Overview
Applications are invited for a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a specialist interest in neuro-ophthalmology and emergency eye care to join the Ophthalmology department at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. The main services are based at Maidstone Hospital, with a smaller unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, and services provided at Medway Maritime Hospital. This position offers an opportunity to further develop the neuro-ophthalmology and emergency eye care service within one of the largest ophthalmic departments in the Southeast, serving a population of 1.2 million people in Mid and West Kent. Successful applicants will primarily work at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells sites, with outpatient sessions at Medway Maritime Hospital. These are whole-time appointments comprising 6 Programmed Activities (PAs).
Main duties of the job
The Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust provides ophthalmology services for Mid and West Kent. General and subspecialty ophthalmology services are provided at the Eye, Ear, and Mouth Unit (EEMU), a modern facility attached to Maidstone Hospital, with outpatient facilities at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury and Medway Maritime Hospital, using a hub and spoke model. The post-holder will have a timetable with sessions at Maidstone and other sites. EEMU has a busy Rapid Access department, optometric and orthoptic departments. There are two dedicated ophthalmic operating theatres at Maidstone and one at Tunbridge Wells (Pembury). There is a stable management team and opportunities to continually improve services and equipment. Friday afternoon departmental teaching is consultant-led. Research interests are supported by links with the University of Kent at Canterbury. Residence requirements are compatible with living in the outskirts of London or in rural Kent, with several excellent state grammar schools nearby in Maidstone.
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey. We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex, with over 8,000 staff. We offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre. Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, joined the Trust in October 2024, offering two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Flexible working
We are a flexible, work-friendly organisation. Whether adjusting hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we aim to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Discuss how we can accommodate your working needs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
* Provide a high standard of care to any patient for whom you have clinical responsibility, including patients you personally care for.
* Participate in clinical and other service activities to ensure a high standard of patient care.
* Take an equal share in providing subspecialty cover and covering for colleagues during absences, including electronic triage of referrals.
* Support and train junior Ophthalmologists and the development and training of medical students and allied professionals, including the oculoplastic nurse specialist role.
* Participate in clinical governance activities, attend governance half-days, undertake annual appraisal leading to revalidation, and participate in departmental audits.
* Collaborate with medical, professional and managerial colleagues to provide high-quality care and contribute to the Trust’s strategic direction.
* Ensure compliance with the General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice and Duties of a Doctor.
* Take personal responsibility for risk management and review practices; be an active member of risk management processes.
* Respond promptly to complaints related to patient care, assisting the Trust in replying within a specified time frame.
* Develop and maintain relationships with agencies involved in health and social care and patient representatives.
* Adhere to health and safety responsibilities and Trust IRMER Regulations.
* Be prepared to perform duties in emergencies or unforeseen circumstances at the request of the Clinical Director or General Manager for Ophthalmology.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Full GMC Registration
* FRCS / FRCOphth
* Entered on CCT Register or within 6 months of obtaining CCT
Desirable
* Other degrees, e.g. BSc, MSc, MD
* Distinctions, scholarships, prizes
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
* Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for UK CCT in ophthalmology
* Recognised subspecialty training in Cornea
* Ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinics and theatre lists
* Demonstrable experience in Clinical Audit and Research
Desirable
* Experience of risk management
* Experience in setting up multi-disciplinary clinics
* Virtual Clinics
* Laser surgery
Skills
Essential
* Evidence of leadership
* Organisational ability
* Able to take responsibility and cope with stressful situations
* Able to get on with other members of the multi-disciplinary team
* Credibility and integrity
* A sympathetic approach to patients and relatives
Desirable
* Critical and enquiring approach to knowledge acquisition
* Postgraduate communication skills course
* Understanding of corporacy in the NHS
Employer details
Employer name
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Address
Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, ME16 9QQ
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