Macmillan Lead for Older Adults in Oncology - Plymouth, United Kingdom - University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Verified Company

Plymouth, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior practitioner with demonstrable experience to undertake a 2 year Macmillan project to improve the care and management of older patients with cancer within Oncology.

The post holder will investigate how Comprehensive Geriatric assessment (CGA) and best practice initiatives can be incorporated into oncology clinics and within teams to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The aim is to implement the best possible care for older cancer patients enabling them not only to receive the most appropriate treatment for them but also reduce their risks of toxicities, hospital admissions and mortality.

As an advanced practitioner they will provide expert clinical care and management to older persons with cancer and upskill teams on how to manage and deal with older persons health needs.

Undertake a 2 year project to enhance the care of older persons with cancer; investigate and consider the use of geriatric assessment tools and best practice: pilot tools and new ways of working to improve care
As an integrated member of oncology to implement new ways of working to improve care to older persons through training and education
Engage a multiprofessional approach with internal and external stakeholders
As an advanced practitioner provide clinical care within sphere of expertise for older patients with cancer

The Oncology dept includes a chemotherapy day unit and radiotherapy dept, inpatient and outpatient services which are complimented by the Mustard Tree Support Centre, Cancer Nurse Specialists, Acute Oncology and Palliative Care Service.

The post holder will work as an integrated member of the oncology multidisciplinary team.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
'Relocation package may be available'.

The post holder will:

Act as a highly specialised role model and leader for all members of staff, and play a major role in the continuous development of the services within Oncology for older persons with cancer
Work as a high level practitioner with advanced clinical skills within oncology to ensure that older adults with cancer within their sphere of clinical expertise receive holistic, timely and high quality clinical care.
Provides expert professional advice to older adults with cancer, carers and colleagues and ensure teams are supported through education and training to deliver high quality care and any changes to service provision
Have a thorough understanding of the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment and use it to evaluate with validated tools key domains impacting on the wellbeing of older adults with cancer including: functional status, comorbidities, cognition, nutrition, psychologic status, polypharmacy and social support and activity, geriatric syndromes)
Investigate and consider the use geriatric assessment tools to address the complex needs of older adults with cancer with the aim to provide personalised and holistic care in the context of multidisciplinary interventions delivered by oncology teams
Establish and maintain close links with community services, primary care and social care in order to ensure continuity of care and maximise the level of support for older adults with cancer
Exercise advanced clinical expertise, levels of judgement, discretion and decision making in clinical care, whilst maintaining a professional portfolio that supports their scope of practice.
Monitor and lead improvements to standards of care through; supervision of practice, clinical audit, implementation of evidence based practice, teaching and support of colleagues and the provision of professional leadership.
Lead the implementation of new evidence based practice and contribute to the development of the evidence through research, audit and collaboration with clinical or academic staff.
Contribute to clinical governance by leading quality improvement, audit and research projects as part of the multidisciplinary servicewide performance and quality agenda.

Role model the Trusts values and behaviours, demonstrating a person centred approach to service delivery and development