About this role
Job summary Love Life, Love Bristol and Weston. At Bristol NHS Foundation Trust we are passionate about delivering outstanding care and developing innovative services for the communities we serve. Bristol Eye Hospital (BEH) is looking to grow its talented team of consultants to help drive an ambitious future vision for ophthalmology services across Bristol and Weston. See Yourself at Bristol Eye Hospital (subtitles) on Vimeo
Applications are warmly welcomed for this full time, locum post in the department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, ideally commencing Autumn 2026. Initially the post will be for six months but could be extended to12 months.
The post is designed to provide sub-specialist and general paediatric ophthalmology care for children in the Bristol region (500K population) and sub-specialised care for children referred in from the surrounding Southwest region (1.5 million population) including patients cared for in the adjacent Bristol Royal Children's Hospital - a regional referral hub for Paediatric Neurosciences, Genetics and other specialities.
Main duties of the job
Ideally candidates will have a paediatric subspecialty interest to complement the existing interests in the department. The postholder could join the Consultants on-call rota if wanted but it is not compulsory. As the post has no surgical sessions, we could signpost interested candidates to other local providers of cataract surgery.
The BEH is a highly regarded Regional Centre for Ophthalmology which sits within the Division of Surgery at Bristol Foundation Trust (recently rated Outstanding by the CQC). BEH provides a local and tertiary referral paediatric ophthalmology service with a close links to the regional Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the two Level 3 neonatal units (St Michaels Hospital and Southmead hospital). The paediatric and strabismus departments are supported by specialist orthoptists, optometrists and nurses and imagers.
Join us and enjoy all that the South West region has to offer. Bristol is an amazingly diverse city, with its community feel, quality housing and outstanding schools, plus many music venues, galleries and festivals that drive its creative reputation. Alternatively, if you're looking for country living, we are only a few miles away from many picturesque villages and small towns in Gloucestershire and Somerset, which are all within commuter distance.
About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
With an annual turnover of 2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.
Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our Four Ps:
Better outcomes for ourPatients More opportunities for our People Fairer more consistent care for ourPopulation Best Value for Public Purse Our vision for five years from now:
Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live. We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources. More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community. Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care. Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work. We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career. Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly. We will contribute to system financial balance
Job description Job responsibilities
For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities please refer to the Job Description document attached and contact us.
Interview date TBC
Person Specification
Qualifications, Training and Experience Essential
Full and specialist registration in either AIM or GIM with the General Medical Council (GMC) OR Eligible for specialist registration within six months of interview - *Locum candidates do not need specialist registration Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in Paediatric Ophthalmology including ROP screening Able to take responsibility for delivering service without direct supervision Up to date knowledge and experience of relevant specialty Knowledge of NHS priorities with reference to specialty
Desirable
Higher academic qualification e.g. MD, PhD or equivalent Previous Paediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship or TSC (Trainee Selected Component) in Paediatric Ophthalmology ROP treatment experience Evidence of a special interest and expertise that complements the department Broad range of IT skills
Clinical Governance and Audit Essential
Understanding of clinical governance and the individual responsibilities it implies Knowledge of the principles of clinical audit and evidence of participation Positive approach to evidence based practice Participation in continuing professional development (CPD) scheme with evidence
Research, Teaching and Training Essential
Knowledge of the principles involved in research Evidence of involvement in research Evidence of peer review research papers Experience of teaching medical students. Experience of supervising trainees Knowledge of teaching to a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
Ability to increase the academic profile of the department Formal teaching qualification
Management and Leadership Essential
Evidence of management training and evidence of learning from it Ability to organise efficient and smooth running of a specialist service Ability to cope with and effectively organise the workload of a consultant Ability to practice independently as a consultant Ability to take on responsibility and show evidence of leadership Ability to work under pressure and cope with setbacks
Desirable
Demonstration of knowledge of NHS management structures Management experience
Personal Abilities, Values, Aptitudes, Working Skills and Communication Essential
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, clinical colleagues, support staff and other colleagues. Good knowledge of, and ability to use, spoken and written English. Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods, and to respond to questions and queries Ability to develop effective working relationships on an individual and multi-professional basis with all levels of staff both within and across divisions Ability to be a flexible team member Ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances Awareness of personal limitations Demonstrates the 4 Trust values
Desirable
Ability to undertake additional professional responsibilities at local, regional or national levels
Others Essential
Meets professional health requirements Willingness to travel to and work in other sites necessitated by the role.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address Bristol Eye Hospital
Upper Maudlin Street
Bristol
BS2 8HW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)