The SCAN (Suspected CANcer) Pathway: Many patients visit their GP with ‘vague’ symptoms such as weight loss and tiredness. These symptoms are called ‘non-specific’ as they affect the whole person. Often the cause of these symptoms remains unclear after GP assessment. There is commonly a minor cause for such symptoms. However, there is a small chance that they could be the signs of a serious illness, such as cancer. Therefore, these symptoms are often called ‘low-risk but not no-risk’ symptoms. The SCAN Pathway provides GP’s with access to rapid investigations for patients with ‘non-specific’ symptoms. This avoids patients can go back and forth between their GP and the hospital many times until a diagnosis is made; this takes time with diagnoses and treatment potentially delayed. Although the risk of serious disease is low, a delay in diagnosis and treatment may have a negative effect on the patients’ health and overall wellbeing. Dependent on these results, an appointment with a Doctor working in a Multi Diagnostic Clinic (MDC) is arranged. The aim is to reach a diagnosis and begin treatment as quickly as possible. Navigators co-ordinate all aspects of the SCAN pathway, both face to face and virtually; organising appointments, acting as a support and information role for others within the service and undertaking clinical duties.
Responsibilities
- Provide a constant point of contact, provide advice, support and information for all patients referred to the SCAN pathway, from referral to diagnosis or at the point they are assigned a Cancer Nurse Specialist (if a cancer is found).
- Liaise with referring GP’s to collect data/information required for project.
- Cannulate patients and take blood samples prior their CT scan.
- Ensure that samples collected from patients are sent to laboratory for testing.
- Collect required survey information from patients throughout the patients’ pathway.
- To liaise with the Multi Diagnostic Clinic teams to arrange patient appointments and review.
- To vet within guidelines and assess referrals as required.
- To advise medical and non-medical referrers as to the appropriate radiological investigation as required.
- To undertake formal training in role extension as required and in accordance with departmental policies and requirements.
- To provide professional and emotional support to peers and junior staff.
- To relate to all patients with understanding and care, respecting their privacy and dignity to provide a caring and confidential service.
- To demonstrate dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail in the preparation of specialist equipment for procedures to be undertaken within the unit whilst adhering to Local and Trust policies e.g. intravenous drug administration, taking blood samples.
- To be able to use the departmental Radiology Information System, Computerised Radiography system and the Picture Archiving Communication System following training.
- To manage own workload and organise departmental workload when necessary.
- Nurse, Radiographer, Physician Associate or equivalent) to work as a Suspected Cancer Pathway (SCAN) Navigator on a 1-year fixed term contract (or secondment, if applicable) based in the Radiology Department at the Churchill Hospital.
You will need post-graduate NHS experience, advanced communication skills, patient assessment and history taking, and the confidence to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering the SCAN pathway. You will support patients through the diagnostic process, coordinate their care across complex diagnostic pathways and contribute positively to the ongoing development of the service. This role is suitable for any registered healthcare practitioner who wants to work in a patient-focused, pathway coordination role within a dedicated team.
Qualifications
- Professional registration
- Post graduate experience working in the NHS
- Understanding of NHS systems and patient pathways
- You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Desirable criteria
- Experience working in oncology, radiology, or diagnostic services, Evidence of safe clinical practice, including patient assessment
- Evidence of venepuncture/ cannulation
- Evidence of adhering to policies and procedures
- IV cannulation course completed
- Experience working in imaging or MDT settings, Ability to manage own workload
- Ability to manage time effectively to deliver priorities within agreed timescales
- Ability to work under pressure
- Evidence of commitment to CPD and maintaining professional standards
- Experience of teaching or mentoring
- Experience of audit or service improvement, Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with patients, carers, and staff
- Ability to explain complex or upsetting information in a way patients can understand
- Evidence of maintaining confidentiality and dignity
- Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience supporting patients through complex or distressing pathways
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. Find out more here www.ouh.nhs.uk
The Trust comprises four hospitals – the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel
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