Job overview
The MSCC Co-ordinator will be responsible for operationally coordinating the care pathway for patients with spinal emergencies including impending metastatic spinal cord compression and metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) across the South Wales Spinal Network (SWSN) in accordance with SWSN MSCC guidelines. This role is based in South East Wales and supports the delivery of the MSCC pathway across the wider South Wales region. This is to include engagement work to develop necessary cross-provider and partnerships within network acute oncology and emergency care. The post holder will be part of a small team that provides coordination to support patients who present across South Wales with suspected or confirmed Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression. Working across six Health Boards, within Wales and the Velindre NHS Trust serving a population of 2.5 million.
Take lead of network wide audit data and service improvement plans.
Deliver network multi-professional education programmes in collaboration with Acute Oncology teams, spinal teams and Wales Cancer Network.
This post is open to applications from nursing and allied health professional staff.
Main duties of the job
The specific responsibilities of the job includes:
The post holder will be the first person the patient will interact with remotely or in person when there is a suspicion of MSCC and will have to verbally question and physically assess, the patient whilst considering recognised prognostic factors (such as comorbidities) to inform treatment decisions.
Undertake a spinal stability assessment using specific tools alongside a physical clinical assessment (manipulation of the patient) to determine treatment options.
Be an expert point of contact for coordination of the MSCC pathway, triaging queries and ensuring the MSCC pathway is followed in a timely fashion.
Coordinate patients care in referral organisations and the organisation of the appropriate primary intervention delivery (including surgery, radiotherapy and SACT).
Undertake a clinical role in the on call/ acute oncology team in relation to patients with MSCC/spinal emergencies which will include giving advice to health professionals and patients in an area which requires specific clinical knowledge, skills and experience.
Provide a point of reference and advice for clinical teams responsible for patients with spinal emergencies to include nerve root compression, impending MSCC (IMSCC) and MSCC.
Be involved in delivering an effective patient experience for patients with a spinal emergency investigation and treatment including clinical review and coordination
Working for our organisation
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for a detailed outline of the job requirements. This is available for you bilingually, in English and Welsh.
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the South Wales Spinal Network to appoint a metastatic spinal cord compression coordinators, covering South Wales, West Wales and South Powys.
This role will support six Health Boards, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust and Velindre NHS Trust in the provision of metastatic spinal cord compression care to the population of the Network. This recently established Network will ensure that our services work together to deliver timely, effective and outstanding care for our population.
The SWSN vision is to improve spinal health for our population, by delivering the best possible treatment through an inclusive, equitable, collaborative and holistic approach.
Our values are:-
1. Putting Patients First
2. Working Closely Together
3. Always Improving
4. Equitable Use of Resource
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. Degree in Nursing or Allied Health Profession
6. Master level
7. Post registration experience of working in an oncology environment
8. Knowledge of cancer, the treatment of cancer and awareness of the individual needs of people affected by cancer
Desirable criteria
9. Experience of working with cancer patients and their families
Experience
Essential criteria
10. Experience as a clinical lead practitioner in area of expertise, providing support and initial management plan to multi-professionals across emergency and urgent care settings
Swansea Bay University Health Board is committed to supporting its staff and processes to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing service users experience. In our commitment to increase the number of staff able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
Equality remains at the centre of the Health Boards policy-making, service delivery and employment practices. We value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from people from protected groups under the Equality Act 2010, this specifically includes age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/reassignment, race, religion, disability, pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Welsh language skills are desirable