Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Rapid Diagnostic Centre

The closing date is 19 November 2026

Job summary
Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust are looking to employ a band 6 associate Clinical Nurse Specialist to support the management of the Faster diagnostic standard across all 3 sites of the MSEFT Rapid Diagnostic Centre service 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.

THIS POST WILL BE MANAGED MAINLY FROM THE BASILDON HUB BUT WILL INVOLVE MANAGING PATIENTS ACROSS ALL SITES REMOTELY FROM THE HUB WITH OCCASIONAL VISITS TO THE SITES

Main duties of the job

• 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.

About us
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.

Details
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 a year (Per Annum, Pro Rata for Part Time)
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share
Reference number: 390-NM-DOM-SO-9730
Job locations: Basildon, Nethermayne, Basildon, SS16 5NL, United Kingdom

Person Specification
Tumour site patient management

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

Qualifications

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

Experience

• Desirable: 2 years experience
• Desirable: NHS experience
• Essential: Currently working as a band 5 for 3 years or band 6
• Essential: Managing a unit or a team
• Desirable: Management of staff experience
• Essential: Appraisal training and management certificate
• Essential: Proven track record in performance improvement management
• Essential: Sickness management experience

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Basildon, Nethermayne, Basildon, SS16 5NL, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.mse.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: RDC manager, Emma Matthews, emma.matthews43@nhs.net, 01268524900

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