Job overview
Due to the successful nature of this post in recent years, we are excited to invite applications to the post of a Speciality Doctor in Frailty. The successful applicant will be working with the Elderly Medicine (DOME) Team at Worthing Hospital. The post offers excellent experience in Acute frailty and inpatient Geriatric Medicine, as well as input into the development of same day emergency care. The post could suit those who may wish to progress their career through the CESR route towards becoming a consultant or those wishing to develop into a speciality doctor pathway.
Main duties of the job
The DOME team provides a front door frailty service which involves seeing frail older people as they present to Accident & Emergency and through to the Emergency Floor. As part of the post, the applicant will be an integral part of our Acute Frailty service, as well as providing support and in reach to our DOME wards across the hospital.
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.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The role will primarily be based on the Emergency Floor working with our Acute Frailty Team but will also involve the day to day care of patients living with frailty on the Medicine for Older People Wards. We are committed to enhancing the service we provide to patients living with frailty in West Sussex, across both the Worthing and St Richard’s sites. Our service development plans include building on our already established Acute Frailty service, by developing a frailty SDEC, re-establishing our dementia service, and expanding our rapid access clinics. We aim to take a system based approach to providing excellent patient care to the frail population and work with our community partners and key stakeholders to establish effective admission avoidance pathways with initiatives such as Virtual Ward as well as community geriatrics. The Trust has recent merged and with that comes further opportunities. As a teaching hospital, and with links to the medical school, we encourage our team to share their skills and experience with the junior teams and as a result, we have a close team who support one another.
As an experienced specialty doctor, you will be expected to lead the team of junior doctors, supported by the Consultants, in providing high quality care and ensuring timely discharge for inpatients across the Emergency Floor and across the DOME Wards.
Person specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Basic medical degree
2. MRCP or appropriate specialist qualification
3. Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice
4. Four years post-graduation, with two years in the relevant specialty
Desirable criteria
5. PGCert, Masters, MD, Phd
6. Diploma in Geriatric Medicine
7. SCE Geriatric Medicine
Clinical Skills and Experience
Essential criteria
8. Able to work on departmental registrar rota
9. Understanding of clinical risk management
10. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Desirable criteria
11. Experience in comprehensive geriatric assessment
12. Breadth of experience outside of geriatric medicine to complement geriatric specific experience
Knowledge
Essential criteria
13. Appropriate level of clinical knowledge / up to date
14. Knowledge and use of evidence based practice
Desirable criteria
15. Breadth of experience in and outside specialty
Organisation and Planning
Essential criteria
16. Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams
17. Understanding of: NHS / Clinical governance / Resource constraints
Desirable criteria
18. Evidence of managerial skills: Achievements / Course attended
Teaching Skills
Essential criteria
19. Evidence of an interest and commitment to teaching
Desirable criteria
20. Recognised teaching qualification
Academic and Research
Essential criteria
21. Evidence of participation in audit
Desirable criteria
22. Research experience
23. Publications
24. Prizes and honours
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
25. Evidence of:- Good communication skills both oral and written
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
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