About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated JAG-accredited Advanced Nurse Practitioner to join our Colorectal Cancer team and lead the delivery of the Direct to Test (DTT) pathway for patients referred with lower gastrointestinal symptoms.
This is an exciting opportunity for an autonomous practitioner with advanced clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning and endoscopy skills to play a pivotal role in improving timely access to diagnostic services and supporting achievement of national cancer standards. The successful candidate will independently assess, triage and manage patients through the colorectal diagnostic pathway, requesting and interpreting investigations and undertaking lower GI endoscopic procedures within their scope of practice.
Working closely with colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, endoscopy teams and cancer nurse specialists, you will contribute to service development, pathway improvement and delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care. The role offers opportunities to further develop the four pillars of advanced practice through clinical leadership, education, research and quality improvement activities.
Applicants must be a registered nurse with a Master's degree in Advanced Practice (or equivalent), independent prescribing qualification and JAG accreditation as a Nurse Endoscopist, with substantial experience in colorectal, gastroenterology and/or endoscopy services.
Main duties of the job
As the Advanced Nurse Practitioner for the Colorectal Direct to Test (DTT) pathway, you will provide expert autonomous clinical assessment, investigation and management of patients referred with lower gastrointestinal symptoms, including those on suspected cancer pathways.
Key responsibilities include:
Independently assessing and triaging patients referred to the colorectal DTT service. Requesting, interpreting and acting upon diagnostic investigations in line with agreed protocols. Undertaking lower GI endoscopic procedures as a JAG-accredited Nurse Endoscopist. Managing patients throughout the diagnostic pathway, ensuring timely investigation, diagnosis and discharge where appropriate. Working collaboratively with colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, endoscopy teams and cancer nurse specialists to deliver seamless patient care. Supporting achievement of national cancer waiting time targets, including the Faster Diagnosis Standard. Contributing to colorectal multidisciplinary team discussions and service development initiatives. Leading on audit, quality improvement and pathway redesign projects to enhance patient experience and service efficiency. Acting as a clinical leader, educator and role model, supporting the development of nursing and multidisciplinary colleagues.
This is a highly autonomous role requiring advanced clinical decision-making skills, expert endoscopy practice and a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred cancer care.
About us
St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.
Job description Job responsibilities
The Advanced Nurse Practitioner will be a key member of the Colorectal Cancer and Diagnostic Services team, providing expert clinical leadership and autonomous practice within the Direct to Test (DTT) pathway. Working at an advanced level, the post holder will assess, investigate and manage patients referred with lower gastrointestinal symptoms, ensuring timely access to diagnostics and supporting delivery of national cancer standards.
The post holder will:
Provide advanced clinical assessment, triage and management of patients referred to the colorectal DTT and suspected cancer pathways. Independently request, interpret and act upon diagnostic investigations, including endoscopic and radiological tests, within agreed protocols. Undertake lower gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures as a JAG-accredited Nurse Endoscopist and contribute to endoscopy capacity across the service. Manage a defined caseload of patients throughout the diagnostic pathway, from referral through to diagnosis, treatment referral or discharge. Work collaboratively with colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, cancer nurse specialists and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care. Support achievement of the Faster Diagnosis Standard and other national cancer performance targets through effective pathway management and service optimisation. Contribute to service development, quality improvement, audit and research activity to enhance patient outcomes and pathway efficiency. Act as a clinical leader, educator and role model, supporting the development of nursing and multidisciplinary colleagues across colorectal and diagnostic services. Maintain professional standards in line with Advanced Practice frameworks, professional registration requirements and Trust policies.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Advanced Nurse Practitioner to play a pivotal role in the delivery and future development of colorectal cancer diagnostic services at St George's Hospital
Person Specification
Qualifications and training Essential
Certified speciality courses as service requires e.g. lower GI, colorectal or endoscopy competencies (e.g. JAG accredited Nurse Endoscopist or willingness to work towards) Registered Nurse Independent or supplementary prescriber
Desirable
Relevant NHS leadership qualification or working towards
Experience Essential
Extensive experience within an area of relevant clinical speciality Experience within colorectal, gastroenterology, endoscopy or diagnostic pathways
Desirable
Experience as clinical Leader
Skills Essential
Highly developed diagnostic reasoning skills Leadership skills Excellent time management and organisational skills
Knowledge Essential
Understanding of clinical governance and risk assessment
Other Essential
High level of work organisation, self-motivation, drive for performance and improvement, and flexibility in approach and attitude
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address St George's Hospital SW17 0QT
Blackshaw Road
Tooting, London
SW17 0QT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)