Project Name: BHSCT Breast Cancer Service Improvement Project 

Project Summary:

The Collaborative Working Project (CWP) aims to maximise efficiency and optimise workforce capacity within the BHSCT breast cancer oncology service. This will be achieved by creating two new dedicated workforce roles: one Breast Cancer Care Coordinator (BCCC) and one Oncology Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), both for two years

The project intends to improve the efficiency of clinical appointments, enhancing the patient pathway and providing a more coordinated approach to breast cancer care. The new roles will support the breast oncology multidisciplinary team and coordinate the pathway for patients with primary and secondary breast cancer.

The Band 5 Breast Cancer Care Coordinator will work with patients to ensure they understand their diagnosis and navigate the health and social care system. Responsibilities include ensuring patients know their next appointment, booking next steps on the clinical pathway, liaising with pharmacy and home delivery, and triaging incoming calls.

The Band 6 Breast Cancer Oncology CNS will work alongside other CNSs to act as a key worker across the care pathway, complete Holistic Needs Assessments, attend MDT meetings, and provide holistic support to patients.

These roles aim to enhance patient care, improve patient experience, and increase efficiencies in the patient pathway. 

The project duration is 30 months, with 24 months of clinical activity.

Expected Benefits:

ANTICIPATED BENEFITS FOR PATIENTS

  • Increased access to equitable, consistent, and standardised care   
  • Enhanced experience for patients and their carers who live with a breast cancer diagnosis;  
  • Increased opportunity to have a personalised care and support plan helping patients to address their concerns 
  • Increased understanding of the patients' needs by the NHS team

 

ANTICIPATED BENEFITS FOR THE NHS

  • Increase the overall quality of care and improve equity of access to specialist care for patients with BC requiring treatment initiation, evaluation, and monitoring.  
  • Improved understanding of the current service pathway, and associated efficiencies and inefficiencies. Potential to lead to solutions which could allow the CW Partner’s organisation to enhance both patient experience and outcomes. 
  • Free up consultant capacity for clinical activities that are unique to their skillset.   
  • Reduction in waiting list times 
  • Enhanced organisational reputation 

ANTICIPATED BENEFITS FOR NOVARTIS 

  • Better understanding of overall customers’ and patients’ needs 
  • Optimal use of medicines in line with local/national guidance in appropriate patients. 
  • Ethical, professional, and transparent relationship between Novartis and the Healthcare Organisations  

Start Date & Duration: February 2025 – 30 months duration

FA-11362116 | February 2025