Job Title

Lead CNS Acute Oncology The closing date is 14 April 2026University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking two motivated, flexible and resilient Lead Clinical Nurse Specialists to join and lead our Acute Oncology (AO) services across our sites at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital, Worthing Hospital and St Richard's Hospital.As Lead CNS, you will provide strategic, clinical and operational leadership for the Acute Oncology, Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) and Immunotherapy Toxicity (OTIS) services. You will lead and line-manage the AO teams across RSCH/PRH or WGH/SRH, working collaboratively with senior leadership to develop high-quality, responsive services aligned with national recommendations.Working at an advanced practice level for 50% of your role, you will act as an expert resource across Oncology, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of cancer, systemic treatments and associated toxicities. You will provide specialist clinical leadership for patients presenting acutely unwell due to cancer or treatment, those with suspected new cancer diagnoses, and patients with CUP, ensuring robust support for individuals and families throughout their pathway, including post‑MDT discussions.You will join a dynamic, supportive and forward‑thinking Cancer Division committed to delivering consistent standards of care and collaborative working across the Trust.Main Duties of the JobLeading AO service development across designated sites to ensure consistent, high‑quality care.Providing expert clinical leadership to deliver individualised, patient‑centred acute oncology care in inpatient and outpatient settings.Strengthening education and training for multidisciplinary teams in AO, CUP and immunotherapy toxicity management.Enhancing communication, pathways and collaborative working across the wider MDT.About us 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 a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.Candidate Pack Job responsibilities 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.Functions as a highly autonomous specialist practitioner, taking a lead role in complex clinical decision‑making for patients in AO. Uses advanced assessment and clinical judgement, particularly in situations without clear precedents or immediate access to senior support, and provides specialist advice, guidance, and leadership to the team in the management of patient.Explore and initiate innovative ways of collaborating with the multi‑disciplinary teams, AO and IO MDTs to continuously improve the care of emergency cancer patients that are either in or attend hospital.Practice at an advanced, highly specialist level demonstrating in‑depth knowledge and competence in all aspects of cancer and encompassing advanced assessment and clinical management skills that are evidence‑based.Demonstrate high levels of interpersonal and specialist technical skills in managing teams and collaborating with the SDEC/SACT ACPs when caring for patients with AO needs.To use highly developed and specialist knowledge to advise hospital staff on the investigations and treatment required by cancer patients during their inpatient or unplanned admission.Develop and establish clinically effective standards of specialist care, and initiates and develops protocols and guidelines that direct staff in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective specialist AO patient care across the hospital and in the community.To collaborate with the development of ambulatory pathways of care for unplanned presentations by patients with cancer.To work closely with the Sussex cancer centre to ensure rapid specialist review of patients with cancer.Demonstrate specialist expertise and function as a resource in all aspects of patients’ needs during their acute admissions. Planning, implementing, and evaluating specialist care delivery across the changing health needs.Develop a research culture within acute oncology, which focuses upon the quality outcomes of care of the patients journey through specialist and generalist areas.Manage DATIX and complaints as per Trust policy.Supervisor for members of the team studying masters or module to develop their careers.Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.Person Specification Experience & QualificationsoMaster's in nursing including advanced clinical practice skill set. [working towards]oExperience in cancer nursing, Acute Oncology and SACToCancer or Haematology Nursing Pathway or equivalentoTeaching experienceoEvidence of quality improvement initiativeSkillsoExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsoLeadership and influencing skills, self‑awareness. Change management and negotiating skillsoAble to communicate effectively with carers and colleagues within multidisciplinary teamoAble to communicate highly complex and sensitive information to patients, carers, other professionals, and large groupsoAbility to problem solve, Highly developed decision‑making skillsComplex Data AnalysisPeople ManagementoAble to support training of assessment of competency for Haematology/Oncology acute oncology presentationsoAble to be a mentor across a range health care professionals on acute oncology presentationsoSpecialist knowledge of Haematology/Oncology related policies and procedures both Local and National.Able to Line Manage challenging work related issues within the teamSpecific RequirementsoComprehensive knowledge of clinical and professional issues relating to nursing and midwifery and the ability to apply these in practiceoAn understanding of Protection of vulnerable adults and childrenoAn ability to apply and teach audit and evidence‑based nursing practiceoA comprehensive understanding of resource management, Experience at a senior leveloExperience of writing reports and presentation skills, Experienced facilitatorEquality, Diversity and InclusionEvidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issuesEvidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)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.Address University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation TrustUniversity Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust#J-18808-Ljbffr