About this role
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to support the new Lung Cancer Screening Programme (LCS) in County Durham. The purpose of the programme is to enable the early detection of lung cancer in order to save lives.
In this role you will manage and complete telephone Lung Health Check clinics. The role is patient-facing and involves contacting patients to complete their Lung Health Check and assess their risk for lung cancer. This involves completing a questionnaire and risk assessment with patients and offering brief smoking sensation advice to current smokers. You will liaise with the nursing team on the outcome of the phone calls, in particular if patients are identified at higher risk of lung cancer and require a low dose CT scan. The job includes planning work schedules, supporting service users and supporting other members in the team to promote an excellent screening service for people taking part in the LCS Programme.
Main duties of the job
To work collaboratively within the LCS team to support administration of the programme on a day to day basis. Ensuring that all documentation is up-to-date, accurate, and available to support decision making, reporting exceptional circumstances when needed.
Calling patients to complete lung health check appointments - completing a questionnaire to determine risk scoring for lung cancer.
Offering brief smoking cessation advice for current smokers and opt-out referrals to SmokeFree County Durham.
Urgently signposting patients to primary care if they have signs & symptoms of lung cancer.
Calling patients to invite them to take part in the programme, booking and rescheduling patient appointments, including CT scan appointments.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Job description Job responsibilities
The post holder will:
Work as part of a small team developing and rolling out the Lung Cancer Screening Programme to eligible patients across County Durham.
Work autonomously in the absence of the Team Lead and program Manager.
Use own initiative to plan time effectively and prioritize all incoming work on a daily basis, including responding quickly, appropriately and communicating clearly in relation to urgent / important and unpredictable issues ensuring a high quality administrative service.
Contact patients and ask a specific predefined set of questions - documenting answers and outcomes accurately and fully.
Answer patient queries regarding the screening service - this includes handling incoming calls and triaging accordingly.
Offer brief smoking session advice and refer on as appropriate.
Provide a seamless interface for patients, through effective liaison with other Senior Managers, Clinicians & GP practices.
Escalate any concerns raised by patients in line with service specification.
Support the band 6 specialist nurses where required.
Support the management, booking and completion of patient appointments, including telephone Lung Health Checks.
Support the team with collection and collation of data to support and evaluate the service.
Promoting the service within the community and engaging with the general public and answering any queries they may have about the screening service.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge Essential
Organisational and multitasking skills. Good computer and keyboard skills. IT skills in excel and word. Have attention to detail, ownership and pride in own work. Able to work efficiently with minimal supervision. Excellent communication skills for dealing with people both internal and external to the Trust. Good time keeping and ability to work under pressure. Good written communication skills. Flexible approach to duties. Team player.
Desirable
Evidence of personal development. Experience of using databases and spreadsheets.
Qualifications Essential
NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification Recognised qualifications in literacy and numeracy (minimum GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent)
Desirable
Respiratory/medicine/oncology knowledge, experience and understanding. Care certificate
Experience Essential
Knowledge and experience of handling confidential patient information. Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines. Knowledge of medical terminology. Experience in a patient facing role in health and social care.
Desirable
Awareness of national and local policies for lung cancer screening guidelines. Understanding of IRMER regulations.
Special Requirements Essential
Ability to deal with non routine and unpredictable workload.
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.
Employer details Employer name County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address Chester Le Street Community Hospital
Front Street
CHESTER LE STREET
County Durham
DH3 3AT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)