Job summary
Employer heading
Hepatology Surveillance Nurse
Band 6
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
Join our passionate team at UHSussex. In collaboration with the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA), we offer a unique opportunity for two Band 6 Nurses to join our dynamic Hepatology team where you will contribute to the development and implementation of a liver surveillance pathway for early detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in our community. These SSCA- 2 year funded roles, are essential to enhance care and outcomes for those at risk of HCC. We seek dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a significant difference in liver health and patient care.
Location: One nurse will work in Brighton and Hove, and the other will be based in Worthing and Chichester, providing specialised care within hospital and various community locations. The team hub is at Royal Sussex County Hospital, where attendance at monthly team meetings and initial training is required. Flexibility is essential as you may be required to work in other Sussex locations to provide occasional cross-coverage.
Why Join Us:
- Be part of a dedicated team advancing Hepatology care and improving patient outcomes.
- Access professional development opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Shape the future of liver health and surveillance pathways.
- Enjoy the vibrant atmospheres of Brighton and Hove and Worthing working across multiple locations.
Main duties of the job
The Hepatology Surveillance Nurse, Band 6, will collaborate closely with the nurse manager and Band 7 nursing team to establish and implement a nurse-led liver surveillance pathway. This pathway focuses on supporting patients with stable, compensated liver cirrhosis who are at risk of developing Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in outpatient and outreach settings across Sussex
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct patient assessments and investigations.
- Perform Ultrasound scans (USS) and review blood results.
- Provide lifestyle advice and educational support.
- Coordinate care for patients enrolled in the liver HCC surveillance pathway.
- Manage patient records and ensure timely access to diagnostics.
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) for patient care.
- Maintain and populate the Liver surveillance database.
- Support patient navigation through the healthcare system.
- Engage in continuous professional development and training.
The role involves working closely with healthcare professionals and patients to ensure effective implementation of liver surveillance protocols and patient-centered care.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Conduct nurse-led HCC surveillance clinics, supporting patients with stable cirrhosis.
- Provide comprehensive patient assessments, coordinate investigations, and interpret results to facilitate timely intervention and care plannning.
- Provide personalised lifestyle advice and support patients throughout the surveillance pathway, ensuring adherence to NICE QS152 guidelines.
- Maintain accurate patient records and populate the Liver Surveillance database for local and national reporting.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including Consultant Hepatologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), and pathway navigators, to ensure holistic patient care.
- Facilitate patient access to USS surveillance and ensure timely referrals to MDTs when cancer is suspected.
- Communicate effectively with patients and their families, acting as their advocate and providing psychological support when needed during their healthcare journey..
- Engage in continuous professional development, attending training and contributing to audits and research initiatives.
Requirements: Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
Experience in Hepatology or related specialties preferred
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Manage own caseload and meet screening and cancer targets
Adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Flexibility for occasional work in other Sussex locations
Excellent IT skills, especially with Microsoft Office and relevant systems
This role requires a dedicated individual with strong clinical skills, a commitment to patient-centered care, who can work quickly and efficiently within a multidisciplinary team and must have strong Excel and database skills. You will play a crucial role in advancing Hepatology care and contributing to the early detection and management of liver disease, ultimately making a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.
For more information, please refer to the attached detailed job description (JD).
Person specification
Experience/qualifications
Essential criteria
- RGN/RN current NMC registration
- Educated to Postgraduate Diploma level or equivalent level of experience.
- Relevant Post registration Qualification/Demonstrable post registration experience.
Desirable criteria
- Experience in the care and management of patients with liver disease
- Teaching qualification or equivalent e.g. ENB 998
- Educated to degree level or above
- Research qualification
- Research and or audit experience
Equality and Diversity
Essential criteria
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Samantha Readhead
- Job title
- Lead CNS for Hepatology
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01273 664541
- Additional information
If you would like to discuss the role in more detail please contact the Lead nurse.
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