Clinical Nurse Specialist - Rapid Diagnostic Centre

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 13 March 2026

Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust are looking to employ a band 7 Clinical Nurse Specialist to support the management of the Faster diagnostic standard across all 3 sites of the MSEFT Rapid Diagnostic Centre service virtually and from the Basildon site physically.

This CNS role is pivotal to the implementation of the rapid diagnostic pathway for patients with suspected Upper gastro-intestinal cancer. Supporting the strategic development of the Rapid Diagnostic Centre service, working in collaboration with other Health Care Professionals, service users and other agencies

Aiming to achieve early identification and timely diagnosis by creating an integrated pathway for Upper GI, Lower GI and non-specific symptoms. This role is a new nurse led initiative and training and support will be given to develop CNS led clinics and discharge. The main focus for the position will be Upper GI cancer.

The CNS for RDS role is an exciting opportunity to be a vital member of a new team pivotal to the implementation of the Rapid Diagnostic Service (RDS) pathway for patients with suspected cancer. This part of the strategic development of the RDS and the successful transition to meet the faster diagnostic target of 28 days. The successful post holder will be involved in the management and development of the junior staff.

PLEASE NOTE THIS POST WILL BE MANAGED MAINLY FROM THE BASILDON HUB CNS OFFICE

Provide a streamlined and efficient Rapid Diagnostic Service to improve patient wait times from referral to diagnosis for suspected cancer patients

Ensure a timely onward referral to other site specific teams if required

Work closely with the CNS (diagnosed cancers) to ensure smooth and timely handover of patients with a cancer diagnosis

With the support from the senior RDS CNS team, work with GP representatives to improve referrals for continued support to ensure pathway resilience from primary care

Competently assess and triage initial referrals ensuring that all diagnostic tests are requested using knowledge and training . Ensure these are undertaken in a timely manner against national standards for cancer diagnosis

Work closely with the wider teams across the tumour site pathways and RDS Navigators to input, record and provide analysis of the relevant service data

Deliver a patient-centred, clinically effective, proactive and dynamic service from the patient's referral to discharge

Work along the Senior management team to promote interagency multidisciplinary working, by developing MSE wide protocols and pathways to ensure continuous quality improvement of the Straight to Test (STT) service delivery model

Facilitate junior staff to reach their maximum potential through continuous professional/personal development and manage appraisals, sickness and performance improvement.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest in the country, with a workforce of approximately 15,000 who serve a population of 1.2 million people.

We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook - if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us.

We not only offer you a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress.

We look forward to your application. Please refer to attached Job Description for full list of responsibilities.

• Able to discuss current national guidance and the faster diagnostic target.
• Experience in both primary and secondary care managing urgent suspected cancer pathways
• Extensive nursing experience in general medicine and assessment of comorbidities for safe investigate ion management
• Good knowledge of frailty and management of patients clinical frailty score

• Experience in nursing management within one or all of
  - Cancer/endoscopy/diagnostics/procedures
• NMC Registered
• Endoscopy nursing experience or in depth knowledge
• 2 years experience

• Currently working as a band 7 or equivalent
• Managing a unit or a team
• NHS experience

• Appraisal training and management certificate
• Proven track record in performance improvement management
• Sickness management experience

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of…