JOB DESCRIPTION SPECIALTY DOCTOR IN RHEUMATOLOGY (10 PA s per week) May 014
Job Title: Job Location: Specialty Doctor in Rheumatology Directorate of Acute Services, Emergency Care & Medicine Division, Altnagelvin Area Hospital. Supervising Consultant: Dr Philip Gardiner, Consultant Rheumatologist SUMMARY OF JOB ROLE This post is for a full time Specialty Doctor in Rheumatology on a whole time or maximum part time basis. It is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic doctor to work in a team providing a well-established biologics service for patients with arthritis, and to contribute to further developments. The post holder will: Assist the Consultant Rheumatologists in clinical duties, with particular responsibility for the biologics treatment service. He/she will provide day-to-day service delivery to these patients, and provide middle management to the anti- TNF team. He/she will be expected to maintain ALS training up to date and other mandatory training that may be required in the role. Provide middle grade rheumatology advisory telephone support to GPs to support shared care, ward reviews for rheumatology referrals and urgent review of patients diverted from A&E with rheumatological problems. The role may also involve some assistance with post-take ward rounds. Assist the Consultant Rheumatologists with clinics (-4 sessions per week), including administration i.e. dictation of letters, signing of results. Some of these sessions may be in Omagh or Enniskillen. Assist with clinical research in the Rheumatology department. The post-holder will be expected to attend Good Clinical Practice in research Training. It is expected that the appointee will assist with joint injections, if necessary, after a period of training. The post holder will also be encouraged to develop an area of special interest e.g. musculoskeletal ultrasound. This is a new post and should be of particular interest to candidates with innovative ideas and the ability to help further develop the service. 1
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE Essential Criteria Applicants must have Full Registration and a licence to practice with the GMC and have a minimum of four years full time postgraduate training (or its equivalent gained on a part-time or flexible basis) at least two of which will be in a specialty training programme in a relevant specialty or as a fixed term specialty trainee in a relevant specialty. Or Shall have equivalent experience and competencies. Desirable Training and Experience It is desirable that candidates: have at least one year of training at SpR/ST3+ level in both rheumatology and medicine should hold a relevant higher clinical postgraduate diploma e.g. MRCP & up to date ALS certification have evidence of training in teaching methods. Have experience and competency in common joint aspiration/injection procedures. Have a special interest e.g. musculo-skeletal ultrasound, sports medicine Have previous experience/training in research or medical statistics Current Staffing in Rheumatology, WHSCT: There are three consultant rheumatologists in the Trust and one full time specialty doctor in post at present. Two of the consultants participate in the general medical take system. There is also one SpR/ST3+ rotation post in Rheumatology and General Internal Medicine who will support the new appointee and who participates in the first on call medical rota in Altnagelvin hospital. There are three nurse specialists and (in 014) one part time research nurse. The rheumatology day unit also has clerical and nursing staff to support the activities on the ward. Rheumatology Service, WHSCT: We operate a dedicated day unit in Altnagelvin hospital for providing infusions of biologic drugs, Iloprost etc. Allergic reactions can occasionally occur, and the specialty doctors provide some of the medical cover on the unit in case of these events. The unit has two clinical rooms. There are currently over 450 rheumatology patients on biological therapy within the Trust, and we also provide an infusion service to gastroenterology patients on biological therapy. We also provide some other general medical injections/infusions in the unit by arrangement with other services. There is very little planned inpatient work in Rheumatology, but our official base ward is ward 1, medical. We do get a number of referrals regarding patients admitted on the general take and found to have acute rheumatology problems. All three consultants run clinics in Altnagelvin, Tyrone County and the South West Acute Hospitals. About 1500 new and 4,650 review patients are seen per year. A Biologics support clinic/early arthritis support clinic is currently run in our Altnagelvin hospital
day ward by the specialty doctor along with a specialist nurse. It is likely that a similar clinic will be started in the South West Acute Hospital. Other Medical Speciatlies in WHSCT:, Respiratory, Gastro-enterology, Endocrine, Geriatric medicine, Haematology, Neurology, Palliative Care and renal medicine. The oncology service is currently provided by visiting consultants but in the near future appointments will be made to support the planned radiotherapy unit. KEY ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS The postholder will be a member of the Emergency Care and Medicine Directorate. The present Consultant medical staff establishment in the Emergency Care and Medicine Directorate is as follows: Consultant Physicians Mr A McKinney Mr J Steele Dr P Baylis Dr S Clenaghan Dr A McNeill Dr J Purvis Dr P McGlinchey Dr S Hughes Dr M Moore Dr A Ramsewak Dr JA Peace Dr J Shand D P V Gardiner Dr W. Yau Dr D. Armstrong Dr C. Ferguson Dr W Dickey Dr N Mukherji Dr G Morrison Dr N Kelly Dr A. Hameed Dr M Oshodi (Locum) Dr N. Black Dr A. Thiraviaraj Dr R Sharkey Dr M McCloskey Dr M Kelly Dr J Corrigan Dr S Todd Dr J McElroy (Locum) Area of Special Interest A&E A&E A&E A&E Rheumatology/Medicine Rheumatology/Medicine Rheumatology/Medicine Gastroenterology/Medicine Gastroenterology/Medicine Gastroenterology/Medicine Gastroenterology/Medicine Gastroenterology/Medicine Acute Medicine/Endocrinology Acute Medicine Diabetes/Endocrinology Diabetes/Endocrinology Respiratory/Medicine Respiratory/Medicine Respiratory/Medicine Geriatrics Care of the Elderly Geriatrics Care of the Elderly Geriatrics Care of the Elderly 3
Dr M McCarron Dr C Donaghy Neurology Neurology Associate Specialists Dr S Barr Specialty Doctors Dr N Duddy, Haematology Dr Rosemary Friel; Rheumatology Staff Grade Dr J Finnerty, Palliative Care/Oncology Junior Medical Staff Specialist Registrars 11 Senior House Officers (4 Fs) 19 Foundation House Officers - 1 1 All junior medical staff are on a full shift rota. There will be the provision of specific secretarial office support, internet and I.T. PROFILE OF HOSPITAL Altnagelvin Area Hospital is a modern general hospital of 536 beds. Waterside Hospital has 18 beds The major medical specialties are represented and there is a full range of Radiological, Laboratory and Paramedical services available on site. The discipline of Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Medical Genetics, Paediatric and Radiotherapy are serviced by regionally based consultants. There are well developed audit initiatives and a local Medical Audit Advisory Committee is established in the hospital. Duties and Responsibilities of the Post-holder: Day-to-day management and service delivery to the anti-tnf team. Oversee the biologics unit when infusions are running. Outpatient service provision and relevant administrative duties. Assist with Rheumatology Ward referrals Assist with Joint injection clinic where required. Attend and actively participate in departmental MDMs and management meetings within the team. Cary out regular audits. Teach and supervise medical students on placement within the specialty; Work closely with the multi-disciplinary team; Ensure good communication with patients and relatives; Participation in an educational forum for newly diagnosed patients Liaise with rheumatology specialty nurses concerning helpline to patients. 4
Participate in the investigation of any complaints within the Directorate; Undertake to perform additional duties in occasional emergencies and unforeseen circumstances; Complete accident report forms as per Trust Policy; Develop departmental protocols in conjunction with other clinicians in the unit. Adhere to the statutory requirement for the notification of infectious diseases Assist with research and keep up to date with GCP training Maintain professional standards and obligations as set out by the GMC to comply with Good Medical Practice. To keep up to date with CPD including participation in annual appraisal and job planning as per Trust policies. Further training will be provided by consultant rheumatologists both on the job and by access to formal training courses/attendance at national meetings. Secretarial support and access to IT will be provided to allow the post-holder to fulfill these responsibilities. 5
OUTLINE JOB PLAN The Job Plan should be reviewed annually, but can be reviewed earlier at the request of either the doctor or the Clinical Manager. If it is not possible to agree a Job Plan, either initially or at an annual review, there are agreed procedures for facilitation and appeal with the final decision being binding on both the doctor and the Trust. Time Activity Hours DCC SPA MONDAY 9-1pm 1-5pm Clinic SWAH Clinic SWAH Travel 4 4 TUESDAY 9-1pm 1-5pm Clinic Altnagelvin Clinic Admin 4 4 WEDNESDAY 9-11am 11-1pm 1-1pm 1-pm 3-5pm Teaching Research Consents Ward Reviews Audit 1 1 THURSDAY 9-1pm 1-3pm 3-5pm Day ward Reviews/Consents Rheumatology M&M; CPD 4 FRIDAY 9-1pm 1-3pm 3-5pm Cover day ward/clinic Ward reviews Off duty 4 SATURDAY SUNDAY Total 8.5 1.75 PA s ON-CALL DETAILS Predictable Emergency On-Call Work 0 Unpredictable Emergency On-Call Work 0 Agreed On-call Rota Frequency 0 On-call supplement >1 in 4 = 6% of basic salary 1 in 4 to 1 in 8 = 4% of basic salary <1 in 8 = % of basic salary N/A 6
Occasional additional clinics in Tyrone County/South West Acute hospitals may be agreed with the post-holder on the understanding that travelling time will be allowed for in the job plan. The precise details of teaching/research commitment will be subject to change. ADMINISTRATION OF DEPARTMENT The post-holder will be expected to undertake administrative duties associated with the care of his/her patients and to contribute to the smooth running of the department. The Consultants in Rheumatology have a continuing responsibility for the care of patients in his/her department, and middle grade Doctors will assist in delivering this care. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT The post-holder will: 1. The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Altnagelvin Hospital participates in the teaching of medical students. The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in the teaching programme.. Participate in in-service training for hospital staff. CLINICAL GOVERNANCE Under Clinical Governance, NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of the service provided and safeguarding high standards of care. Consultant Medical Staff are responsible for providing high quality, evidence based care and treatment to their patients. The elements of this include: Audit Promoting and sharing good practice Quality standard setting Risk management Incident reporting Promoting evidence based practice Continuing professional and personal development RESEARCH/CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION The successful candidate will seek to and maintain their own personal development through:- Maintaining a high level of specialist knowledge in Rheumatology, extending his/her professional knowledge and skills. Fulfilling the relevant commitment to continuing professional development/continuing medical education. Actively participate in clinical audit. Attend Good Clinical Practice training in research Assist with research within the specialty Adhere to research protocols 7
APPRAISAL/REVALIDATION The post-holder, will undergo annual appraisal. The Divisional Lead Clinician or designate will normally perform this appraisal on behalf of the Chief Executive. The post-holder will be expected to conform to current and any future GMC guidelines on revalidation. SERVICE ACCOUNTABILITY The post-holder will be managerially accountable to the Chief Executive of the Trust, responsible to the Director of Acute Services, clinically accountable to the Rheumatology Consultants, for the successful fulfillment of their responsibilities and will, in collaboration with colleagues in Medicine and other disciplines, work to ensure the delivery of a high quality Service. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & MENTORING He/She will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical by the Occupational Health Department before taking up the post. Mentoring will be made available to the post-holder according to Trust HR policies. EMPLOYING AUTHORITY Western Health and Social Care Trust. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The National Terms and Conditions of Service for Specialty Doctors will apply. As per the current salary scale under National Terms and Conditions of Service for Hospital staff as updated via DHSSPS circular on rates of pay, the most recent HSS (TC8) 9/013, with effect from 1 April 013. The full-time appointment will be for 10 PAs per week. Additional PAs may be agreed with the post-holder The successful applicant will normally be appointed to the grade for a one year probationary period which, if confirmed, will be extended without term and held until retirement under the terms and conditions of service. The appointee will maintain registration and license to practice with the General Medical Council (London). Annual leave entitlement is 5 weeks (5 days) per year until years service have been completed in the grade and 6 weeks (30 days) thereafter for practitioners remaining in the grade. Where the appointee in his/her immediately previous regular appointment attracted the 6 weeks annual leave per annum, this entitlement would remain. Your private residence shall be maintained in contact with the public telephone service He/she will be expected to be flexible and to co-operate with reasonable requests to cover for their colleagues absences where they are safe and competent and where it is practicable to do so. Where doctors undertake duties 8
in accordance with this paragraph and such duties take place outside of their contracted hours, they will receive either an equivalent off duty period or remuneration. The post will be subject to termination at any time, by three months notice in writing given on either side. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The post holder must: Carry out his/her duties with full regard to the Trust's Equal Opportunities Policy. Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements and report any accidents/incidents, defects with work equipment or inadequate safety arrangements. Co-operate fully with all policies and procedures relating to Infection Control. Accept individual responsibility for ensuring a suitable, clean, uncluttered and safe environment for members of the public, staff, patients/clients and their relatives. Comply with the Trust's Smoke Free Policy. Treat those whom he/she comes into contact with in the course of work, in a courteous manner. Accept that this job description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and should be regarded as providing guidance within which the individual works rather than something which is rigid and inflexible. ADDITIONAL POINTS From 1 January 1990, medical staff have not been required to subscribe to a Medical Defence organisation. It should be noted, however, that the Trust's indemnity only covers the Trust's responsibilities and therefore, the appointee is advised to maintain a membership of a recognised professional defence organisation for any work which does not fall within the scope of the Indemnity Scheme. Canvassing will disqualify. Application forms can be obtained from the Medical HR Department, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, Londonderry, BT47 6SB Candidates wishing to apply online can do so at www.westernhealthjobs.com, alternatively application forms for the post may be downloaded and forwarded to the Medical HR Department, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, Londonderry, BT47 6SB. Applications must be made on the prescribed form, and must be returned to the Medical HR Department, no later than the closing date. A shortlist of candidates for interview will be prepared on the basis of the information contained in the application form. It is therefore essential that all applicants demonstrate through their application how and to what extent their 9
experience and qualities are relevant to this post and the extent to which they satisfy each criterion specified, including clarification around equivalent qualifications. Any changes to the working arrangements will be by means of discussion and agreement, (which should not unreasonably be withheld) with the postholder. The duties and responsibilities outlined in the above Job Description are not intended to be definitive nor restrictive, and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Trust. Supplementary Information. 1. Providing a Quality Service The Western Health & Social Care Trust is committed to providing a Quality Service for its patients. Every employee has a responsibility to support the Trust in this aim by: - Adhering to policies, procedures and standards adopted by the Trust. Supporting and contributing to Trust quality initiatives Evaluating personal practice. At all times upholding high standards of courtesy, respect and care towards patients and colleagues. The Trust wishes to encourage staff to air clinical or other concerns in a responsible manner and at the earliest opportunity and employees attention is drawn to the Clinical Incident Reporting Policy and the Whistle blowing Policy.. Working with Children and Vulnerable Adults The Trust is committed to carefully screening all staff and volunteers who work in a regulated position and have substantial, unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults in accordance with the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order (003). 3. Management responsibilities Doctors in this grade will join a middle tier rota assisting the Consultant team along with Specialist Registrars in Rheumatology. They will be expected to co-ordinate their leave with others in the Rheumatology team and seek advance approval by the lead clinician to minimise disruption to the clinical service. 4. Confidentiality Clause All information concerning patients and staff must be held in the strictest confidence and may not be divulged to any unauthorised person. A breach of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action being taken in accordance with the Trust s disciplinary procedure and may lead to dismissal. 5. Data Protection Computer data should only be accessed if this has been authorised and is necessary as part of your work. Unauthorised access to computer data or helping others to access such data will result in disciplinary action being taken in accordance with the Trust s disciplinary procedure and may lead to dismissal. 10
6. Health and Safety The post holder has personal responsibility for safety as outlined in the Trust s Health and Safety Policy and the Health and Safety at Work NI Order 1978. 7. Smoking, Alcohol and Nutrition The Trust operates a policy on smoking, alcohol and nutrition and staff are requested to participate with the implementation of these policies. 8. Job Description Review The duties of the post may be reviewed and, if appropriate, changed by discussion with the post holder to ensure the provision of effective and efficient services. 9. Standing Financial Instructions All staff must comply with the Standing Financial Instructions of the Trust. 10. Equality & Human Rights In accordance with the Trust s Equality Scheme, to ensure that equality and human rights are addressed with the post holder s area of responsibility. 11. Environmental Cleanliness The Trust is committed to an environmental cleanliness policy and the post holder is required to comply with all those issues relevant to this post. 1. Records Management As an employee of the WH&SCT you are legally responsible for all records you hold, create or use as part of the business within the Trust including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including e- mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 000, the Environmental Information Regulations 004 and the Data Protection Act 1998. As an employee you are required to be conversant with the Trust s policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt. The Trust is committed to Equal Opportunities 11
EMPLOYEE PROFILE POST: Specialty Doctor - Rheumatology FACTOR QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE & SPECIAL INTERESTS SKILLS & APTITUDES OTHER WORK RELATED REQUIREMENTS MINIMUM CRITERIA ESSENTIAL Candidates must: hold full registration and a licence to practice with the GMC (London). have at least 4 years full-time postgraduate training (or its equivalent gained on a part-time or flexible basis) at least of which will be in a specialty training programme or as a Fixed Term Specialty Trainee in a relevant specialty; or have equivalent experience and competencies. Desirable Training and Experience It is desirable that candidates: have at least one year of training at SpR/ST3+ level in both rheumatology and medicine should hold a relevant higher clinical postgraduate diploma e.g. MRCP & up to date ALS certification; have evidence of training in teaching methods. Have experience and competency in common joint aspiration/injection procedures. Have a special interest e.g. musculo-skeletal ultrasound, sports medicine Have previous experience/training in research or medical statistics Knowledge of evidence based approach to clinical care. Appreciation of the role of the rheumatology service in relation to primary care. Understanding of the implications of clinical governance. Interest in teaching. Ability to lead and engender high standards of care. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Willingness to work flexibly as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to take part in audit and teaching. Ability to effectively train and supervise medical undergraduates and postgraduates. Either a full current driving licence and access to a car or access to a form of transport which will permit the full requirements of the post to be met. HOW INFORMATION WILL BE OBTAINED Application form and Interview. Application form and Interview. Interview. Application form and Interview. 1
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