Specialty Doctor Breast Surgery in Dartford

Overview

The Empress Breast Unit at Darent Valley Hospital are looking to recruit a Specialty Doctor. 10PA plus 1 extra PA, no on calls, to start ASAP till March 2026.

Responsibilities

• See both new and follow‑up patients in the outpatient setting.
• Assist and carry out operations with all senior members of the Breast Unit.
• Take part in audit activity and any ongoing research in the unit.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary discussions with the Breast Team (including oncologists, radiologists, and research nurses) and be involved in the management of breast cancer, benign breast disease, and related services.
• Engage in training opportunities in areas such as complex oncoplastic and reconstructive work, OSNA technology, family history clinics, and up-to-date breast disease management.
• Work as an integral member of the Breast Unit and participate in the unit’s ongoing development and service improvement initiatives.

About the department and services

• The Breast Unit currently sees around 6000 new patients a year, with total patient contacts exceeding 10,000 when including follow‑ups. Last year the unit treated over 350 new cancers, including around 90 screen‑detected breast cancers.
• The unit operates from a dedicated Empress Unit with a waiting area, reception desk, four clinical rooms, a digital mammogram machine, an ultrasound machine, and facilities for Vacuum Assisted Mammotome biopsies.
• The multi‑disciplinary breast team comprises post holders and 5 Breast CNSs, 1 Metastatic Breast Care Nurse, 2 Advanced Nurse Practitioners, 2 secretaries, 2 MDT co‑ordinators and a Breast support worker, with a fully functional multidisciplinary team including Oncologists from Kent Oncology Centre, Radiologists and Research Nurses.
• There are extensive training opportunities within the unit and exposure to a wide range of therapies and models of care through the NHS and GSTT collaboration.

Expectations and professional development

• Take part in audit activity and any current or ongoing research in the unit.
• Be involved in the unit’s multi‑centre trials and observational studies (e.g., Bridging the Age Gap) and participate in contemporary oncology and breast care practices.

Benefits, culture, and flexible working

• The Trust emphasises staff wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, education and career development, with a strong culture of governance and quality improvement.
• Flexible working arrangements are welcomed and considered where feasible to balance service needs and staff wellbeing.
• The Trust is part of the Guy\\\'s and St Thomas\\\' Healthcare Alliance, offering opportunities to develop skills across multiple specialties.
• The Trust provides services at Darent Valley Hospital and Queen Mary\\\'s Hospital for a local population of over 500,000 people.
• The Trust is smoke free; smoking or vaping is not permitted on hospital sites.

Notes

Please note this vacancy may close earlier than stated to aid efficient processing of applications. If you have not heard within 21 days of the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted. Parking permits are allocated subject to eligibility and space availability.