Job overview

The post holder will work as part of the wider specialist palliative care team and be responsible for providing specialist/complex advice and support  to all members of the multi-professional team throughout the Trust in the care of patients and those important to them, with a life limiting illness who are experiencing symptoms that require specialist palliative care.

The post holder will be supported by the wider SPC team during their induction and throughout their progression within the team. The team consists of two Consultants in Palliative Medicine, Band 7 CNS's, B6 Associate CNS and a B7 Occupational Therapist who works two days a week. The team works closely with the SPC team at our Chelsea and Westminster Fulham road site and regular cross site meetings occur. Self development in line with service provision is encouraged and supported via the PDR process. As a small team you will enjoy the benefits and comradery of a  highly professional, compassionate and friendly team. 

The team recognises the emotive nature of the role. Reflection and discussion regarding complex cases is encouraged and often occurs on an informal basis within the team or on a one to one basis with colleagues. Clinical supervision with a clinical psychologist is also provided for each individual team member on a six weekly basis.

Please see attached Job description for full outline of post

Main duties of the job

A Band 7 Palliative Care CNS role encompasses a vast skill set, including clinical reasoning and expertise, leadership qualities, education, audit, and service development.

Using advanced  clinical judgement and skills you will be expected to provide advice and support for patients with a life limiting illness, recommending a concise and evidence based management plan.

Demonstrate ability and skills to carry out a comprehensive holistic needs assessment for each individual patient and those important to them.

Provide emotional, psychological and practical support to the individual, their family and /or those important to them.

Demonstrate advanced communication skills in all aspects of your role as a CNS supporting other members of the wider MDT who may require additional support. 

Manage an agreed caseload using in-depth knowledge of the patient group, and disease trajectories,  acting as the key worker and co-ordinator where appropriate.

Triage and manage referrals effectively from members of the multi-professional team in a clear and equitable way, to ensure that specialist palliative care is accessible according to need.

Actively participate as a member of the Specialist Palliative Care MDT and represent specialist palliative care services at cancer-site specific MDTs, and Ward based MDT’s

Demonstrate an ability to autonomously and independently assess, advise and suggest a management plan at the weekends when lone working.

Working for our organisation

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.

We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.

The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven’t heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.