Job overview
We are seeking to appoint a full-time Consultant in General Paediatrics, with a special interest in epilepsy. The successful candidate will join an established and supportive department committed to providing excellent care with compassion.
The appointee will contribute to the delivery of high‑quality inpatient and outpatient services, as well as the Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU). The primary focus of the role is General Paediatrics, with opportunities to develop or expand a specialist interest in epilepsy, enhancing the department’s existing provision. Where specialist experience permits, the postholder will also contribute to epilepsy clinics and participate in relevant multidisciplinary team meetings, supporting the development of the epilepsy service, contributing to specialist clinics, care pathways, audit and quality improvement activity.
The postholder will participate in clinical governance activity, including audit, incident review, guideline development and quality improvement initiatives. Opportunities exist to contribute to service redesign, workforce planning and operational improvement aligned to the Trust’s strategic aims. Leadership or managerial responsibilities may be available for those with suitable interest and experience. The department has a strong commitment to the education of resident doctors, nurses, AHPs and medical students. Opportunities for involvement in simulation programmes, research, innovation and clinical trials.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities / Main Duties
1. Inpatient ward cover, working alongside and supporting the Consultant of the Week to deliver high‑quality ward-based care.
2. Paediatric Assessment Unit and emergency admissions cover, including timely assessment and management of acute presentations.
3. Outpatient clinics, with a focus on new patient assessments and ongoing management of general paediatric cases.
4. Provide specialist epilepsy input to outpatient clinics. Participate in epilepsy MDTs, including joint working with neurology and neurodisability colleagues. Contribute to epilepsy care pathways, quality improvement projects, and audit. Support development of community and transition epilepsy service
Subspecialty Interest – Epilepsy
(If the appointed candidate holds the relevant expertise/qualifications)
5. Resident evening shifts in the Paediatric Assessment Unit (approximately six shifts per 10‑week cycle), undertaken in collaboration with junior and middle‑grade colleagues to ensure safe and effective service delivery.
6. No neonatal responsibilities are included in this post.
7. Opportunities for leadership, management, teaching, or service development, depending on the candidate’s interests and experience.
8. A negotiable and flexible job plan, tailored to support the candidate’s professional aspirations. This may include support for structured mentorship and development for newly appointed consultants.
Working for our organisation
About Us
We are committed to providing excellent care with compassion, and we believe that creating a positive, supportive working environment is essential to achieving this. Our aim is for every member of staff to feel valued, empowered and well-supported, enabling us to deliver the highest standards of care for every patient, every time.
Our Strategic Aims
Our strategic aims outline our long‑term ambitions and define the core focus of our organisation:
9. To expand and develop specialised and tertiary services
10. To deliver high‑quality local services for the populations of Preston, Chorley and South Ribble
11. To enhance our workforce and strengthen our reputation through a commitment to education, research and innovation
Our Key Delivery Strategies
To support achievement of these strategic aims, we work to a set of delivery strategies that guide how we develop and improve our services:
12. Quality – ensuring safe, effective and person‑centred care
13. Workforce and Organisational Development – attracting, developing and retaining a skilled, motivated and compassionate workforce
14. Digital and IT – improving digital capability to enhance clinical care, innovation and efficiency
15. Operational Effectiveness – optimising our processes, systems and resources to ensure sustainable and responsive service delivery
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job description, Person specification and Specialty/ Trust Brochure for further details on:
• What we can offer
• Job Plan/On-call Requirements
• The Team
Informal enquiries and requests to visit the Hospitals are welcome and should be made, following shortlisting, with Mr. Steve Canty, Medical Director and Silas Nicholls, Chief Executive (01772) 522692.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
16. Full GMC Registration and Licence to Practice
17. MBBS or equivalent
18. Must be entered on the Specialist Register (or entry within 6 months)
19. MRCPCH
20. Completed CCT in Paediatrics
21. Epilepsy Trained
Desirable criteria
22. A higher qualification, e.g. MD PhD Diploma Masters
Experience and Skills
Essential criteria
23. More than five years of experience working at middle grade level in general paediatrics
24. Valid APLS and NLS
25. Valid Level 3 Safeguarding Training
26. Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively
27. Meets the requirements of the GMC’s ‘Good Medical Practice
Desirable criteria
28. Experience in teaching both undergraduates and postgraduates
Training
Desirable criteria
29. Experience in teaching both undergraduates and postgraduates
Management
Essential criteria
30. Evidence of Clinical Leadership
31. Evidence of commitment to audit and improving clinical practice/service development
32. Understanding of management issues including medical management, clinical governance, service planning, and quality improvement
Desirable criteria
33. Attendance at appropriate management, teaching, appraisal and mentorship courses.
34. Evidence of the development of leadership within the work environment.