Aortopathy Nurse Specialist

Go back University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

The closing date is 02 February 2026

We have a great opportunity for a cardiac nurse to move into a specialist nurse role and develop their nursing career. The Sussex Cardiac Centre in Brighton is a leading adult cardiac surgery unit. We have an established Aortopathy service with close collaboration between cardiology, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery.

We are looking to maintain and develop further the Aortopathy service with an additional nurse specialist who will deliver innovative and collaborative ways of working to provide specialist care for patients and their families. This will involve nurse-led Aortopathy clinics and co-facilitating the bi- monthly Aortopathy MDT.

Previous experience looking after these specialist groups is not needed as you will develop your knowledge when in post, but an interest in this area is essential.

You will need to be an experienced cardiac nurse with excellent communication skills to liaise with a wide range of professionals. You will need excellent organisational and prioritisation skills as you will be co-case managing over 1000 patients. You will need to be able to work independently and as part of a team, and have the clinical skills to be able to work confidently in this area.

You will also need experience of clinical audit in order to demonstrate effectiveness of service.

Provide autonomous specialist care to patients with Aortopathy.

Run bi-weekly nurse-led Aortopathy clinics in order to facilitate close imaging surveillance and health promotion, and identify patients who are approaching the threshold for surgery for discussion at the MDT.

Facilitate the alternate week Aortopathy MDT, presenting patients and arranging onward investigations, along with communication to clinicians and to the patient, in order to achieve timely surgery where required.

Identify patients that achieve the criteria for genetic testing, counselling the patient accordingly and facilitating the test and actioning results.

Collect and collate data to support the case management of this patient group.

Share responsibility for the development and management of these services.

Provide specialist education and training to staff and students.

Provide specialist advice to patients and/or their carers to influence better care and outcomes for patients.

Lead clinical audits.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, 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 abuddy to help new members settle in.

We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level
3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, relatives and healthcare professionals, including consultants and clinical nurse specialists working in this field. Share knowledge and experience through networking.
• Communicate life-changing issues such as a new diagnosis or medical complications to patients and provide support to patients and their families.
• Refer patients with complex issues and challenging behaviour for psychological care after obtaining the patients consent.
• Provide information on national support groups and charities.
• Acts as a patients advocate in issues concerning their care.
• Provide written and verbal reports to GPs and other members of the multidisciplinary team regarding treatment changes and recommended management of care. Communicate results of tests to patients and GPs.
• Support verbal communication by providing written educational material to patients, carers and healthcare professional to ensure understanding of complex issues. Explore different formats and media.
• Utilise the interpreting service for patients with a language barrier.
• Maintain accurate records regarding all patient contacts, including telephone consultations.
• Ensure close liaison with all members of the MDT including medical and nursing staff and referring centres.
• Ensure that confidentiality and adherence to the Data Protection Act in relation to own practice is maintained.
• Attend relevant internal and external meetings as required to communicate the performance of the service.
• Present data and nursing related information at both national and international level.
• Seek opportunities to publicise and promote the service.

Service delivery and improvement

• Share responsibility for the…