Specialist Screening Practitioner

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

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Bedford is seeking an enthusiastic nurse to assess participants for colonoscopy in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. The role requires strong organizational and communication skills along with the ability to work independently. You'll be involved in patient advocacy, decision-making support, and participate in multidisciplinary meetings. This is a full-time permanent position with competitive salary and training opportunities.

Benefits

State-of-the-art facilities

High-quality training and development

Qualifications

• Registered First-Level Nurse qualification.
• Experience managing own caseload in a clinical setting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assess participants for colonoscopy and provide support.
• Act as an advocate for individuals and support decision making.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Clinical assessment skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Registered First-Level Nurse

Teaching and mentoring course

Evidence of continuing professional development

Job description

Job Summary

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme has been successfully rolled out across the UK over the last decade and is now well established and recognised as reducing the number of people who die from bowel cancer by 16%. Due to continued development and expansion of the service we are looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic nurse to join this exciting and fast moving service.

The main function of your role will be to assess participants’ suitability for colonoscopy, inform and support them through the process, including communicating results, providing a quality service and maintaining accurate records that reflect this.

You will be required to attend Multi‑Disciplinary Team meetings and link with health promotion teams to improve uptake and inclusivity.

You should be able to work independently and autonomously across Bedfordshire Foundation NHS Trust but with the benefit of working within a supportive team environment.

It is essential that you have good organisational and communications skills and you must be able to work flexibly as our screening lists may be undertaken 7 days a week.

Contact Jamunadevi Doraikannu – Lead Specialist Screening Practitioner on 01582 497939 or email [e-mail] to arrange an informal visit.

Duties

This role will include the delivery of nurse‑led and virtual clinics within the community of Luton and Bedfordshire.

You will act as the individual’s advocate, supporting and empowering them and their family to make informed choices and decisions about their screening examination, care, treatment and future participation, through all stages of the programme.

You will be involved in assessing individuals, making decisions based on the outcomes of your assessment and managing your own caseload.

You will participate at colorectal cancer multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT) in the participating individuals' relevant Trust.

You need to work well within a team and also work autonomously as an individual.

You will be expected to communicate sensitive and bad news to individuals when required.

About the Trust

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high‑performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and well‑being of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in the region you will have access to a programme of high‑quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state‑of‑the‑art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting‑edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new external staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Application Details

Date posted: 24 November 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £38,682 – £46,580 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 418‑NUR6449‑MR

Job locations: Bedford Hospital, Kempston Road, BEDFORD, MK429DJ

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• Registered First‑Level Nurse
• Teaching and mentoring course
• Evidence of continuing professional development in speciality.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Evidence of study at degree level
• Certification in Advanced Communication skills

Experience (Essential)

• Broad range of clinical experience with specific experience in managing own caseload/working within a speciality.
• Application of teaching within the work area

Experience (Desirable)

• Experience of providing nurse‑led clinics
• Participation in service development and implementation of change
• Able to analyse complex patient conditions and take appropriate action within the context of Bowel Cancer Screening

Knowledge (Essential)

• Able to perform assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of specialist care
• Ability to communicate in a variety of settings with patients of varying levels of understanding
• Able to prioritise and manage own workload and work with minimal supervision
• Basic IT skills in word processing and spreadsheets

Knowledge (Desirable)

• Specific knowledge relating to national policies and procedures relevant to the NHS bowel Cancer Screening Programme

Personal Attributes (Essential)

• Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the health care setting
• Ability to travel independently and work cross site

Additional Information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Additional information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Further information can be seen on NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Employer name: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Bedford Hospital, Kempston Road, BEDFORD, MK429DJ

Website: https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/