Ophthalmology Clinical Fellow - Vitreoretina in London

This post is a one year, fixed term fellowship in Vitreo-Retina (there are 3 posts available, one fully based at Kings College Hospital's main site, Denmark Hill, and 2 further posts that cross site between Denmark Hill and Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup).

The post will be a combination of outpatient clinics, theatre lists and on-call commitments. The clinical duties comprise the investigation and treatment of patients with retinal diseases and allied disorders. The ideal candidate would be a CCT holder or equivalent who wishes to specialise in the surgical treatment of retinal diseases. The post is not a Deanery TSC.

Some general ophthalmology provisions and on-call are required and the fellow will be on call for all urgent vitreoretinal cases. The post holder will gain surgical experience commensurate with their prior experience and ability.

Main duties of the job:

• The remit of the postholder will be to work within the multi-disciplinary team providing and further developing care for patients within the service.
• The individual will be required to play an active role in the general workload of the Care Group while having a significant commitment to teaching and training of junior staff.
• It is envisaged that the appointee will contribute to the development and delivery of aspects of these services depending upon their interests and experience.

Working for our organisation:

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do.

By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level. We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus.

Everyone’s contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

The clinical duties comprise the investigation and treatment of patients with retinal diseases and allied disorders. Tenure of the post is initially for 12 months but may be renewable by mutual consent. The ideal candidate would be a CCT holder or equivalent who wishes to specialise in the surgical treatment of retinal diseases. The post is not a Deanery TSC.

Some general ophthalmology provisions and on call are required and the fellow will be on call for all urgent vitreoretinal cases. The post holder will gain surgical experience commensurate with their prior experience and ability.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Together with other colleagues to provide a service for patients. This includes all aspects of treatment and relevant management duties for the proper functioning of the Care Group.
• Shared responsibility with other colleagues for providing 24 hours, 7 days a week cover for the Unit on a rota basis.
• Responsible also for covering colleagues’ periods of annual leave and short-term sickness.
• Participation in Multi-disciplinary Meetings.
• Contribution to audit and clinical governance programmes.
• Responsible for outpatient clinic commitments in peripheral hospitals as agreed with the Care Group management team.
• Contribute to the Care Group research interests in accordance with the Trust’s R&D framework.
• Contribute to the audit programmes, Morbidity and Mortality, clinical governance programs and learning from Deaths.
• Conduct all activities within the contracted level of service and operating plan for service(s).
• Work in conjunction with clinical and other professional colleagues to ensure that the productivity of staff within the specialty is maintained and their job satisfaction is enhanced.
• Be aware of, and comply with, all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to include hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene.
• Prepare for and undertake the protective interventions that you are responsible for in a manner that is consistent with evidence-based practice and maintaining patient safety.

Person specification:

Qualifications:

• MRCOphth or equivalent
• Full registration with GMC with License to Practice
• Other higher degree or diploma (e.g. MD)

Experience:

• Wide experience in all aspects of Ophthalmology, culminating in award of CCT or equivalent
• Specialist training in Vitreoretina including at least 20 vitrectomies
• Experience in day-to-day organisation of Ophthalmic services in a busy Teaching Hospital
• Experience of conducting or supporting clinical research
• Experience of undergraduate and post-graduate teaching and exam preparation
• Familiar with current structure of Health Service and conversant with recent initiatives and changes

Skills:

• Able to demonstrate leadership capability within multi-disciplinary teams
• Thorough understanding of principles of medical audit and quality improvement
• Effective communicator, able to work in a close-knit team and co-operate with all medical and paramedical staff
• Familiarity with information technology and general computer skills