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Job summary

Main area
Medicine
Grade
Band 7
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (Secondment opportunity available)
Hours
Part time - 22.5 hours per week (core hours are 8.30-4.30 monday to friday at present)
Job ref
279-7112798-MAY25
Employer
279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
St Richards Hospital
Town
Chichester
Salary
£46,148 - £52,809 per annum pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
10/06/2025 23:59

Employer heading

279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust logo

Senior Diabetes Nurse Specialist

Band 7

 About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

 Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First .  In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme  for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. 

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. 

 

Job overview

To develop, co-ordinate and provide a highly specialist diabetes care service, while working in partnership with patients and their carers/relatives and clinicians in the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust catchment area. To be a clinical and educational resource and provider of specialist care for patients and their health professionals across the healthcare community. 

To provide patient care in delivering type 1 structured education, therapy involving technology and inpatient care. 

We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.

Main duties of the job

Please note that this role is a secondment opportunity. Before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current line manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without your current manager’s approval. If you are unable to gain your managers approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.

Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position. 

 

To lead the inpatient diabetes in-reach service as part of a wider band 7 team.

To educate patients and carers on diabetes management

To educate staff

To lead on service development opportunities

 

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme  for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. 

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communications and Relationship skills - (Factor 1) 

  • To provide expert nursing advice and support to patients, their families / carers and other healthcare professionals following diagnosis and through treatment. 

  • Promote effective communication across primary and secondary care interface to ensure a seamless, equitable, quality service is provided for all people with diabetes ins the University Hospitals Sussex catchment.  

  • To provide and deliver structured type 1 education. 

  • To follow up patients as appropriate and ensure that all information is available to enable patients to make an informed choice about management and treatment. 

  • To impart news of chronic illness and be able to work effectively in distressing circumstances. 

  • To create opportunities to promote and share good practice locally and nationally by undertaking presentations and publications. 

  • To support the Nurse Consultant in Diabetes and senior colleagues in the event of a major incident and to organise care for relatives in the designated area. 

 

 

2.    Analytical and Judgemental skills - (Factor 3) 

  • Able to perform concise, comprehensive patient assessments, identify risk factors, advise on lifestyle and treatment options, generate a care plan and evaluate outcomes. 

  • Undertake diagnostic / therapeutic interventions as an autonomous practitioner. To interpret results and initiate possible treatment on the basis of the findings. 

  • To advise on a range of medications, insulins and methods of administration. To adjust doses of regimen, transfer patients to insulin, and to discontinue oral agents when commencing insulin for in and out patients under agreed guidelines and protocols. 

  • To have an understanding of and be able to facilitate technology based solutions where appropriate ie; pump therapy, flash glucose monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring systems. 

  • To have the ability to analyse and interpret national local and national audit reports and produce recommendations resulting from these. 

 

 

3.    Planning and Organisational skills - (Factor 4) 

  • Organise and deliver education and training programmes to multi-professionals and individuals with diabetes. 

  • To attend and co-ordinate MDT meetings where appropriate. 

  • To manage a complex caseload of outpatients as needed, discharging back to community and primary care services where required 

  • Support the triage of diabetes patient referrals into the specialist diabetes team, assessing urgency and signposting to appropriate HCP to see the patient.  

 

 

4.    Patient/ Client Care - (Factor 6) 

  • To lead on and be actively involved in nurse led inpatient care, liaising with ward staff to provide specialist advice to patients and staff, ensure high quality nursing care.  

  • To provide clinical expertise, psychological and social support to people with diabetes, their relatives / carers at all stages of the disease, in hospital and clinics. 

  • To demonstrate compassion, empathy and sensitivity to clients who may have complex emotional and physical conditions and social concerns requiring moderate emotional effort on a daily basis. 

  • Prioritise safety and timely discharge or transfer of care of patients from or between hospitals and services and health care professionals ensuring barriers are identified and acted on appropriately. 

 

 

5.    Policy and Service Development Implementation - (Factor 7) 

  • To ensure that all care given is in accordance with agreed local and national guidelines, protocols and policies 

  • To lead and actively participate in service development projects and quality initiatives. This will include the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of initiatives and standards. 

  • To take a lead role in updating policies, pathways and guidelines to ensure a high standard of evidence based care. 

  • Lead on or actively participate in patient experience initiatives, to seek patient experience feedback in relation to service delivery. 

 

 

6.    Financial and Physical Development (inc. equipment, stock etc) - (Factor 8) 

  • Contribute to the management of the department budget. 

  • To assist the Nurse Consultant in ensuring the best use of available resources to provide a cost effective service. 

  • Ensure regular reviews of the department budget, stock levels and equipment. 

 

 

7.    Human Resources (inc. developing and delivering training) - (Factor 9) 

  • Provide cover for other specialist nurses within the diabetes team, as appropriate. 

  • Line manage junior staff within the team, including appraisals, training and development 

  • Participate in the development, support and supervision of junior staff within the diabetes team. 

  • To participate in training and education events provided by the trust. 

  • To provide on-going diabetes education both structured and opportunist for nursing and medical staff, evaluating behaviour change against outcomes. 

  • To provide specialist teaching in diabetes care and management for the degree and masters level students. 

  • To support the Nurse Consultant and senior colleagues to manage staff and resources effectively to achieve team and trust objectives. 

  • Management of sickness, disciplinary and capability issues. 

  • To be aware of and adhere to current HR policies.  

  • To participate in the recruitment and retention of staff. 

 

 

8   Information Resources - (Factor 10) 

  • Use of databases and spreadsheets. 

  • Use of Trust IT systems, such as the patient administration system, electronic prescribing and notes system. 

  • Ensure information governance policies are adhered to.  

 

 

9   Research and Development - (Factor 11) 

  • To lead on specific clinical audit projects within the trust and participate in research projects where applicable. 

  • To attend meetings and conferences as appropriate.  

  • To participate in the management of patient care underpinned by research, taking into account the legal and ethical aspects of nursing care and record keeping. 

  • To participate in the promotion of a positive learning and working environment.   

  • To provide on-going diabetes education both structured and opportunist for nursing and medical staff, evaluating behavior change against outcomes. 

 

10.  Professional (not included in any of the above factors) 

  • To maintain accurate, contemporaneous electronic clinical records and legible written records. 

  • To have a leadership role within the department and the Trust. 

  • To keep up to date with current literature and research in the speciality. 

  • To undergo and actively participate in own performance appraisals. 

  • Perform staff appraisals within the team. 

  • Practice in accordance with the NMC code of conduct. 

  • Maintain and be responsible for own revalidation and registration. 

 

 

11.  Clinical (not included in any of the above factors) 

  • To triage patients using the Diabetes Specialist Nurse Telephone and email advice line, offering support, advice and treatment changes. To provide telephone support and advice to healthcare professionals who request guidance in diabetes management 

  • To work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team to provide holistic care. 

  • To be a non-medical prescriber or be willing to undertake this qualification. 

Person specification

Qualifications & Experience

Essential criteria
  • NMC level 1
  • Relevant Post registration Qualification
  • First level degree
  • Non-medical prescriber (or willing to undertake)
  • Master’s degree or working towards.
  • Ability to prioritise own workload, triage and prioritise against competing service needs and to work under stress and with interruptions.

Clinical

Essential criteria
  • Experience of supervising junior staff / nursing students
  • Demonstrable post registration experience.
  • Relevant experience in diabetes.
  • Evidence of continued professional development
Desirable criteria
  • Experience in technologies including, CSII, CGM, Flash glucose monitoring

Analytical and judgemental

Essential criteria
  • Advanced clinical assessment skills and the ability to plan and implement treatment options
  • Evidence of critical and analytical skills

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential criteria
  • Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
  • Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardDisability confident employerStep into healthHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

This advert has been capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, it will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in this post to prevent you from missing out on applying for this opportunity.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
emma purser
Job title
diabetes nurse consultant designate
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
07786651886
Additional information

Informal contact and visits encouraged. please contact Emma to arrange.

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