Job summary
An exciting 12-month secondment opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated nurse to join the Plastics Service at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust as a Plastics Breast Reconstruction Clinical Nurse Specialist (DIEP).

The post holder will provide specialist nursing support and care coordination for patients undergoing breast reconstruction, with a particular focus on Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction. Working as part of a highly specialised multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will support patients throughout their reconstructive journey from referral and pre-operative assessment through surgery, recovery and follow-up.

This maternity leave cover provides an excellent developmental opportunity for an experienced nurse wishing to develop advanced specialist skills in breast reconstruction, complex case management, service improvement and patient experience. The role will involve close working with members across the Plastics MDT to deliver safe, effective and compassionate patient-centred care.

The post holder will contribute to service development, patient information, audit, governance and quality improvement initiatives to support the ongoing advancement of the breast reconstruction service at MFT.

Main duties of the job
The post holder acts as a key point of contact throughout the patient pathway, delivering expert advice, education and emotional support from initial consultation through to recovery. They participate in consultant-led and multidisciplinary clinics, supporting patient assessment, preparation and informed decision-making regarding reconstructive surgery.

Working collaboratively with surgical teams, ward staff and allied health professionals, the Nurse ensures continuity of care across inpatient and outpatient settings. Key responsibilities include post-operative follow-up, monitoring recovery, managing patient enquiries, identifying complications, providing safety-netting advice and escalating concerns appropriately.

The role includes coordinating referrals to services such as physiotherapy, lymphoedema, psychology, smoking cessation and rehabilitation to optimise patient outcomes. Contribute to MDT discussions, supports complex patient management and promotes personalised, evidence-based care.

The post holder maintains accurate clinical records and contributes to service development through audit, quality improvement, patient experience initiatives and the development of patient information and clinical pathways. They also support the education of healthcare professionals involved in breast reconstruction care.

Act as a patient advocate, promoting shared decision-making and ensuring the highest standards of patient care and experience throughout the reconstructive pathway.

About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.

Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.

At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Job responsibilities
IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place , simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

• Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
• Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.
• Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check
Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Surgical Nursing experience
• Evidence of MDT working
• Able to self manage workload
• Evidence of supporting staff in practice /mentorship

Desirable

• Breast or Plastics experience
• Wound care knowledge
• DIEP trained
• Hive knowledge

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.