WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST LIKE?

The hospital is situated within close distance of the town centre and is the designated major accident and emergency centre in the district providing a full range of acute services. It serves a population of approximately 380,000.

The Hospital is a large DGH; the A&E gets 100,000 attendances per year, and they have 16,000 medical admissions per year. They have recently opened a brand new purpose built admissions hub in 2018 for assessment and initial management of most medical patients with very early consultant led review of attendees.  They also have a fully functional ambulatory care center for streamlined management of acute admissions closely working with our emergency department.

WHAT IS THE GASTROENTEROLOGY DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?

The Gastroenterology department has significantly grown over the last two years with currently 8 full time consultant gastroenterologists. They manage most aspects of Gastroenterology care, including management of viral hepatitis, undertaking Fibroscan in clinics and bowel cancer screening.  The department have a close working relationship with the tertiary centre colleagues in nearby hospitals for HPB surgery, upper GI cancer surgery, Complex Hepatology and transplant.  The three room modern endoscopy unit is equipped with Olympus equipment including scope guide which is vital in providing training in lower GI endoscopy procedures. They undertake complex polypectomy EMRs, ERCP, biliary and upper GI EUS as well as EBUS in our endoscopy unit. The unit is JAG accredited for training as well as bowel cancer screening.

There is currently one 32 - bedded Gastroenterology ward and they work closely with the critical care colleagues for management of patients requiring HDU or level 3 care.  Inpatient clinical care is currently supported by three consultant led teams along with 3 SpRs as well as a mixture of 5 further junior members of our team.  There is a dedicated and friendly group of experienced nursing staff on the ward.  They have a well-established group of specialist nurses; including two inflammatory bowel disease specialist nurses, one hepatitis specialist nurse and one nutrition support nurse.  They also work closely with the upper GI Macmillan team as well as colorectal specialist nurses.

The department have weekly GI cancer MDTs on Thursday mornings, monthly IBD MDT and monthly endoscopy governance meetings.

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION? 

The town itself has a fascinating blend of rich heritage, distinguished history and all the energy and vigor you would expect of one of the fastest growing modern commercial towns in the United Kingdom. The town has much to offer with cinemas, theatres, parks and restaurants.  There are a number of convenient retail centers.  It has its own rugby stadium, football stadium and a number of other sporting venues including climbing and even a trampolining center. The town is surrounded by extensive areas of natural beauty. There are a large number of country parks and woodlands as well as many country pubs serving delicious food.  Housing is affordable both in town and in the many attractive villages that surround us. There is excellent schooling.

The town also provides easy access to London (70 miles) and other parts of the UK (Birmingham 40 miles, Leicester 40 miles Oxford 50 miles and Cambridge 50 miles) through rail links and motorway networks.  It is usefully situated at the heart of England and the M1 being nearby allows for rapid access to both London and the North. Many major household names have established their UK headquarters or major operations centers here. There are also several airports within easy range.

The County is part of a designated growth area, which will see significant development and consequent population growth over the next 25 years. The population of the county has already risen from 688,000 in 2010 to 760,000 this year. Whilst there is currently a relatively young population, including people from many different ethnic backgrounds and cultural beliefs, there are also a rapidly rising number of people aged over 75.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU? 

The department is supportive of CESR, offering a bespoke programmed to help develop your experience in the direction that you are looking to achieve. As a larger DGH, they can accommodate a range of specialist interest to compliment the service. As the trust grows in their capacity as a 'DGH plus', the intention is for an increase in academical work. There already exists established and close links with universities. 

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

The role requires significant experience in gastroenterology at a senior level, preferably at consultant level. 

• For UK based gastroenterologists: you will  be required to be within approximately 6 months of gaining CCT or CESR, or indeed hold specialist registration. 
• For EEA candidates: you will be required to hold specialist diploma or certification in gastroenterology and hold consultant experience in gastroenterology.  
• For Non-EEA candidates: you will be required to have complete the MRCP exams and hold consultant experience in gastroenterology.  

A smaller sized District General Hospital in Wales are looking to appoint a General Medicine consultant with interest in Gastroenterology to join over a 1-3 year period as a locum consultant. Candidates that wish to pursue a substantive post once they have attained specialist registration via CESR will be welcomed to apply.

Successful candidates will be expected to:

• Help develop a comprehensive General Medicine and Gastroenterology service across the Health Board
• Assist in development and delivery of a comprehensive 7 day service
• Acute inpatient assessment and treatment
• General and Specialist DGH and Community-based outpatient clinics
• Effective leadership to multidisciplinary staff members of the unit
• Development of teaching, training and research within the hospital and wider Health Board

Requirements for this post are the following:

• MRCP UK
• IELTS or OET
• Extensive experience in GIM & Gastroenterology
• At least 2 years experience at consultant grade

This is a great position for general physicians with strong interest and experience in gastroenterology, whilst an excellent and welcoming hospital for doctors new to the NHS.