Join Us in Transforming Head & Neck Cancer Care in Sussex
Exciting Opportunity: Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Band 8a) or Trainee ACP (Band 7)
Base: Eastbourne and Brighton | Service: Oncology (Radiotherapy)
Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
We're pleased to introduce a new ACP role within an innovative Head & Neck Radiotherapy service. This new multidisciplinary team includes a Dietitian and Speech & Language Therapist, delivering pioneering care for patients receiving complex radiotherapy.
As part of the Radiotherapy Review Project, we are expanding Category 1 radiotherapy at Eastbourne Radiotherapy Unit (ERTU), improving access and reducing travel for vulnerable patients.
The ACP will lead in providing advanced, holistic care across Eastbourne and Brighton, with strong clinical supervision and links to the established Brighton team. This role offers the chance to shape services, contribute to research, and develop professionally in a supportive environment.
We welcome applications from:
Qualified ACPs (Band 8a), able to independently prescribe
Trainee ACPs ready for a fully supported development pathway, with ability to train and practice as independent prescribers
Please specify in your application which role you are applying for and how your skills meet the job description.
Provide advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, and management of Head & Neck oncology patients undergoing radiotherapy, working autonomously within the advanced clinical practice scope.
Lead the new multidisciplinary Head & Neck radiotherapy team (ACP, Dietitian, SLT), ensuring safe, coordinated, patient-centred care.
Prescribe independently or train to do so if a Trainee ACP, initiating and adjusting treatment plans per clinical need and governance.
Identify and manage treatment toxicities and late effects such as malnutrition, dehydration, and functional decline to reduce hospitalisation risk.
Support altered airway management including tracheostomy and laryngectomy care, and site/manage nasogastric tubes for nutritional support.
Order and justify scans in line with IRMER protocols as part of assessment and monitoring.
Support palliative patients, aiding decisions on treatment cessation or de-escalation aligned with patient wishes and best practice.
Provide clinical leadership, education, and mentorship, fostering advanced practice development.
Contribute to care pathway design and evaluation within the Radiotherapy Case for Change for evidence-based, cost-effective delivery.
Collaborate with the Head & Neck team in Brighton and across UHSussex for consistent, equitable care.
Engage in governance, audit, service improvement, and professional development including MSc completion if a trainee.
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Candidate Information Pack:
Why This Matters
Head & Neck radiotherapy is complex, with risks including malnutrition, dehydration, hospitalisation, and functional decline. The ACP role is critical to improving safety, outcomes, and quality of life through expert multidisciplinary care.
We're Looking For
Passionate clinicians with Head & Neck oncology experience
Commitment to collaborative, patient-centred care
Interest in innovation, service design, and research
Motivation to build a Sussex-wide Head & Neck team
Essential: ability to train and practice as an independent prescriber
What We Offer
A chance to shape a new care model in a new team
Funded MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice for trainee ACPs, supporting entry requirements (usually a first degree or recent Level 7 study)
Support for independent prescribing training if eligible
Strong supervision, MDT support, and peer learning
A values-led organisation committed to wellbeing, innovation, and development
Essential Criteria
Registered with a UK professional healthcare body (e.g. HCPC, NMC)
Minimum 3 years post-registration experience
Normally hold a first degree (or agreed study plan for recent/non-graduates)
English and Maths Level 2 qualifications (Ofqual, CCEA, or Qualifications Wales regulated)
Eligible to train/practice as an independent prescriber
Experience in Head & Neck cancer management
Strong leadership, autonomy, and resilience demonstrated through:
* Service development or pathway redesign
* Clinical leadership in MDTs
* Managing complex caseloads independently
* Mentoring colleagues or students
* Maintaining patient safety under pressure