Consultant in Developmental Paediatrics

Overview

Alder Hey Children\’s NHS Foundation Trust is expanding the Department of Developmental Paediatrics. We are looking to appoint a Consultant in Developmental Paediatrics to expand the service offer and reduce waiting times across our catchment area. The department is undergoing change and modernisation, including a new Alder Hey Hospital site and the development of a Neuro Developmental Centre. Although the post is full time, part-time or job-share arrangements can be considered. The Consultant will have the opportunity to develop the service further and provide clinical leadership within the team. The appointee will join a dynamic team of 17 Consultants and seven SAS doctors working in Neuro-disability and Neurodevelopment, social and educational paediatrics, covering North Mersey (Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton). The Complex Neurodisability service cares for children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other neuro-genetic syndromes, neuromuscular disorders, progressive neurological conditions and neurodevelopmental problems requiring investigation.

Main duties of the job

It is envisaged that this post will attract 10 programmed activities per week (8.5 PA direct clinical care and 1.5 PA supporting professional activities). In line with Trust policy for new consultants, increases beyond 1.5 SPAs can be negotiated by mutual agreement following annual job planning reviews. The post holder will share clinical responsibility for referrals from Primary Care, other Consultants within the Trust, Child Mental Health and Social Services/Education with the Developmental Paediatric Patch Team, allowing for flexibility according to the skills of the successful applicant.

About us

As one of Europe\\\’s biggest and busiest children\\\’s hospitals, Alder Hey treats everything from common illnesses to highly complex and specialist conditions. In addition to our main site, paediatric services are provided at community sites with local clinics across Merseyside, Cumbria, Shropshire, Wales and the Isle of Man. We also provide specialist inpatient care for children with complex mental health needs in our recently relocated state-of-the-art facility. Alder Hey has a thriving research portfolio and leads in children\\\’s medicines, infection, inflammation and oncology. We are recognised as a world leader in children\\\’s healthcare and research, with an Innovation Hub where clinicians and industries collaborate to create new products and technologies. We aim to treat the whole child and family, ensuring every child feels happy, safe and confident as they play, learn and grow.

Job responsibilities

The primary responsibilities include clinical work around: vulnerable children and those looked after; developmental delay; assessment and management of neurodevelopmental disorders; assessment and diagnosis of ADHD and ASD in collaboration with ADHD/ASD pathways; behavioural problems and evaluation for underlying developmental etiologies; joint MD spasticity management clinics; complex care clinics in special schools; joint work with LD teams and CAHMS; development of pathways to improve access to services; development of care pathways and protocols for children with complex needs, including follow-up services for high-risk infants with adverse perinatal events from maternity services. Teaching and academic duties include teaching undergraduates and postgraduates, clinical/educational supervision, training health personnel and partner agencies, and developing research interests. Managerial duties include supervising junior staff, participating in departmental and Local Authority planning, and contributing to service review and development. CPD, Audit & Clinical Governance activities include participating in CPD, initiating/auditing within the department, and engaging in clinical governance. The community Paediatrics team provides safeguarding; the role may include supporting safeguarding services if of interest (adjusted in the job plan).

Person Specification

Essential and Desirable

• Full GMC registration; MRCPCH or equivalent; on the GMC Specialist Register with UK CCT or equivalent in paediatric specialty; applicants with general paediatric CCT may demonstrate equivalent experience; Level 3 Child Safeguarding training; valid BLS training; Portfolio Pathway (CESR) applicants must be on the Specialist Register at the time of application.
• Ability to take full and independent responsibility for complex patient care; teaching experience across settings; experience in audit and clinical governance with evidence of leading at least two audit projects relevant to this role.
• Teaching skills and experience; ability to supervise clinical work of trainees and staff; strong oral and written communication; excellent organisational and prioritisation skills; ability to build effective relationships across the organisation; ability to relate to patients and carers from diverse backgrounds; experience working in a multidisciplinary, multi-agency environment; leadership and ability to lead a multidisciplinary team.
• Competence in leading multidisciplinary teams; research and analytical capabilities; demonstrable ability to conduct comprehensive assessments of children with complex neuro-disability and understanding of psychosocial factors; ability to communicate effectively (report writing, presentations); experience supervising junior doctors; formal teaching/training.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and to developing a high-quality service; flexibility and resilience; ability to work in a multi-agency setting; knowledge of NHS Leadership Qualities Framework (LQF) competencies including Leading Change, Holding to Account, Empowering others, Influencing, and Collaboration.
• Knowledge of tools for assessment of developmental disorders (e.g., Griffiths Scales, SOGS); understanding of multiagency working and safeguarding; familiarity with NICE guidelines on childhood epilepsy, spasticity, and cerebral palsy; higher degree (e.g., MSc, MD, DCH, DCCH, MBA) and relevant post-graduate qualifications; valid APLS and NLS.
• Experience in other areas of child health (e.g., General Practice, Child Mental Health, Obstetrics, Public Health); specialist experience in child protection; ability to work unsupervised and make decisions; evidence of supervising junior doctors; formal teaching training.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to be submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for prior convictions.

Alder Hey Children\’s NHS Foundation Trust