closing date.
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