About this role
Job summary
Applications are invited for a full-time training post at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This is a 12-month post in the first instance, with the possibility of extension up to 60 months for exceptional trainees to complete CESR requirements, depending on performance and departmental needs. The role includes 6-month rotations through sub-specialty areas, with training and support equivalent to other specialist trainees.
Applicants must be GMC-registered and have completed Foundation training or equivalent. This post is ideal for doctors who have finished FY2 and are pursuing Ophthalmology training but have not yet secured a specialist training post. Evidence of commitment to Ophthalmology is essential. Prior clinical ophthalmology experience is beneficial. Experience in ophthalmic surgery, intravitreal injections, research, or teaching is desirable but not required.
Post holders will work closely with clinical and managerial colleagues to deliver high-quality patient care. Key responsibilities include providing a first-class clinical service, demonstrating effective leadership, supporting teaching, quality improvement and research, and working in line with Trust policies and service plans. Maintaining confidence in departmental and Trust strategies, and showing initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility, are integral to the role.
Main duties of the job
As an employee of our Trust you will work in close co-operation with and support not just other clinical professionals but also our managerial colleagues in providing high quality healthcare to our patients.
So integral to the responsibilities of our posts are the following objectives:
To ensure the provision of a first-class clinical service To provide effective leadership to all staff engaged in the specialty
To sustain and develop teaching, quality improvement and research wherever appropriate
To undertake all work in accordance with the Trust's procedures and operating policies
To conduct clinical practice in accordance with contractual requirements and within the parameters of the Trust's and Division's services plans
To maintain the confidence of business plans and development strategies formulated for the specialty, the Surgical Division and the Trust.
To show initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility
About us
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.
Job description Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will work closely under the supervision of Professor Peter Scanlon, Consultant Ophthalmologist within the unit.
The post holder is expected to participate in all aspects of ophthalmology within the department. Timetables will vary based on the subspecialty firm the candidate is attached to such as Glaucoma, Medical Retina, Cornea, Oculoplastic, Cataract and Paediatrics. The timetable will include eight clinical sessions per week, two of which will be Eye emergency clinics, one to two theatre sessions, one session for teaching and one session for Research / Study / Audit /Quality Improvement
The post has 1:6 fixed-on call commitments.
Professional Development, Education and Training
There is an active teaching and audit program within the sub-specialty, and monthly Clinical Governance and Audit meeting. In addition, regular subspecialty in house teaching. Regional teaching occurs in Bristol on a Friday afternoon.
There is access to an EYESi Simulator which has both cataract and VR modules. There is VR Magic indirect ophthalmoscope simulator. There is also a dedicated simulated surgery set-up which enables trainees to practice cataract, corneal, glaucoma, strabismus and VR techniques prior to performing live surgery.
A local ARCP panel will be convened at nine months into the contract to review the trainees progress against the CESR Ophthalmology requirements, with further annual reviews if the post is extended.
Research and Development
Research opportunities are available to interested postholder, including participating in commercial research projects.
Quality Improvement projects and service development are ongoing, and involvement in these will be available to the postholder. These include further development of the Virtual service, community optometry and new patient assessment pathways.
Communications and Working Relationship
The successful candidate is expected:
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.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training Essential
Full GMC Registration
Desirable
FRCOphth Part 1 MRCOphth equivalent
Knowledge & Skills Essential
Experience and participation in departmental audit Evidence of previous teaching experience Good organisational skills and time management and work under pressure Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team
Personal Attributes Essential
Acceptance that the post requires a strong service commitment Ability to travel independently between hospital sites Willingness to seek timely assistance from senior colleagues as appropriate Ability to establish good working relationships with staff and able to communicate well with patients Applicants whose primary professional qualification(s) were not taken in English and/or have spent less than 6 months in a substantive NHS post, will need to demonstrate their language competence by achieving a score of 7 in the International English Language testing system (ILETS) or equivalent Evidence of personal initiative and leadership skills and flexibility
Clinical Experience Essential
Completion of foundation years training or equivalent 6 months clinical ophthalmology experience
Desirable
Evidence of previous application for Ophthalmology training
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 Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Cheltenham General Hospital
Cheltenham
GL53 7AN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)