Each year, the Trust supports around 500,000 face-to-face contacts with patients in their homes and communities and sees over 78,000 people in the A&E department annually. It serves a resident population of approximately 286,000 people, plus about 100,000 visitors at any one time during the summer holiday season.
What is Oncology Department like?
The new Specialist will be joining a team of 9 consultants and a team of 5 Speciality doctors and Oncology SpRs who support the whole oncology service. The hospital has a wide range of facilities used in the the treatment of cancer patients.
The Sinclair Oncology Unit provides both radiotherapy and chemotherapy facilities to a population of 375,000, the oncology outpatient suite is situated here in its own purpose-built area. All common cancers are treated at this hospital with patients travelling to Exeter for brachytherapy, treatment with unsealed sources and for centralised services for testicular tumours and sarcoma. The 18-bedded Turner ward provides the in-patient base for cancer medicine, it is staffed by highly skilled specialist staff including dedicated dieticians, occupational therapists and palliative care. The junior medical team on Turner Ward consists of 1 Core Medical Trainee, 1 GPST, 1 F2, 1 F1. The junior medical team also assist in covering the oncology day unit alongside the 2 SpRs and 3 oncology speciality doctors (SAS). The Ricky Grant Day Unit (RGDU) provides out-patient systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) alongside a dedicated PICC line service and paracentesis clinic. It also hosts the 24-hour telephone triage support line for patients on SACT, and a dedicated chemotherapy CNS team provide oral SACT clinics with home delivery. The trust uses the electronic SACT prescribing system ChemoCARE and the department is supported by a dedicated oncology pharmacist team with its own aseptic suite for the preparation of cytotoxics.
What Career Development and Further Opportunities are available?
There is real opportunity to progress through CESR at pace at this trust, with a strong desire for their doctors to develop their specialty areas of interest and undertake in various cancer trials and research projects where possible. The trust has a dedicated Research and Development (R&D) department located in its Horizon Centre. The current clinical trials portfolio supports both commercial and non-commercial trials and the trust was recently awarded a significant sum to invest in the further development of their radiotherapy portfolio. They have a very research active consultant body who believe in offering the local population access to new innovations. They also have excellent relationships with trusts in Exeter and Plymouth and patients are encouraged to travel to participate in open studies in each centre.
Life in the area
This hospital is located in a seaside resort town in Devon, South West England. Known for beaches, its coastline is nicknamed the English Riviera. The English Riviera is set around a large horseshoe shaped bay and sheltered by rolling hills - both of which provide a warm microclimate, and safe, shallow waters. The long sandy beaches, secluded coves and crystal clear waters mean that water-based activities are the favourite thing to do for both locals and visitors.
There is plenty to do in the area, a nearby harbour offers shops, cafes and a marina. Devon’s English Riviera also has a vibrant evening scene with a huge choice of shows, concerts, plays, musicals, ballets and comedies. There are five theatres, attracting the very best of the national touring shows. For quieter entertainment, close by is a monastery founded in 1196 which offers beautiful art galleries and extensive gardens. A nearby world-class wildlife conservation park, is also set in beautiful and extensive gardens with large lakes and is home to some of the planet’s most rare and amazing creatures.
Am I eligible for this role?
Non-EEA candidates:
EEA candidates:
UK candidates:
You will have the opportunity to join and shape the service at this exciting time. As part of the pathology network programme of NHS improvement, they are in the process of forming a combined organisation in order to better use our combined capitol and expertise.
To support your on-going professional development you will receive an excellent Study leave package from the hospital whilst the Trust also has an active Research Department to support research interests. The department has close links with the local Medical School offering interested candidates opportunities for undergraduate teaching or the development of management roles within the medical school.The hospital is located just minutes away from the city centre which is home to various restaurants, bars, shops and theatres perfect for all ages. There are many bus routes accessible throughout the city and the train station is only a ten minute drive from the hospital with regular services to surrounding areas such as Leeds and the ability to travel to London in under 2 hours.
The city is a quintessentially British part of the UK with beautiful architecture, a small city feel with a friendly and welcoming local population. In addition, the area is diverse and multicultural with an established culture of international doctors relocating to the area to support the local NHS services.Experienced Pathology Consultants from around the globe are encouraged to apply for consultant roles in one of the largest Foundation Trusts in the South East of England. The trust actively seeks experienced consultants, whether or not they are currently on the specialist register, with a commitment to supporting those not on the register for CESR if that is their preference. This Trust, boasting nearly 10,000 staff and an annual budget exceeding £715 million in 2019/20, operates two large general hospitals in the East of England that consistently perform well according to their CQC reports.
The Histopathology department at this Trust is on a trajectory of advancement, aiming to incorporate the latest technologies and innovations to meet the current and future challenges of the modern NHS. An exciting collaboration with a large teaching hospital and tertiary center in China is underway, promising extensive opportunities for research and teaching within the Histopathology department. The post holder will play a crucial role in surgical pathology and cytopathology, engaging with a dynamic and multidisciplinary team.
The work environment within the Histopathology department is characterized by surgical cut-up performed by Consultant Pathologists, Specialty Registrars, and Biomedical Scientists. Two biomedical scientists have completed the Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological dissection (cut-up), with ongoing training for another. Technical staff handle small biopsies, while Consultant Pathologists report all FNA and non-cervical cytology specimens. Although there is no sub-specialization in surgical histology or diagnostic cytology at present, lead pathologists for each cancer site act as contact points within the department, actively participating in multidisciplinary meetings. Importantly, there is no on-call commitment, and the post holder has the option to undertake coronial post-mortem examinations by direct agreement with local coroners services.
Currently, there are six consultant pathologists, with capacity for two more, including the current vacancy. The Histopathology and Blood Science services are fully accredited by UKAS, participating in both interpretative and technical EQA schemes. The hospital itself holds HTA approval as an institution.
Beyond the professional realm, life in the region offers an enviable quality of life in a historic town. The area features a wealth of affordable housing in one of the most attractive parts of Britain, while remaining in proximity to one of London\'s major airports and all the facilities of the capital. Families will find excellent schools and a range of leisure facilities to enhance their living experience. Relocation support, including detailed information through a relocation document, is available for those interested in exploring this exciting opportunity further.
Are you eligible for this role?
To be considered for this role you must meet the following requirements: