About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Rapid Diagnostic Clinic (RDC) General Practitioner to join our innovative and patient-focused team at Hywel Dda University Health Board.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to play a key part in the assessment and management of patients presenting with non-specific but concerning symptoms that may indicate cancer or other serious conditions. Working within the Rapid Diagnostic Clinic pathway, you will provide expert clinical assessment, support timely diagnosis, and contribute to improving patient outcomes through earlier detection and streamlined care.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively with primary care, secondary care, diagnostic services and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care. In addition to direct clinical responsibilities, the role provides opportunities to influence service development, contribute to pathway improvement, support education and training, and help shape the future of cancer diagnostics across Hywel Dda.
Main duties of the job
The Rapid Diagnostic Clinic (RDC) General Practitioner will play a pivotal role in improving the early identification and diagnosis of cancer and other serious conditions. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will assess patients presenting with non-specific but concerning symptoms, support timely access to appropriate investigations, and guide patients through the diagnostic pathway.
The successful candidate will provide expert clinical opinion, make informed diagnostic and management decisions, and work closely with GPs, hospital specialists, diagnostic services and cancer teams to ensure patients receive coordinated, high-quality care. They will help patients navigate what can be an anxious period of uncertainty, ensuring care remains compassionate, person-centred and responsive to individual needs.
In addition to clinical responsibilities, the post holder will contribute to the ongoing development of the Rapid Diagnostic Clinic service, helping to identify opportunities for improvement, enhance pathways, and support the delivery of national and Health Board priorities for earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. They will use data, audit and quality improvement methodologies to support service performance and effectiveness.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description Job responsibilities
We are looking for a GP who is passionate about improving diagnostic pathways, demonstrates strong clinical leadership skills, and is committed to delivering excellent patient-centred care. The ability to work autonomously whilst building strong relationships across organisational boundaries is essential.
By joining us, you will become part of a Health Board that is committed to innovation, service transformation and continuous professional development. This is an excellent opportunity for a GP seeking to develop a portfolio role while making a significant contribution to earlier diagnosis, improved patient experience and better health outcomes for the population of West Wales.
The role will also involve providing clinical leadership within the service, supporting education and learning across professional groups, and promoting evidence-based practice. The post holder will work collaboratively with colleagues across primary and secondary care, helping to strengthen relationships and develop innovative approaches to cancer diagnostics and patient care
The successful candidate will be an effective communicator, able to build positive working relationships across teams and organisations, demonstrate leadership and initiative, and thrive in a role that combines clinical practice with service improvement and transformation
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about improving diagnostic pathways, reducing delays in diagnosis, and making a meaningful difference to the experience and outcomes of patients across Hywel Dda.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Hywel Dda 3 Counties - https://youtu.be/RUMDpjtu1sY
Lifestyle in Wales - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgt03XPT6RQ
Medical Leadership in Hywel Dda - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLioZyqIpwk&t=33s
Virtual Tour - https://youtu.be/Y4JGdD6EHjE
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge Essential
oFull registration and a License to Practice with the General Medical Council, and entry on the GP Register oMRCGP o5 years' experience as a fully qualified GP oEvidence of continuous professional development and engagement with annual Welsh HEIW MARS appraisals
Desirable
oAdditional Experience and/or higher qualification(s) in General Medicine and Diagnostics oMRCP oInclusion on the All-Wales Medical Performers List or eligible oConducting sessions in a General Practice Setting
Clinical Experience Essential
oBroad based experience within the specialty area oAble to demonstrate core competencies and clinical skills relevant to the post oExperience of leading a team
Desirable
oPrevious experience working in the UK or NHS
Teaching Essential
oAbility to critically assess learning requirements for self and others oEvidence of organising programmes and teaching all staff groups oWillingness to teach all grades of professional multidisciplinary staff
Desirable
oTeaching qualification
Research and Scholarship Essential
oDemonstrates knowledge of current research and best practice in the specialty area oEvidence of keeping up to date with current research and best practice oEvidence of locating and using clinical guidelines appropriately oEvidence of communicating and interpreting research evidence in a meaningful way
Desirable
oActive participation in research
Clinical Governance Essential
oUnderstanding of the role of Clinical Governance oParticipation in clinical audit (or quality improvement project) and understanding role of audit in improving medical practice oKnowledge of annual job planning/appraisal review process
Desirable
oKnowledge of risk management
Safeguarding Essential
oDemonstrates knowledge of safeguarding requirements and takes appropriate responsibility oEvidence of applying appropriate equality and diversity legislation
Other Desirable
Welsh Speaker (Level 1)
Skills and Attributes Essential
oAbility to work autonomously and be responsible for actions oAbility to work flexibly oAbility to remain calm whilst working under pressure oUndertake responsibility for leading and supervising a team. oExcellent interpersonal skills and team-working skills.
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 Hywel Dda University Health Board
Address Prince Philip Hospital
Bryngwyn Mawr
Llanelli
SA14 8QF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)