Lead SSP Bowel Cancer Screening

Job overview

An incredible opportunity has arisen as the Lead Specialist Screening Practitioner (SSP) prepares for retirement, creating an important role for a dynamic and driven individual to join the prestigious King’s College Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. This vital position , based at the renowned King’s College Hospital at the Denmark Hill site, serving the diverse populations of Southwark and Lambeth.

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is a pioneering initiative in healthcare, recognised as the first screening programme to offer life-saving services to both men and women. Launched in April 2006, the program has recently expanded its reach by allowing FIT testing for individuals aged 50 to 74.

In addition to its ground breaking screening efforts, the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme has recently taken on the crucial responsibility of monitoring patients with Lynch Syndrome, ensuring that those at risk receive the comprehensive care and attention they deserve. This position not only presents a unique challenge but also provides an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of many individuals within the community .

Main duties of the job

• Working collaboratively with the London Programme Hub and the Programme Manager for Bowel Screening
• Supporting the Screening Director and the Programme Manager in the development of screening centre activities
• Assisting and supporting in the direct delivery and management of the screening service
• Managing and supervising a Lead and team of Specialist Screening Practitioners to ensure the demands of the screening service are met, patient outcomes are reviewed and waiting time targets are achieved
• Establishing and reviewing protocols and guidelines for the effective, safe and timely management of patients through the bowel cancer screening pathway, ensuring high standards of care are maintained
• Working collaboratively with the hub to ensure all screening patients are scheduled into appropriate clinics slots in line with national and local guidelines
• Completing, in conjunction with the administrative team, the Bowel Cancer Screening System database and local databases to allow effective monitoring and quality assurance of the programme.
• Co-ordinating and providing care from the screening centre to address the needs of the individuals arising as a consequence of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

Working for our organisation

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1.8 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

• Support the provision of helpline services run from the hub by resolving queries referred by them to the screening centre.
• Provide advice, information and support for those making direct contact with the screening centre regarding the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
• Be responsible for care delivery to patients identified by the screening programme and meet the needs of patients arising.
• To use specialist knowledge and advanced communication skills with patients and carers when breaking bad news and providing psychological support on diagnosis, treatment and symptom management.
• Populate and maintain the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme database

Managerial/Leadership

• Undertake the operational line management and supervision of a band 7 and team of Specialist Screening Practitioners; this includes supporting the lead on recruitment and induction of new staff Support band 7 Lead SSP in staff management.

Education & Development

• Conduct and support annual appraisals of the nursing team, in line with Trust requirements
• Identify learning needs of the nursing team and plan programmes of education to ensure identified needs are met
• Ensure own compliance with regards to mandatory training requirements; develop and maintain own clinical skills, academic knowledge and expertise as appropriate
• Participate in education and awareness sessions as identified by the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
• Provide teaching when requested by the Trust and the BCS community.

Clinical Governance

• To ensure that clinical risks are identified, reported and managed within the department and adhere to local clinical governance policies .
• Disseminate research and audit findings through presentation to professional groups and publication.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of procedures and guidelines relevant to own area of work .
• Promote patient and public involvement activities in the BCSP, leading to service improvement.

Professional

• · To be accountable for own practice and to act at all times in accordance with the NMC code of practice and Scope of Professional Practice.

People Management and Performance

• Lead, coach and manage the performance of the team in line with good people management practices. Ensuring excellence is recognised and under performance is addressed.
• Manage team absences including sickness in line with Trust policy ensuring the appropriate return to work meetings occur, e-roster is updated and productivity is at keep to the highest possible level.
• Ensure overall wellbeing of the team is maintained. Continuously support in improving the morale of the team and implementing a culture of zero-tolerance for bullying and harassment.

Person specification

essential

Essential criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of Bowel Screening process/programme and experience of SSP work. (Advanced Communication skills, SSP course Liverpool)

Desirable criteria

• Leadership or management qualification

IMPORTANT

• Check your email account regularly as this is how we will communicate with you
• If you delete the job from any of your accounts, you may be prevented from accessing further communications
• To enquire about your application or inform us of any changes in your circumstances, please contact the named person on this advert
• Please provide email addresses for referees where possible
• Please review the documentation on our recruitment microsite, particularly the Trust’s criminal records checking policy
• All staff have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and for ensuring they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
• Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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