Ophthalmology Clinical Fellow - Vitreoretina

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 include:

• Working within the multi-disciplinary team providing and further developing care for patients within the service.
• Playing an active role in the general workload of the Care Group while having a significant commitment to teaching and training of junior staff.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of aspects of these services depending upon their interests and experience.

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.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing a service for patients, including 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.
• 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.
• Contributing to the Care Group research interests in accordance with the Trust’s R&D framework.
• Conducting all activities within the contracted level of service and operating plan for service(s).
• Working 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.
• Complying with all Trust infection prevention and control policies.
• Preparing for and undertaking the protective interventions that you are responsible for in a manner that is consistent with evidence-based practice and maintaining patient safety.

Applicants must have MRCOphth or equivalent, be eligible for full or limited registration with the GMC at the time of appointment, and be eligible to work in England. Previous surgical retina experience, such as a vitreoretinal TSC, is essential. Candidates will usually have undertaken at least 20 vitrectomies and must be able to undertake independent cataract surgery prior to appointment.

Person specification includes:

• MRCOphth or equivalent.
• Full registration with GMC with License to Practice.
• 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.
• Familiarity with current structure of Health Service and conversant with recent initiatives and changes.

Skills required include:

• 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.