Job overview

·         This role is pivotal in providing the key expert and link for children and their families who are referred to our Neuroscience services, ensuring the swift and safe transfer back to care in the community.  They will act as an expert resource for children with neurological treatment needs  and act as the key worker to provide help and support to neurosurgical patients during active treatment for a particular pathway.

·         The post holder will take a particular lead in the care of children with hydrocephalus within the region and lead provide leadership in the rehabilitation of children and take part in Nurse led shunt  clinics. They will be an equal partner and key member of the MDT.

·         They will deliver education and support the development of nurse education and practice for neurosurgical care at St Georges Hospital.

Main duties of the job

·         To provide professional and clinical leadership and expertise in the specialty of Neuroscience care and to act as a resource for education and clinical expertise in hospital and community settings.

·         To develop appropriate resource and teaching strategies with children/families and/or staff  in the clinical, social and educational settings.

·         To promote child/family autonomy through education and support enabling the child/family  is able to make informed choices about their own care.

·         To be familiar with and help develop both national/local current clinical protocols and research protocols and relevant investigations and procedures employed in the diagnosis and treatment of neuroscience disease on conditions.

·         To be competent in the assessment and management of neuroscience disease with regards to the specialist clinics run in conjunction with consultants and ongoing individual case management.

·        To offer an individual service and psychological support and counselling to patients and carers respecting their diverse cultural and ethinic backgrounds.

·         To work in conjunction with other referring hospitals where this is indicated and as the needs of the service change.

·        Be recognised as an expert in their field holding additional qualifications/specialist knowledge and expertise.

·         To be able to work both individually and as part of the multidisciplinary team.

Working for our organisation

St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC). 

 After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.