Job summary
We are seeking to appoint a Consultant Geriatrician with a specialist interest in Oncology to join our team at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. This post sits within the Supportive Oncology Directorate, a dynamic and patient-centred directorate focused on improving the quality of life and holistic care for people living with and beyond cancer. The post is ideally offered on a full-time basis (10 Programmed Activities [PAs] per week); however, flexible working arrangements will be considered for suitable candidates unable to work full-time under a permanent contract with the Trust. The successful applicant will work across both the Senior Adult Oncology (SAO) and Acute Oncology teams, delivering integrated, high-quality care for complex older adults with cancer. The job description is subject to Royal College approval.
Main duties of the job
* Conduct consultant-led outpatient SAO clinics and support the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), providing and coordinating care for complex older patients with cancer and frailty who are either planned to start or are undergoing anti-cancer treatments, with a focus on frailty, multimorbidity and polypharmacy.
* Establish an Acute Frailty and inpatient liaison service to support the patient's primary oncology team during an admission for selected cases.
* Deliver Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGA) as part of a multidisciplinary team for selected cancer patients living with frailty, to inform treatment decisions and optimise outcomes.
* Provide clinical supervision, support, and education to junior doctors and Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) in inpatient and outpatient settings.
* Maintain effective communication and coordination with the patient's Oncology Team, ensuring shared decision-making and seamless care planning for older adults with complex needs.
* The postholder will not be responsible for making oncology treatment decisions; these will remain with the Oncology Team, who will provide registrar and consultant-level input and support as required.
About us
The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, with around 15% of patients referred nationally. We provide radiotherapy, chemotherapy, highly specialist surgery, and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are an international leader in research with a large early clinical trial unit and a strong track record in cancer research.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Consultant Geriatrician post is for 10 Programmed Activities (PAs) per week to provide expert inpatient and outpatient care for complex older patients with cancer at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. This is a pivotal clinical and leadership role, supporting the Trust’s commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care for older adults with cancer. The successful applicant will work across both the SAO and Acute Oncology teams. The SAO MDT sits within the Directorate of Supportive Oncology and includes multiple services; the CSSS division encompasses several directorates. Role purpose is to lead Acute Frailty with inpatient care as the first Consultant Geriatrician at The Christie, establishing a new inpatient referral service and a specialist geriatric liaison service. Inpatient sessions will be referral-based and annualised in the job plan, consisting of 3.5 hours Direct Clinical Care (DCC) plus 30 minutes administration per session. Outpatient care includes delivering clinics within the SAO service and participating in MDT discussions; CGA informs treatment decisions and rehabilitation plans in collaboration with the Oncology Team and other services.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential: Wide experience in the care of complex older patients with the ability to offer expert clinical opinion in geriatric medicine; experience in an acute setting; expertise in frailty, CGA and discharge planning. Desirable: Oncology experience; rehabilitation experience.
Research / Publications
Essential: Participation in relevant oncology/geriatrics research. Desirable: Publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
Professional Qualifications
Essential: Full GMC registration within the specialist register with license to practice as a Geriatrician (or eligibility within 3 months of interview); training and experience equivalent to UK CCT in Geriatric Medicine; eligibility for GMC specialist registration via CCT (within 6 months of interview) or CESR. Desirable: Oncology qualifications.
Qualifications
Essential: MRCP (UK) or equivalent; Desirable: higher degree (MD/PhD).
Training
Essential: Training in care of complex older patients; Desirable: training in care of cancer patients.
Management / Audit
Essential: Experience in clinical audit and quality improvement; Desirable: experience in team management.
Teaching
Essential: Evidence of contributing to teaching and clinical supervision.
Leadership
Essential: Evidence of clinical leadership skills; Desirable: proven ability to lead a team.
Self-reliance
Essential: Excellent written and oral communication skills; flexibility, commitment and teamwork.
Motivation
Essential: Ability to work under pressure, self-motivated, able to motivate team, enthusiastic, professional demeanor.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS disclosure check.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Additional information
Employer details
Employer: The Christie NHS FT
Address: Supportive Care - E00266, Manchester, M20 4BX
Employer’s website: The Christie.
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