Job overview
This is a fantastic opportunity to join our forward thinking and dynamic elder care medical team at DCH. The post holder is expected to provide input to the medicine for older people service at DCH. The vision is for the role to have an element of service provision but also to be educational and developmental. Experience in all areas of geriatric medicine, including community work, can be provided.
The post holder will be supported by an educational supervisor and a mentor. Appropriate support to progress to autonomous practice will be given. Wider professional development and involvement in service development, education and leadership will be encouraged.
Main duties of the job
The department has ambitious plans to enhance services and to become a centre of excellence in the care of older people. The redesign of the emergency floor gives unique opportunities to ensure patients are on the correct pathway from the outset, to avoid admissions and to reduce length of stay. For frail patients who need to be admitted, we aim to ensure they receive comprehensive geriatric assessment and are cared for in a specialist unit by appropriately trained staff, for the minimum time possible.
The Trust’s Dementia strategy is in the process of being reviewed through evidence from patient, carer and staff feedback and contribution from partner organisations as well as being informed through national initiatives and guidance.
Working for our organisation
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Our aim is to recruit a doctor with a passion for geriatric medicine who has chosen not to pursue the traditional training route. We are looking for a doctor with at least two years post Foundation experience, 6 months of which must be in geriatric medicine. The post will be highly flexible and tailored to the successful applicant.
This post complements the current staffing in the Department of Medicine for Older People. The existing senior medical staff includes four specialist doctors, all of whom practice autonomously at consultant level. Dorset County Hospital is very supportive and inclusive of specialty/specialist doctors. We would like to recruit a specialty doctor for whom we can provide extensive experience and further training, with the eventual aim of progressing to consultant level autonomous practice. This could be via the CESR route or as a specialist doctor, depending on individual preference. The trust is currently in the process of developing a “CESR Academy” to support this process.
Person specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria
* An appropriate higher medical qualification - MRCP or overseas equivalent
* Full GMC Registration with a licence to practice
Experience & Knowledge
Essential criteria
* 2 years post Foundation experience
* Minimum of 6 months experience in Geriatric Medicine
Current Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Willingness and ability to fulfil the general service elements of the job description
* Evidence of the ability to work clinically without direct consultant supervision and to provide leadership to junior members of the team
Team working and Service development
Essential criteria
* Evidence of experience working in a multidisciplinary team and effective team working skills
Desirable criteria
* Experience of basic service change/development
Understanding and Participation in Clinical Governance
Essential criteria
* Evidence of understanding of clinical governance
Desirable criteria
* Knowledge of and direct involvement in audit.
* Knowledge of principles of research
* Evidence of ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust
* Knowledge of organizational aspects of the NHS
Teaching & Communication
Essential criteria
* Evidence of teaching experience and abilities appropriate to the post
Desirable criteria
* Ability to present effectively to an audience
* Ability to communicate effectively