Senior Clinical Fellow for Respiratory Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) in Brighton

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Senior Clinical Fellow for Respiratory Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)

NHS Medical & Dental: Senior Clinical Fellow

Main area Respiratory Grade NHS Medical & Dental: Senior Clinical Fellow Contract 12 months (Fixed Term 12 months) Hours Full time - 40 hours per week Job ref 279-MWMED-SDEC-133

Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £76,582 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 01/11/2026 23:59

Job overview

Fixed term contract till 3rd of August 2027.

This is an exciting time to join the department of respiratory medicine at the Royal Sussex County Hospital Brighton. Our department moved into the brand-new state of the art Louisa Martindale Building in June 2023. The respiratory ward is located on level C9, and we have two dedicated bays and a clinic room for our Respiratory Same Day Emergency Unit.

The aim of the Respiratory SDEC are for people with respiratory symptoms to be rapidly assessed by a specialist multi-disciplinary respiratory team and have increased access to rapid diagnostic respiratory tests (i.e. spirometry, FeNO, thoracic ultrasound etc) and thoracic Radiology. This will enable prompt diagnosis and start of the correct therapeutic pathway in an ambulatory setting.

Main duties of the job

Patients presenting to ED with a respiratory complaint and clinically stable to be assessed in an SDEC unit will be transferred to the Respiratory SDEC. They will be fully assessed by the clinical fellow; necessary investigations will be organised and when results available the patient will be discussed/reviewed by the respiratory physician of the day. Treatment and management plan will be decided, and patient will either be admitted for inpatient care or discharged with appropriate follow-up.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Patients known to the respiratory consultants /CNS will contact the team when they are unwell. These patients may have complex respiratory infections, airways disease, or interstitial lung diseases. They will be booked to attend the respiratory SDEC where a clinician will assess them and discuss with the respiratory physician of the day.

Patients presenting to A&E/GP with a new unilateral pleural effusion will be seen directly by a member of the respiratory team. After a thorough history and examination, a thoracic ultrasound will be performed. When there are no contra-indications, a diagnostic pleural aspiration will be performed the same day. Patient will then be appointed to the correct follow-up pathway.

Ambulatory primary spontaneous pneumothorax management

Patients presenting to A&E with a spontaneous primary pneumothorax will be directed to the respiratory SDEC for their management. We plan to implement an ambulatory chest drain pathway for patients requiring intercostal drainage but well enough to be managed in an ambulatory setting. The clinical fellow will have the opportunity to participate in setting up this pathway and evaluating its implementation.

Pathway for faster diagnosis of lung cancer

Patients presenting to the radiology/A&E department with chest x-ray findings suggestive of a lung malignancy will be directed to the respiratory SDEC.

They will be seen directly by a member of the respiratory team, the correct investigations (CT chest, diagnostic aspiration, bronchoscopy, PET, EBUS) organised and prompt follow-up in the lung cancer clinic will be arranged.

Earlier intervention with the correct test means patients are diagnosed earlier and are therefore fitter for treatment. This is increasingly important with newer anti-cancer treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

We expect to develop further ambulatory respiratory care pathways as the service develops.

Person specification

Teaching Skills

• Evidence of an interest and commitment to teaching
• Recognised teaching qualification

Personal Attributes

• Evidence of good written communication skills

Experience/ Qualifications

• Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice
• Advanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent
• Completed foundation training in the UK or signed CREST form
• Higher Degree

Clinical Skills and Experience

• Clinical experience in General Medicine in the UK at least 6 months
• Understanding of clinical risk management
• Postgraduate experience of working in Intensive Care or High Dependency Medicine

Knowledge

• Breadth of experience in and outside specialty

Organisation and Planning

• Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams
• Understanding of: NHS / Clinical governance / Resource constraints

Academic and Research

• Evidence of participation in audit
• Research experience
• Publications
• Prizes and honours
• Appropriate progression of career to date

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications

UHSussex values authenticity and encourages applicants to ensure that all application materials accurately reflect their own skills, experience, knowledge and motivations. Candidates may use AI and digital tools to support the preparation of applications, for example to assist with spelling, grammar, structure or accessibility needs. However, applicants remain responsible for the content submitted and should ensure that it genuinely represents their own abilities and experience. Where there are reasonable concerns that an application does not authentically reflect the applicant's own knowledge, skills, experience or suitability for the role, the Trust reserves the right to explore this further and, where authenticity cannot be satisfactorily demonstrated, to reject the application.

Bank Workers: Bank workers are welcome to apply for any of our vacancies but please note if you are successful at interview there will be a delay in confirming a start date due to the Trust's current financial controls.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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