Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) Nurse Specialist for Head & Neck

Job overview

The post holder will be responsible for the clinical triage of urgent suspected Head & Neck cancer referrals, ensuring timely, appropriate allocation to diagnostic pathways in line with national guidance and local protocols. This includes assessing referral quality, clinical risk and urgency, identifying patients suitable for straighttotest or alternative diagnostic routes, and ensuring robust safetynetting is in place.

The role includes authorising and coordinating diagnostic investigations, working collaboratively with diagnostic services to optimise capacity, prioritisation and pathway flow, and prevent unnecessary delays. The post holder will have authority to request, reprioritise or amend investigations within agreed scope of practice.

The post holder will lead and undertake independent nurseled virtual clinics, providing clinical assessment, review of results, patient communication and onward pathway planning. Virtual clinics will be used to support early decisionmaking, reduce unnecessary facetoface attendances, and improve compliance with the Faster Diagnosis Standard while maintaining patient safety and experience.

End of fixed term contract - 30/06/2027

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will clinically triage urgent suspected Head & Neck cancer referrals, ensuring referrals are directed promptly and appropriately to diagnostic pathways in accordance with national guidance and local protocols. This includes evaluating referral quality, clinical risk and urgency, identifying suitability for straighttotest or alternative diagnostic pathways, and ensuring effective safetynetting arrangements are in place.
• The role includes authorising and coordinating diagnostic investigations, working collaboratively with diagnostic services to optimise capacity, prioritisation and pathway flow, and prevent unnecessary delays. The post holder will have authority to request, reprioritise or amend investigations within agreed scope of practice.
• The post holder will lead and undertake independent nurseled virtual clinics, providing clinical assessment, review of results, patient communication and onward pathway planning. Virtual clinics will be used to support early decisionmaking, reduce unnecessary facetoface attendances, and improve compliance with the Faster Diagnosis Standard while maintaining patient safety and experience.
• Provide expert clinical advice on Head & Neck cancer diagnostics, referral management and safety netting.
• Support complex clinical decision making and pathway escalation to minimise diagnostic delay.
• Promote a patient centred, equitable approach throughout the diagnostic process.
• Practice autonomously with a high level of accountability at a specialist level in the direct delivery of high-quality care, making critical clinical decisions based on advanced clinical skills assessment.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wavea national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see JD attached