Job overview
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for Trainee or Qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP) to join our dynamic Chemical Pathology team across UHSx(based at St Richards Hospital). This unique role will involve developing the provisions of the chemical pathology service and delivering high quality clinical care to patients under lipid clinics at UHSx. As an ACP, you will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality, patient-centred care in face to face and virtual settings. Your responsibilities will include clinical decision-making, diagnostics, treatment planning, referral, follow up and discharge of patients. You will work alongside experienced consultants and a pharmacist, with opportunities for leadership, innovation, and professional growth. Trainee ACPs will be supported through an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, while qualified ACPs can lead service improvements and engage in education and research. Strong communication, critical thinking, and a compassionate approach are essential.
Main duties of the job
The post holder’s job plan should deliver a minimum of 80% clinical component and 20% related to service management, education & research.
1. Work to a high level of personal and professional autonomy, using specialist knowledge and skills to deliver independent assessment, clinical examination, diagnosis, clinical decision making and planning of care and treatment, health promotion and safe admission and discharge of patients.
2. Act as an independent non-medical prescriber
3. Work collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary team to provide best clinical care, emotional and psychological support and education to patients and their carers.
4. Facilitate evidence-based practice and promote and undertake research and clinical audit within the service and across the Trust. Design and provide clinical/practical and theory-based education and training, e.g., to nurses/AHPs, junior medical staff
5. Work with innovation and flexibility to adapt to a fast-changing specialty and play an integral role in the operational/strategic development of the service.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and 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 and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments of patients referred to the lipid clinics. This includes detailed history taking, physical examination, and interpretation of diagnostic tests such as blood results. You will be expected to formulate diagnoses and work closely with medical colleagues to establish and implement evidence-based clinical management plans tailored to individual patient needs. Please refer to JD for more details.
Person specification
Essential/Desirable
Essential criteria
6. Current NMC/HCPC qualification
7. Willing to undertake MSc Advanced Clinical Practice/Has undertaken MSc
8. Significant post registration speciality experience (including at least 6 months in lipidology) – to the level of advance practice
9. Enhanced clinical skills relevant to area of clinical practice
10. Interpretation of basic and expert lipid laboratory and genetic tests, and imaging
11. Experience of contributing to student supervision and assessment. Experience and enthusiasm for developing educational programmes and teaching / assessing and supervising others in a clinical setting.
12. Experience of leading on the writing / updating of organisational Policy / Procedure / Guidelines associated with the speciality /field.
13. Computer skills including use of databases, spreadsheets, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other clinical support systems
14. Experience of conducting audit/research
Desirable criteria
15. Completed Advanced Clinical Assessment Module
16. Experience of presenting at local, national or international meetings or conferences
17. Teaching and leadership skills/experience
18. Budget holder in a work context (incl. monitoring of expenditure, reprioritisation, development of service—level budge)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
19. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
20. 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