Clinical Fellowship in Stroke in Plymouth

At University Hospitals Plymouth we have a Comprehensive Stroke Centre and provide the Mechanical Thrombectomy Service for the Southwest Peninsula. The service runs 7 days a week (but not overnight) and is expanding to 24/7. The Senior Clinical Fellow post in Stroke is based in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth and will work alongside the SpRs in the Peninsula Training Programme to deliver specialist care across hyper‑acute, acute and rehabilitation stroke services.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and initiate treatment, including IV thrombolysis for suspected acute stroke under consultant supervision.
• Provide medical input for patients requiring mechanical thrombectomy, including receiving referrals from other hospitals.
• Work on the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) and Acute Stroke Unit (ASU), directly supporting the stroke consultant in ward runs.
• Complete approximately 20% non‑stroke clinical work in departments such as Geriatrics, Neurology, Acute Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine, depending on background and hospital needs.
• Participate in a 24/7 resident rota: carry the stroke bleep and make thrombolysis/thrombectomy decisions on a 1:13 basis, supported by an on‑call consultant.
• Work weekend and night shifts (9 pm–9 am) with appropriate compensatory rest; rostered alongside regular 9 am–5 pm day shifts and long day shifts (9 am–9 pm).

Person Specification

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent qualification; eligible for full GMC registration at appointment and hold a current licence to practice.
• Evidence of Foundation competencies from a UKFPO‑affiliated Foundation Programme (or equivalent) and IMT3 level competencies (CT/ST1) at commencement.
• At least 5 years of post‑graduate medical experience; post for doctors at ST4 level and above.
• At least 3 years in medical specialties, with experience delivering intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Desirable

• MRCP full diploma or CCT in Neurology/Stroke (or equivalent foreign training).
• Ability to interpret neuroimaging (CT angiography, CT perfusion, MRI) in acute stroke.
• Information technology skills and evidence of voluntary or altruistic work.
• Evidence of leadership in multidisciplinary team settings and NHS management awareness.

Aptitude & Abilities

Essential

• Clear written and spoken communication; adaptability of language; rapport building; persuasive and negotiating skills.
• Analytical and lateral thinking to solve problems and make decisions; ability to consider others’ perspectives and treat patients humanely.
• Respect for all professionals and patients.

Desirable

• Evidence of effective leadership, multidisciplinary teamwork and management involvement.
• At least 24 months of experience in medicine (excluding Foundation modules) or equivalent ACCS training by commencement.

Application Requirements

This post requires a Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 disclosure. Applicants needing Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome. Please provide a criminal record certificate for each country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. All applicants must hold current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers for details. All communication will be electronic; check your email regularly. Contact the recruitment manager for application support or adjustments.

Diversity and Equality

We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply, as diversity strengthens our teams. The University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is an equal opportunity employer.