About
On 1 January 2025, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust became one of the largest trusts in the UK following the acquisition of North Middlesex University Hospital. The Trust employs over 17 000 staff and serves 2 million patients each year. It comprises Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital and more than 30 community services. Our mission is to deliver world‑class care and expertise in our clinical services, supported by teaching and research, and we continually measure progress against our governing objectives of excellent outcomes, patient and staff experience, value for taxpayers, safety, external duties and organisational strength. We celebrate diversity, supporting LGBT+, BME, gender equality, carers, and people with disabilities.
Key Details
* Location: Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG
* Contract type & working pattern: 12‑month fixed‑term post, Full time – 37.5 hours per week
* Salary: £54,320 – £60,981 per annum (inclusive of HCA)
* Specialty: Oncology
* Grade: NHS AfC Band 7
Job Overview
Oncology Virtual Ward is a new initiative within the Trust and we are seeking an experienced oncology nurse to manage this service supported by the wider acute oncology specialist team. The band 7 nurse will provide follow‑up care and support for patients experiencing toxicity from SACT, high‑dose steroids, immunotherapy, low‑risk neutropenic sepsis, and patients awaiting investigations for potential CUP diagnosis. The nurse will aid earlier discharge through patient review and referral to the virtual ward.
Working for Our Organisation
The Trust values equality and diversity in employment and in the services we provide. The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity, ensuring all applicants and staff are treated fairly and valued equally regardless of sex, marital status, domestic circumstances, age, race, colour, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, HIV status, gender reassignment, political affiliation or trade union membership.
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
The post incorporates the Clinical Nurse Specialist role dimensions of expert clinical practice, education, leadership, management and research. The holder will work with clinical, operational, information and administrative staff across all levels of seniority within the acute Trust. Key responsibilities include:
* Follow SOPs developed for the virtual ward and existing Oncology service SOPs to manage a caseload of patients (initially 6, with potential expansion).
* Support team working and collaboration within the Acute Oncology team and the wider Trust.
* Liaise with multidisciplinary team members to advise and support colleagues in delivering specialised patient care within the virtual ward remit.
* Work autonomously to deliver specialist clinical care based on research‑based principles and enhance patient quality of care.
* Act as the point of contact for the service and attend the oncology board round daily to identify suitable inpatients.
* Contribute to planning, delivery and evaluation of care pathways for the designated patient group.
* Collaborate with acute oncology nurses to ensure patients requiring virtual ward monitoring are promptly identified.
* Provide education and training about the virtual ward where needed.
* Serve as a visible role model and specialist practitioner; support patients in the CUP pathway undergoing diagnostic tests.
* Ensure the service quality through audit, research evidence‑based practice and continuous improvement.
* Collect data to enable robust audit of the service against KPIs.
Covid‑19 Vaccination
Getting vaccinated and receiving a booster remains the best defence against COVID‑19. Staff are encouraged and supported to receive the COVID‑19 vaccine and booster dose as and when eligible.
Application Guidelines and Important Notes
* Due to high application volumes we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date – apply early if interested and you meet the requirements.
* Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted.
* Interviews will be communicated via email; check email regularly after the closing date.
* Accommodation at Royal Free is at full capacity; applicants should arrange alternative accommodation.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must hold appropriate UK professional registration and comply with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) and Order 2020. Disclosure and Barring Service checks will be required.
Person Specification – Essential Criteria
* Registered nurse
* Undergraduate degree
* Masters degree or working towards
* Recognised teaching or mentorship qualification or extensive experience
* Post‑registration qualification relevant to specialty
* Advanced assessment skills
* Independent nurse prescribing course or willingness to undertake
* Substantial post‑registration experience in area of speciality
* Previous experience of research and audit
* Evidence of teaching junior members of staff
* Proven evidence of improving the patient experience
Desirable Criteria
* Undertaken nurse‑led clinics
* Current experience of line management of staff
Documents
* Band & CNS Oncology Virtual Ward (PDF)
* Band 7 CNS Oncology Virtual Ward (PDF)
* Functional Requirements (PDF)
* Job Advert (PDF)Nursing and Midwifery – benefits, about RFL, values and governing objectives (PDF)
Contact
Name: Kerry Guile
Job title: Consultant Nurse Oncology
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 7794 0500
#J-18808-Ljbffr