Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Worker

Job Purpose

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Worker will work as an integral member of the Breast Care Team, supporting patients diagnosed with metastatic (secondary) breast cancer throughout their care pathway. The post holder will provide personalised support, coordinate care, facilitate communication between patients and healthcare professionals, and help ensure that patients experience a seamless, high-quality service.

The role will support the delivery of the NHS Personalised Care agenda and national cancer recovery priorities by ensuring patients receive timely information, holistic assessment, supportive care interventions and access to appropriate services.

The post holder will work under the supervision of the Breast Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) and within established protocols, acting as an advocate for patients and helping them navigate complex treatment pathways.

Main Responsibilities

Patient Support and Care Coordination

• Act as a designated key worker for patients living with metastatic breast cancer.
• Serve as a consistent point of contact for patients, relatives and carers, responding to enquiries and ensuring concerns are addressed appropriately.
• Support patients throughout their cancer pathway, from diagnosis onwards, ensuring continuity of care.
• Assist patients in navigating healthcare services and accessing appropriate treatment, support and information.
• Support the coordination of investigations, outpatient appointments, treatments and follow-up reviews.
• Ensure patients receive appropriate information regarding their diagnosis, treatment options and available support services.
• Provide practical and emotional support to patients and their families whilst recognising the impact of a metastatic cancer diagnosis.

Personalised Care

• Undertake Holistic Needs Assessments (HNAs) in accordance with national personalised care standards.
• Support the development and review of personalised care and support plans.
• Identify physical, emotional, psychological, financial and social concerns affecting patients and carers.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate services to address identified needs.
• Support patients in self-management and health and wellbeing initiatives where appropriate.
• Assist in the completion of Treatment Summaries and personalised care documentation.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate sensitivity when discussing distressing or emotional issues.
• Liaise with primary care teams, community services, palliative care teams and external agencies to support patient care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings as required.
• Ensure accurate and timely communication between all agencies involved in the patient's care.

Service Coordination and Administration

• Manage and prioritise workload effectively to ensure efficient patient pathway management.
• Coordinate referrals and appointments across multiple healthcare settings.
• Monitor patient pathways to ensure timely access to investigations, treatments and support services.
• Assist with maintaining patient tracking systems and service databases.
• Produce correspondence and documentation related to patient care.
• Support cancer pathway tracking and performance monitoring where required.

Information and Signposting

• Provide information regarding local and national support services.
• Signpost patients and carers to services including:
  • Macmillan Cancer Support
  • Financial and welfare benefits advice
  • Psychological support services
  • Palliative care services
  • Community nursing teams
  • Rehabilitation and wellbeing programmes
  • Support groups and charitable organisations
• Promote patient education and access to available resources to improve wellbeing and quality of life.

Clinical Support

Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Specialists, the post holder may:

• Assist in preparing patients for clinic appointments.
• Support nurse-led clinics and follow-up services.
• Escalate clinical concerns promptly to the appropriate healthcare professional.
• Recognise signs of deterioration and follow escalation procedures.
• Support collection of patient-reported outcome measures and patient experience feedback.

Data Collection, Audit and Service Improvement

• Collect and record data required for local, regional and national cancer audits.
• Assist with service evaluation and quality improvement projects.
• Support the gathering of patient experience feedback.
• Participate in audits and implementation of service improvements.
• Contribute to meeting cancer quality standards and performance targets.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with Data Protection legislation and Trust policies.
• Work within own sphere of competence and seek advice when required.
• Maintain professional standards and undertake mandatory training.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal and personal development reviews.
• Demonstrate the Trust values at all times.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and supportive working environment.

Organisational Values

The post holder will be expected to demonstrate and uphold the values of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust by being:

• People Centred
• Positive
• Compassionate
• Excellence Driven

The post holder will ensure that these values are reflected in all interactions with patients, carers, colleagues and partner organisations.

Working Relationships

The post holder will work closely with:

• Breast Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Breast Surgeons
• Oncologists
• Palliative Care Teams
• Allied Health Professionals
• Cancer Services Teams
• Macmillan Professionals
• Primary Care Services
• Community Nursing Services
• Administrative and Operational Teams
• Voluntary and Charitable Organisations

This role offers an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of patients living with metastatic breast cancer by delivering personalised, compassionate and coordinated care within a specialist cancer service.