Job Description

The post holder will be required to have completed senior fellowship training within medical retina and uveitis to gain the knowledge and surgical skill to be an independent clinician within the medical retina team. Knowledge and experience with complex medical retina conditions, uveitis with the understanding and experience of the use and monitoring of disease modifying agents and biologics as well as the appropriate investigative work up. With regards the virtual clinic setting the post holder will be expected to have had experience with the setup, monitoring and development of the virtual clinic, as well as an understanding of the development opportunities within the county.



The Medical Retina team are part of an excellent research team undertaking both industry and clinician lead clinical trials. It is expected that the post holder will have had experience with participation in clinical research.



There is a requirement for experience with teaching form both junior team members of both medical and nursing teams. An understanding and desire to develop and progress the service with engagement in ensuring that the service maintains a high standard within the county.



This appointment offers exciting opportunities in light of the major changes currently taking place in the Ophthalmology department within the Trust. This is a post that holds both face to face medical retina and uveitis, alongside a component of virtual clinic activity. In particular this post includes the lead for the virtual clinic platform with development of the service alongside community involvement.



The post-holder will help provide ophthalmic services for Gloucestershire, together with appropriate teaching and supervision of junior doctors and medical students. He/she will be expected to work closely with general practitioners and optometrists in providing a seamless service.



As a senior employee of the Trust the post-holder will work in close co-operation with, and support other clinical, medical professional and managerial colleagues in providing high quality healthcare to the Trust's patients.



We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.



With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.



As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.



1. Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities



To share responsibility for the delivery of high-quality care to patients presenting to the Ophthalmology service. To provide a General Ophthalmology service for patients alongside the other members of the department. To provide a Medical Retina and Uveitis service, within the Gloucestershire Hospitals, in partnership with the rest of the ophthalmic, orthoptic and optometric teams. To examine and treat such patients. To support the clinical decision making of junior medical and nursing staff. To attend the Department out of hours as per agreed protocols.

2. Professional Development, Education and Training



To provide conditions for improved training opportunities in line with national and local recommendations arising out of MMC and related requirements. The appointee will also take a full role in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching including clinical meetings and tutorials. Medical students are currently taken from several universities, but the Clinical Academy based at the University of Bristol is expected to provide the majority of undergraduates in future. Where agreed, to act as Educational Supervisor to junior and middle grade medical staff, being responsible for their appraisal and personal development planning. The department subscribes to a wide range of journals and there are good medical libraries at both Gloucester and Cheltenham with full literature search facilities. The department is part of a Trust wide intranet system and is well served for literature search and other internet functions.

3. Management and Leadership



To provide medical information for the development of systems appropriate for Trust needs. To participate in departmental consultant and senior staff meetings whilst remaining within the framework of the agreed strategy of the Trust and the Department. To attend other departmental, Divisional and Trust meetings as necessary. To attend regional and national meetings as necessary. To undertake all work in accordance with Trust procedures and operating policies.

4. Clinical Governance and Audit



To promote evidence-based practice. To respond appropriately to NICE guidance. To change own and others clinical practice in response to new clinical developments. To undertake and supervise relevant clinical audit topics. To be involved in risk management and quality assurance. To remain up to date and engaged in CPD as per RCOphth guidelines. To respond appropriately to complaints and critical incidents. To undertake all work in accordance with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust procedures and operating policies. To attend accredited conferences and meetings to update personal level of clinical practice, teaching and management skills in line with CME requirements. To participate in an annual Job Planning Review process. To participate in the Trust's annual Appraisal process. To adhere to the Trust's Adverse Clinical Incident Policy.

5. Communications and Working Relationships



To work within the framework of team decisions. To participate in an inclusive approach to working with other providers of ophthalmic care within the wider NHS health community in the county. To show initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility.

6. General Working Conditions



The post-holder will be immediately accountable to the Medical Retina Lead, Specialty Director and Divisional Lead. The post-holder will be expected to undertake appraisal and to respond to any identified development needs. The post-holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital. This statutory duty is in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with the post.

Finally, the post-holder is expected to:

1. Observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations



2. Observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff



3. Be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues