Locum Consultant in Paediatric Plastics Department in Birmingham

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. The Paediatric Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery Service provides secondary level Paediatric Plastic services to the children and young people of Birmingham, and tertiary care to those in the wider region and beyond, incorporating several specialist services including children’s hand and upper limb surgery, vascular malformations, general paediatric plastic surgery trauma including lower limb trauma and laser treatment. It also provides plastic surgical reconstructive support to other surgical specialties, notably spinal surgery, and the sarcoma service as well as children with complex health needs, working closely with colleagues from other specialties.

Main duties of the job:

• Cover the department unit according to the rota provided each week.
• Attend, assist and independently run outpatient clinics.
• Assist in the evaluation of patients.
• Participate in multidisciplinary clinics.
• Preoperative assessment and preparation, surgery and postoperative care of patients.
• Attend the Emergency Department to assess, plan and deliver treatment of patients referred.
• Participate in the on‑call rota.
• Assist in the clinical teaching activities of the department.
• Assist in organizing weekly patient review meetings.
• Cover other colleagues in their absence.
• Conduct active audit and research.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

The successful candidate will have a mixed job plan that includes a subspecialty in hands as well as general plastics commitments. They will contribute to the on‑call rota for plastic, hand and reconstructive surgery, which is a 1:5‑6 frequency. The wider team has junior support from three HEE specialist NTN trainees in plastic surgery, six clinical fellows, three specialist clinical fellows (craniofacial, burns and hand/upper limb), who collectively contribute to a 1:8 on‑call rota and a Physician’s Associate. The new appointee will be expected to participate in the training of the middle‑grade and junior trainees in addition to contributing to the weekly hand teaching. The appointee will be expected to take an active interest in conducting research as well as presenting and publishing relevant clinical findings and research results as well as participate in regular audit. The appointee will be expected to work very closely with their colleagues to deliver this dedicated service to children and their families. Close communication within the team is fundamental to the delivery of this service, resulting in the pooling of expertise and resources. The post holder will be expected to take part in the delivery and development of clinical services within the Trust’s Service and Financial Framework and in line with the Trust’s clinical strategy. The post‑holder will also be expected to participate in the activities of appropriate Departmental, Directorate or Trust Committees and Working Groups as required.

Person specification:

• Qualifications: Full GMC Registration. Entry on the GMC specialist register (CCT or CESR) within 6 months of interview. CESR or European Community Rights. Higher Degree (MD, PhD, etc).
• Clinical experience: Training and experience in paediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery both elective and trauma. Training in hand surgery of minimum 6 months - European or British Hand Diploma or equivalent completed or enrolled. Demonstrable interest in children’s hand and upper limb surgery. ATLS/APLS.
• Research: Demonstrates a supportive attitude. Can give examples of working in collaboration with others. A proven interest and experience in audit, research and teaching. Previous Personal Research Experience. Specify specific issues of interest if relevant.
• Clinical skills: Evidence of CPD. Adequate evidence of subspecialty training in this area. Evidence of previous experience in service development.

Our Trust is committed to creating the best place to work. We believe in promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Contact: Dr Ramesh Vidyadharan, Clinical Lead Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, rvidyadharan@nhs.net. Additional contact: Andrea Jester, Hand and Upper Limb Service, andrea.jester@nhs.net.