Consultant Ophthalmologist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Ophthalmology Directorate at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust as a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a specialist interest in Glaucoma.

This substantive post has been created following investment in glaucoma services to improve patient safety and support continued service development. The successful applicant will join a well-established glaucoma team and play a key role in delivering high-quality care to patients across Sunderland, South Tyneside and the wider region.

The post is primarily based at the new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital, a purpose-built facility providing modern outpatient, diagnostic and surgical services. The service has also recently developed a Community Eye Imaging Hub which supports innovative virtual glaucoma review pathways and new models of care.

STSFT has a strategic ophthalmology alliance with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), creating opportunities for collaborative working, service development and workforce resilience across both organisations. Whilst the post is intended to be based within STSFT, the successful candidate may be required to work across both Trusts in line with service needs and agreed collaborative arrangements.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking department committed to innovation, education, research and the delivery of outstanding patient care.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will provide consultant-led glaucoma services across outpatient, diagnostic, procedural and virtual care settings. They will manage new referrals, complex glaucoma patients and high-risk follow-up cohorts, supporting the delivery of timely, evidence-based care in accordance with NICE guidance and Royal College standards.

The role will include glaucoma outpatient clinics, laser clinics including Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), consultant-led virtual review activity supported by the Eye Imaging Hub, and contribution to emergency and general ophthalmology services in line with departmental requirements.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, the postholder will collaborate with consultant colleagues, specialist nurses, optometrists, advanced practitioners and ophthalmic technicians to deliver safe, effective and patient-centred care. The successful applicant will also participate in clinical governance, audit, teaching, quality improvement and service development activities.

There will be opportunities to contribute to the ongoing development of glaucoma services across the alliance between STSFT and CDDFT. The role offers the chance to help shape future care pathways, expand virtual service delivery and support the continued growth of one of the largest ophthalmology services in the North East.

Informal enquiries are welcome please contact: Mr Ajay Kotagiri, STSFT Clinical Director for Ophthalmology on 0191 5699954 or [email protected]

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Job responsibilities

Overall Responsibilities

Support the current Consultants in keeping within the Trust targets for new patients and to continue to achieve 18 weeks RTT To support the Current Consultants in keeping within the NPSA Directive for review patients (http://www.npsa.nhs.uk/corporate/news/delayed- appointments-can-lead-to-blindness-npsa-report/) avoiding cancelled follow ups. To maintain the high levels of patient satisfaction in the unit by helping to provide a Consultant led service.

To support the current Consultants in the medical and surgical management of Glaucoma patients. To audit outcomes and compare to the standards currently being set.

To support the current Consultants in the laser and surgical management of glaucoma.

To support the Nurse/Optometrist led glaucoma service.

To further extend the current glaucoma service to peripheral clinics.

To help with teaching and training of resident doctors, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses and medical students.

To actively participate in service development within the sub-speciality and across the entire Ophthalmology unit

Participate in the general on call system

Provide senior support for the Eye Emergency Department

FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT

INTERVIEW DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

Person specification

Personal attributes

Essential

• Alignment with the Trust core values and behaviours.
• Flexible approach to service delivery and committed approach to development.
• Committed to share in professional, managerial and teaching responsibilities necessary to fulfil the obligations of the Directorate, to the Trust and its workforce.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives and healthcare workers and other agencies
• Evidence of understanding of and adherence to principles of
• Good Medical Practice set out by the GMC

Teaching and education

Essential

• Experience of supervising junior medical staff
• Experience of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
• Ability to teach clinical / technical / practical skills

Desirable

• Qualification in medical education

Audit and Research

Essential

• Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical practice
• Involvement in quality improvement measures
• Ability to undertake multidisciplinary audit / audit in specialty area
• Good presentation skills
• Experience of clinical research

Desirable

• Undertaken research with published papers in refereed journals

Qualifications

Essential

• Primary medical qualification
• Full GMC registration
• Entry onto the GMC Specialist Register or eligibility for entry within six months of the date of the AAC [there is flexibility with the 6-month period with Executive Medical Director approval]

Experience

Essential

• Full general Ophthalmic surgical training with extensive experience and expertise in Glaucoma & Cataract Surgery

Desirable

• Fellowship level in Glaucoma.

Management and administrative experience

Essential

• Understanding of the NHS, Clinical Governance process and resource issues
• Evidence of organisational, management and time management skills
• Develop and operationalise coherent ideas for service development/delivery.

Desirable

• Evidence of management and administration experience and understandingmanagement goals
• Management course and / or certificate