Cancer Pathway Navigator: Patient Care & Coordination

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Patient Pathway Navigator to support cancer pathways at Southampton. You will coordinate diagnostic investigations, chase appointments, and be the first point of contact for patient queries, ensuring timely progression and clear communication.

In this fixed-term role, you will contribute to MDT meetings, manage waiting times data, and collaborate with clinical and admin colleagues to deliver patient-centred care across the pathway.

Qualifications

• Training and experience in administrative roles to vocational level 3 or equivalent.
• Diploma level 4 or equivalent in administrative work procedures.
• Grounding in medical terminology.
• NHS experience with a broad range of specialities.
• Experience in pathway coordination/navigation or similar.
• Proficient with hospital computerised patient systems.
• Experience in patient or customer facing roles.

Responsibilities

• Navigating and chasing diagnostic investigations and appointments for cancer pathway within the appropriate time frames.
• Act as the first point of contact for patients queries in relation to the cancer pathways and next steps.
• Proactively communicate with patients and families about upcoming appointments and provide guidance on next steps.
• Be knowledgeable on cancer waiting time standards and ensure timed pathways are followed.
• Work closely with the MDT coordinator as required.
• Supply weekly cancer PTL meetings preparation, facilitate and record outcomes via the Somerset cancer database.
• Attend weekly MDT meetings and take actions as required.
• Develop and maintain office and administrative systems to support the cancer team.
• Review and analyse waiting times across cancer pathways, escalating delays and breaches.
• Collaborate with MDT coordinator as point of contact for clinical staff, managers, and booking teams.
• Use electronic hospital systems to access results or information as required.
• Promote patient-centred care and establish good relationships with patients and relatives.
• Provide empathy and support and signpost to CNS team as appropriate.
• Support transfers of patient care to other organisations or teams following IPT processes.
• Ensure the minimum data set is received from external trusts for MDT discussion or treatment.
• Escalate bottlenecks on patient pathways to cancer services manager and/or services.
• Cross-cover colleagues during annual leave and sickness periods.
• Identify patients who DNA'd diagnostic tests or outpatient appointments and manage accordingly.

Job description

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Patient Pathway Navigator to support cancer pathways at Southampton. You will coordinate diagnostic investigations, chase appointments, and be the first point of contact for patient queries, ensuring timely progression and clear communication.

In this fixed-term role, you will contribute to MDT meetings, manage waiting times data, and collaborate with clinical and admin colleagues to deliver patient-centred care across the pathway.