Specialist in Spinal Surgery in Cardiff

The Cardiff Spinal Unit has been established for over 20 years. In 2011, the Welsh Centre for Spinal Trauma and Surgery opened at the UHW site. There are currently 10 Consultant Spinal Surgeons (8 Orthopaedic and 2 Neurosurgical), 4 Senior Spinal Fellows, 2 Junior Spinal Fellows, 2 Specialist Registrars, 2 Junior Clinical Fellows, 2 Foundation Year 1 doctors and 2 Clinical Nurse Specialists. It is an established renowned centre of excellence performing all aspects of Spinal Surgery in the capital city of Wales, UK. It is an AO Spine Centre.

The Unit performs annually:

• Elective spinal operations >600
• Emergency spinal operations 200
• Paediatric spinal operations >120
• Spinal Injections >500
• Spinal Outpatient appointments 5500

Over the years the unit has trained over 80 Fellows who have become Consultants around the world. The team of Consultants comprise internationally recognized trainers, senior lecturers and faculty of our governing bodies. The unit has become the Major Trauma Centre in Wales and has seen a large influx of spinal trauma cases. The unit has a standalone spinal outpatient clinic with radiological support and a spinal injection suite. There has been recent investment in endoscopic spinal surgery. The unit plans to invest in spinal navigation systems / robotics and as part of the MTC the hospital is investing in 3D C‑Arm systems. The NHS in Wales has established a National Robotics Program for Surgery.

Main duties of the job

Clinical responsibilities include prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and promotion of health within the speciality. The post holder will:

• Deliver patient care with senior colleagues where appropriate, maintaining high clinical autonomy within agreed competencies, scope of practice, and local governance frameworks, working collaboratively with Consultant colleagues.
• Participate in teaching—diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases—to junior medical staff and nursing staff.
• Take part in the senior spinal on‑call rota appropriate to competence and agreed scope of practice (week on call 1 in 7).
• Perform any other duties agreed with the employing Health Board.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Full GMC / GDC registration with a licence to practise

Experience

• 12 years’ postgraduate medical / dental work, including a minimum of 6 years within the specialty at Specialty Doctor / SAS grade level or equivalent (overseas experience to be assessed individually).
• Evidence of senior autonomous spinal surgical practice in a tertiary referral centre / major trauma centre environment.

Audit

• Evidence of participation in clinical audit and understanding of the role of audit in improving medical practice.
• Understanding of clinical risk management and clinical governance.
• Evidence of engagement with revalidation.

Personal Qualities

• Flexible approach.
• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues.
• Values aligned to those of the Health Board.

Other Requirements

• Commitment to participating in and understanding of the management process.
• Satisfactory Immigration Status.
• Satisfactory Health Clearance.
• Satisfactory Disclosure Check.
• Evidence of management training.