Diagnostic Pathway Clinical Nurse Specialist, Band 6

NHS; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare provider in Gloucester is seeking a Diagnostic Pathway Clinical Nurse Specialist to enhance care for patients on the diagnostic pathway. This role involves pre-screening, providing expert advice, and improving patient experiences. The ideal candidate is a registered nurse with leadership experience and expertise in Endoscopy. Competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered in a caring environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

NHS pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Evidence of clinical assessment skills and decision-making for onward care planning with concise documentation.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Approachable, resilient, and empathetic.

Responsibilities

• Pre-screen all 2-week-wait referrals and interpret clinical information.
• Determine the next stage of the patient’s pathway using locally agreed algorithms.
• Provide expert and comprehensive advice to the pre-assessment team.

Skills

Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council with teaching and assessing qualifications

Evidence of relevant continued professional development

Appropriate experience at a Band 5 level

Experience within Endoscopy or Colorectal/Oncology setting

Previous experience of leading or coordinating a team

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Good time-management

Good leadership qualities

Education

Registered Nurse qualification

Job description

Job Summary

The Diagnostic pathway clinical nurse specialist role will be a unique role within our Endoscopy service. It has been developed to transform the care and experience of patients referred for endoscopic investigations via the 2 week wait and routine pathway.

Main Responsibilities and Key Result Areas

• Pre‑screen all 2‑week‑wait referrals and use specialist nursing knowledge to interpret clinical information and results of investigations.
• Using locally agreed algorithms, determine the next stage of the patient’s pathway, including referral to the pre‑assessment team, telephone assessment, referral to outpatients clinic or other specialist services, or discharge back to the GP where criteria are not met.
• Respond to referrals from the pre‑assessment team, taking appropriate action for individual patients.
• Provide expert and comprehensive advice to the pre‑assessment team and the wider clinical team.
• Demonstrate commitment to improve patient experience and utilise advanced communication skills to support patients through their diagnostic pathway.
• Act as the point of contact for patients referred on the 2‑week‑wait pathway until a cancer diagnosis has been made or excluded.
• Be the point of contact for the booking team regarding clinical queries about lower GI referrals.
• Undertake service audits of appropriateness of referrals and patient outcomes/experience.
• Respond to clinical incidents as required.
• Ensure compliance with Best Practice, JAG Guideline and NICE guidance in relation to patient pathway.
• Send clinic summary letters to the GP for assessed patients.
• Analyze potential breaches of waiting‑time targets and act to avert delays.
• Develop patient and staff education information.
• Maintain a physical and psychological environment conducive to high‑quality care.
• Adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times.
• Participate in Endoscopy User Group, Governance and Unit meetings.
• Support future service development in Endoscopy.

About Us

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. Joining our Trust offers an excellent package that includes inclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, on‑site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition, and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.

We offer a friendly, supportive working environment across Gloucestershire. For a tour of the Endoscopy Units, please contact:

Matron Rose Verdadero – 0300 422 2262 / 07866763010

Clinical Endoscopist Amber Prisk – 0300 422 8223

Details

• Date Posted: 07 November 2025
• Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: 6
• Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year (pro rata if part‑time)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full‑time
• Reference Number: 318‑25‑T0695
• Job Location: Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, GL1 3NN

Qualifications and Skills

• Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council with teaching and assessing qualifications
• Evidence of relevant continued professional development
• Appropriate experience at a Band 5 level
• Experience within Endoscopy or Colorectal/Oncology setting
• Previous experience of leading or coordinating a team
• Evidence of clinical assessment skills and decision‑making for onward care planning with concise documentation
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good time‑management
• Ability to resolve conflict or challenges constructively
• Good leadership qualities
• Approachable, resilient, empathetic

Desirable

• Previous experience in history‑taking or pre‑assessment
• Knowledge of the cancer patient pathway
• Experience of change management

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check is required to verify any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must hold current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Gloucester, GL1 3NN

Employer’s Website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)