Locum consultant in Harlow

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job overview

This is a 12 month fixed term Locum shift within the Microbiology Department at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. The trust is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Our multidisciplinary team includes consultants, specialty doctors, trainees, nurses, and allied health professionals who work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care across inpatient/outpatient and community settings.

Team structure

The department currently includes 1 consultant, 2 specialty doctors and is supported by a dedicated team.

Main duties of the job

• Clinical liaison: Liaise in a timely manner with the Head of Department Microbiology/DIPC, clinicians, hospital staff, other medical microbiologists, general practitioners, BMS, ICN staff and UKHSA consultants concerning the diagnosis and management of patients, prevention and control of infections including the provision of telephone advice. Taking a proactive role within the Trust/hospital in matters relating to infection management including in outbreak and emergency situations. Providing Microbiology and antibiotic related information as a regular commitment to wards/departments/unit e.g., ward rounds, multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and other clinical or audit meetings (including commitments to for example, medicines management, and other non-infection control committees). Leading on antimicrobial stewardship initiatives across the Trust including attending the relevant committees, ward rounds and participating in regular audits. Taking part in Root cause analysis meetings for C difficile, MRSA bacteraemia and other alert organisms especially if the ICD is unable to attend. Participate in the services on-call rota.
• Laboratory: The consultant will be expected to contribute to the following: Day-to-day clinical oversight of diagnostic methods and examination of specimens. Authorisation and interpretation of results on a daily basis, the new consultant will be expected to authorise the vast majority of the results. Responsibility for quality assurance performance within the department, including taking part in all relevant national external quality assurance (NEQAS) programmes. Responsibility for achieving and maintaining full Microbiology laboratory UKAS accreditation. Compliance with health and safety and security requirements and with agreed SOPs and investigational algorithms is mandatory. Management arrangements are consistent with the recommendations of the Strategic Review of Pathology Services, notably paragraphs 4.22 – 4.26.
• Teaching and training: Provide teaching and mentorship to medical students, resident doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. Participate in postgraduate education and training programmes.
• Annual appraisal and revalidation: The successful applicant will be required to undertake annual review of their job plan, annual appraisal and revalidation every 5 years as per GMC requirements. The responsible officer is Dr Fiona Hikmet and the designated body is The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust.
• Research and innovation: Support or lead research within the department. Contribute to clinical audits, publications and presentations at professional conferences.
• Management and leadership: Participate in departmental meetings and service planning. Participate in clinical governance and risk management. Contribute to workforce planning and service redesign initiatives. Take on leadership roles as appropriate within the department or Trust.

Programmed activities (PA) allocation

The post is offered on a full-time basis, comprising 10 Programmed Activities (PAs) per week. The indicative split is as follows: Direct Clinical Care (DCC): 8.5 PAs - Ward rounds, MDT, Laboratory result authorisation; Supporting Professional Activities (SPA): 1.5 PAs - Additional responsibilities and external duties.