Consultant In Obstetrics – Fetal Medicine in Leicester

University Hospitals of Leicester hosts one of the largest and most comprehensive Fetal and Maternal Medicine services in the East Midlands, also receiving tertiary referrals from across the wider region. The service manages fetal structural anomalies, multiple pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, fetal infections, invasive prenatal diagnosis, preterm birth prevention, maternal medical disorders in pregnancy and the management of complex placental conditions, including Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS).

A particular strength of the Leicester service is the co-location of specialist services within a single site. Fetal medicine, paediatric cardiology, paediatric surgery, neonatal medicine, labour ward services and maternity inpatient care are all located within the Leicester Royal Infirmary campus. This unique configuration facilitates close multidisciplinary working, timely decision-making and seamless patient pathways. It enables women and their families to access multiple specialist teams in one location, improving both the patient experience and the coordination of care for complex pregnancies.

The department is entering an exciting period of growth and transformation. Significant investment is being made in the development of a dedicated Antenatal and Fetal Medicine Centre, bringing together fetal medicine, maternal medicine and specialist antenatal services within a purpose-designed environment.

Main duties of the job

• Providing tertiary-level fetal and maternal medicine services within University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
• Supporting the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre fetal cardiology service through close multidisciplinary collaboration with paediatric cardiology colleagues.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of regional fetal medicine outreach services, including specialist clinics at Kettering General Hospital.
• Participating in maternal medicine services across Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital, supporting women with complex medical conditions in pregnancy.
• Contributing to specialist assessment and care pathways for women with high-risk pregnancies, including complex fetal, placental and maternal conditions.
• Contributing to multidisciplinary team meetings, case discussions and care planning across fetal medicine, maternal medicine, neonatal medicine, paediatric surgery, paediatric cardiology and genetics.
• Supporting undergraduate and postgraduate education, including the training and supervision of resident doctors, fellows, sonographers and members of the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Contributing to clinical governance, quality improvement, audit and patient safety initiatives within the department and Trust.
• Supporting the growth of research and innovation within fetal and maternal medicine, including opportunities to participate in multicentre studies.

Person specification

• Qualifications
• MB BS or Equivalent
• Full GMC Registration
• MRCOG or appropriate specialist registration
• Relevant CCT or equivalent (‘equivalence’ must be confirmed by GMC by date of AAC).
• Sub specialty accreditation in Fetal and Maternal Medicine, or an equivalent specialist interest and experience in Fetal Medicine.
• Membership of relevant Specialist Societies or Associations.
• Experience / Clinical Skills
• Fully trained in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
• Clinical Knowledge and Expertise: Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgment to problems; demonstrates clear, logical thinking/analytical approach; understands evidence-based practice
• Willingness to develop skills and experience in areas of interest.
• Ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinical care of patients.
• Delivery of good acute clinical care.
• Research
• Understanding and interest in research.
• Evidence of recent research and development activity.
• Publications in nationally and internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals on subjects relevant to the speciality.
• Personal Attributes
• Good leadership skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, relatives, GPs, nurses and other agencies
• Enthusiasm and ability to work under pressure
• Good organisational and management skills
• Supportive and tolerant
• Caring attitude to patients
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Prepared to live within 10 miles or 30 minutes of the hospital
• Empathy and sensitivity: Ability to listen and take in others’ perspectives; caring approach to patients.
• Job related special skills
• Offer expert clinical opinion on a range of problems in high-risk Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine
• To have experience in the management and counselling of patients referred with fetal anomalies at a tertiary level.
• Ability to carry out invasive procedures.
• To participate in the on-call rota.
• Active involvement in audits and research
• Awareness of Service Development issues.
• Evidence of management and administration experience.
• Management training on an accredited course.
• Teaching
• Experience of, and commitment to teaching undergraduate and postgraduates
• Enthusiastic and ability to inspire others
• Post graduate qualification or ATSM in medical education.
• Appraisal and assessment skills.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check. The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve.