Cancer Pathway Navigator(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
Help Patients Navigate One of Life’s Most Difficult Moments
A suspected cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. As a Cancer Pathway Navigator, you will be the steady, reliable presence guiding patients through the earliest and often most anxious stage of their journey.
This role places you at the centre of cancer care coordination — ensuring that patients move efficiently from referral to diagnosis, in line with the national 28-day Faster Diagnosis Standard. Your work will directly influence how quickly and safely patients receive clarity about their health.
About the Trust
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides acute and community healthcare to more than 420,000 people across Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark, Sherwood and surrounding areas.
King’s Mill Hospital is rated “Outstanding” for care by the Care Quality Commission and the Trust has consistently been recognised as one of the best acute NHS employers in the East Midlands. The organisation is clinically led and deeply committed to compassionate, person-centred care.
The Purpose of the Role
As Cancer Pathway Navigator, you will:
- Act as a single point of contact for patients during the diagnostic phase.
- Coordinate investigations, appointments, admissions and follow-ups.
- Monitor patient pathways to meet the 28-day Faster Diagnosis Standard.
- Identify potential delays early and take action to resolve them.
Escalate risks appropriately to maintain safe and timely care.
You will work closely with clinicians, MDT coordinators, operational managers and administrative teams to ensure that every step of the pathway is aligned and seamless.
What the Role Involves
Patient Support & Communication
- Provide compassionate, clear communication to patients and families.
- Keep patients informed about next steps and expected timelines.
- Offer reassurance and practical guidance throughout the diagnostic stage.
Pathway Coordination
- Track and manage patient progress across multiple IT systems.
- Ensure all tests and results are arranged within required timescales.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
Performance & Improvement
- Support delivery of national cancer performance targets.
- Contribute to pathway reviews and service development initiatives.
- Collaborate across departments to improve efficiency and patient experience.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking someone who is:
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Calm and professional under pressure.
- Confident communicating sensitive information with empathy.
- Skilled in data management and IT systems.
- Proactive in identifying and resolving delays or barriers.
- Experience within healthcare administration, cancer services, or patient pathway management would be advantageous.
Visa & Right to Work Guidance
Not all roles within the Trust qualify for sponsorship. Applicants are advised to check official government guidance regarding eligibility.
Useful resources:
- Skilled Worker visa overview
- Eligible healthcare occupations list
- Faster Diagnosis Standard guidance
- Employer Right to Work checks
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
Recent changes in Home Office guidance may affect visa-switching eligibility, even where roles appear on published occupation lists.
Why This Role Matters
Cancer pathways are complex and time-critical. Behind every appointment and test result is a person waiting for answers. As a Cancer Pathway Navigator, your organisation, vigilance and compassion will make a measurable difference — not only to performance standards, but to the emotional experience of patients and families.
