Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking an experienced Specialty Doctor to join its Eye Emergency Department, based primarily at the Western Eye Hospital. The successful applicant will support the delivery of a busy emergency ophthalmology service, providing senior assessment, rapid treatment, emergency procedures and safe patient flow for adults and children.
This is a predominantly clinical service post requiring substantial prior ophthalmic emergency experience, independent decision-making and documented competence in a defined range of emergency surgical and laser procedures. The post-holder will undertake senior Eye Emergency Department sessions and participate in the senior ophthalmology rota within agreed clinical governance and escalation arrangements. They will be required to lead and manage flow through the ED effectively to support the delivery of our 4 hour standards and maintain safe and effective patient care.
The post is appointed at the Specialty Doctor grade. It is not a consultant appointment and does not require entry on the GMC Specialist Register, post CCT is desirable.
This role is a new addition to the Emergency Department and a fixed term contract of 1 year has been agreed.
Main duties of the job
The Western Eye Hospital provides emergency and specialist ophthalmic care, including acute referrals from community optometrists, general practitioners, NHS emergency departments and other ophthalmic services. The department works closely with cornea, glaucoma, vitreoretinal, medical retina, oculoplastic, uveitis, neuro-ophthalmology and paediatric teams. Cross-site coordination and timely escalation are essential to safe care. The selected candidate will primarily work within the Emergency Department at Western Eye and required to support out of hours demands, depending on service requirements. The candidate will be required to work in a faced pace environment, enjoy using their critical thinking and be solution focused, whilst supporting the wider team day to day.
Working for our organisation
At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care.
Become part of a vibrant team living our values - expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You’ll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career.
Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.
We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part time or job share. Please talk to us at interview.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Independently assess, prioritise and manage acute presentations including ocular trauma, red eye, painful visual loss, sudden visual disturbance, corneal infection, retinal and neuro-ophthalmic emergencies, raised intraocular pressure, uveitis and post-operative complications.
Lead senior clinical reviews where appropriate, make evidence-based decisions on urgent imaging and investigations, and determine safe discharge, emergency surgery, urgent follow-up or specialist referral.
Provide oversight and escalation support to ophthalmology resident doctors, fellows, specialty trainees, optometrists, advanced practitioners and nursing staff in the emergency pathway, in accordance with local clinical arrangements.
Recognise and act promptly on time-critical presentations such as suspected endophthalmitis, acute angle closure, chemical injury, sight-threatening trauma, orbital compartment syndrome, giant cell arteritis and suspected retinal detachment.
Ensure clear consent, contemporaneous records, accurate clinical correspondence, documented risk assessment, safety-netting and timely handover to relevant teams.
Person specification
Education and professional registration
- Primary medical qualification (MBBS or equivalent).
- Full GMC registration with a licence to practise. Meets 2021 Specialty Doctor grade entry criteria: at least four years of clinical ophthalmology experience, with at least two in relevant specialty training, or equivalent experience and competencies.
- Evidence of current appraisal and CPD.
- Postgraduate ophthalmology qualifications.
- Higher degree or specialist registration (not required for this grade).
Senior emergency ophthalmology experience
- Substantial experience managing a broad range of acute and sight-threatening ophthalmic presentations. Evidence of independent clinical decision-making, safe escalation, accurate documentation and senior-level oversight of an Eye Emergency Department.
- Four years experience in NHS Ophthalmology Departments.
- Experience in a tertiary eye hospital or high-volume eye emergency service; leading urgent review clinics or emergency patient-flow improvements.
Clinical examination and investigation
- Competent in slit-lamp examination, dilated fundoscopy, tonometry, anterior segment assessment, basic gonioscopy, interpretation of OCT/fundus imaging, and emergency clinical risk assessment.
- Experience in B-scan interpretation, advanced anterior segment assessment, ophthalmic ultrasound and nuanced neuro-ophthalmic/retinal triage.
- Documented ability to perform relevant emergency ophthalmic operations independently within a defined clinical scope; competency in simple traumatic eyelid laceration repair not involving the eyelid margin or canalicular system. Ability to identify and escalate complex lid, orbital and globe injuries.
- Independent minor emergency ophthalmic surgical activity and procedure/outcome logbook; familiarity with ophthalmic emergency theatre pathways.
Senior medical rota
- Ability and willingness to take part in the senior ophthalmology rota, provide timely senior advice, attend the hospital when required, prioritise emergencies and initiate safe transfer, theatre or subspecialty escalation. Clear insight into limits of scope.
- Previous participation in HST oncall rota for the region of practice
- Previous experience of senior/consultant-tier/HST, including emergency theatre coordination, referral advice and multidisciplinary handover.
Leadership and multidisciplinary working
- Ability to lead urgent clinical discussions, supervise more junior team members as appropriate, work collaboratively and communicate clearly under pressure.
- Previous emergency department leadership, rota coordination, education, service redesign or experience supporting advanced clinical practitioners.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name Martin Higgins Job title General Manager, Ophthalmology Email address martinhiggins@nhs.net
If you have problems applying, contact
Address 1st Floor Education Centre
Charing Cross Hospital
W6 8RF
Telephone 07789 171 622
Locum Specialist Doctor in ED in City of Westminster employer: Imperial
At Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive career development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture that values well-being and recognition. Join us in London, where you will work alongside leading clinicians in the UK's first Academic Health Science Centre, making a meaningful impact in paediatric ophthalmology while enjoying unique benefits such as access to onsite leisure facilities and various staff perks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Locum Specialist Doctor in ED in City of Westminster
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Imperial often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Imperial. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Imperial.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Imperial.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Imperial.
