Specialist Doctor in Neurosurgery (Cranial and Spine) in London

This is an exciting opportunity to join a department committed to excellence in patient care, education, research and service development, while contributing to advancements that shape the future of neurosurgery both nationally and internationally. This post will work alongside the large multidisciplinary team in the Victor Horsley Department of Neurosurgery at Queen Square to provide comprehensive assessment and management for patients with complex neurosurgical conditions.

The Victor Horsley Department of Neurosurgery at Queen Square is supported by a large and experienced multidisciplinary team delivering specialist neurosurgical care across a broad range of subspecialties. The consultant body comprises over 30 Consultant Neurosurgeons with expertise spanning cranial, spinal, functional, vascular, pituitary, neuro-oncology and skull base surgery, supported by Specialist Registrars, Clinical Fellows and Resident Doctors. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape and develop the role in line with their specialist interests, expertise and the evolving needs of the service.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will play a key role in the delivery of neurosurgical 'hot clinics', providing rapid assessment and management for patients with acute cranial and spinal conditions requiring expedited specialist input. Working closely with colleagues across the neurosurgical team, they will ensure timely investigation, treatment and referral to the appropriate subspecialty services where required. The role will also include opportunities to undertake operative activity through dedicated theatre lists, where appropriate to the appointee's skills and interests.

In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to the development and delivery of GP Advice and Guidance (A&G) services, supporting timely access to specialist neurosurgical expertise, reducing unnecessary hospital referrals and improving patient care in the community.

About us

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

• University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Essential: Eligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment and hold a current licence to practise MRCP(UK) or an equivalent qualification
• Desirable: PhD or MD or equivalent specialist training

Experience

• Essential: Clinical expertise in neurosurgery, strong clinical and personal credibility, excellent communication and interpersonal skills; adapts style depending on audience, conceptual and analytical skills

Skills and Abilities

• Essential: Demonstrate an ability to perform the specific clinical procedures, drug manipulations and clinical advice relevant to the post, including management of clinical risk. Can demonstrate that they have the skills to work within an interdisciplinary/multispecialty service. Demonstrate an ability to identify and organise the specific clinical investigations and onward referrals relevant to the post. Ability to lead the multidisciplinary team. Evidence of leadership skills. Ability to take responsibility, lead, make decisions and exert appropriate authority. Ability to work well as part of a team and to share and encourage good practice.

Personal Qualities

• Essential: Treat patients as people, have the ability to empathise and work co-operatively with others. Flexibility in time keeping ensuring duty of care to patients. Sufficient to perform the duties of the post (using any aids and adaptations, when necessary). Drive and enthusiasm. Highest ethical and professional standards. Probity, display honesty, integrity, aware of ethical dilemmas and respect confidentiality.

Teaching & Research

• Essential: Ability and commitment to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate doctors in training. Proven ability and commitment to carry out high quality research, leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals. Understanding of and proven ability to apply research findings in a clinical/organisational context. Knowledge of Research ethics and committed to incorporating the highest standards of research governance. Teaching on formal educational courses. Evidence of organisational ability e.g. organising and directing courses, educational programmes etc.

Clinical Governance

• Essential: Evidence of having worked and being able to communicate within an Interdisciplinary/multispecialty service with appropriate levels of communication through direct discussions with team members, MDT meetings, and presentations to the team. Involvement in and understanding of the Clinical Governance. Experience of audit and willingness to institute audit exercises.

Communication

• Essential: Ability to communicate with clarity and intelligently in written and spoken English. Ability to build rapport, listen, persuade/negotiate.

Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion

• Essential: Demonstratable understanding of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.