Elderly Care or Geriatric specialists are encouraged to apply for opportunities with this fantastic Health Board. CESR, sub-specialty development, mentorship, research - all sound interesting? These are all on offer in abundance, as is the opportunity to settle with your family in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.
Catchment area
The hospital is a modern district general hospital in North East Wales serving a population of approximately 300,000. It is one of the largest towns in North Wales, with a thriving and diverse industrial centre and also being the market town for a large rural area.
The countryside surrounding is exceedingly attractive with a National Park less than an hour away. Additionally, major cities are a short commute away.
The Health Board
The Health Board comprises three acute District General Hospitals, mental health services and community hospital provision, and covers all health care providers Wales. There is a consultant body of over 150. All the major specialties and subspecialties are represented with the exception of cardiac surgery and neurosurgery. Visiting consultants provide for thoracic surgery (once a fortnight), plastic surgery, neurology, and super specialist paediatrics. Oncology services are provided by visiting consultants from a specialist Cancer Centre.
The Care of the Elderly Service
We are excited to offer this new permanent full time (1.0 WTE) consultant post within the Directorate of Medicine to improve and enhance Frailty services and the Care of the Elderly department is currently going through an exciting expansion with new services being offered. We are looking for an individual who will help shape the future of the department and can drive innovative ways of working.
The post will be for 10 sessions of which there will be 7 DCCs and 3 SPAs depending on additional duties undertaken, and they are committed to devising an individualised job plan for the successful candidate. Areas that can be incorporated into the final job plan include:
The Care of the Elderly department provides the following services:
Current Staff
The current team comprises of 6 consultants with specialist interests in orthogeriatrics, movement disorders, stroke, frailty and falls. Junior staff is comprised of 1 Specialty Doctor (attached to the Stroke Unit), 4 Specialist Registrars, 9 SHO grades (a mix of F2s, CMT, and GPVTS trainees) with the possibility of a third strand F1 during some rotations.
These staff rotate around the department and will make up the junior doctor team supporting the new appointees – at a minimum there will be one SHO attached to each rehabilitation ward, a Staff grade based in the Community Hospital, and one SHO (often more) based on the frailty unit. There is a middle grade to cover the frailty unit and another that provides cover for the rehabilitation unit.
Mentorship
New consultants will be encouraged to take a mentor from colleagues and to attend the local RCP North new consultant events and courses.
Annual and Study Leave
Annual leave is 33 days per year. A maximum of thirty days study leave, over a rolling 3-year period funded study leave is available in line with national terms and conditions. Leave to attend courses will normally be granted up to this limit unless service demands are exceptional.
If you are an overseas doctor looking to develop as a specialist in the UK then this is the right job for you! CESR support, mentorship, sub-speciality development and a friendly welcoming team is there to support doctors from any walk of the UK. Of course, UK CCT-trained consultants will be offered an opportunity and will find a balance of work-life balance and/or career development easy to achieve.
A fantastic opportunity for specialist in geriatric or elderly care medicine to settle into their first consultant post and work towards their CESR application, if that is the intention.
The hospital will consider senior consultants with no UK experience who are not on the UK specialist register for geriatric medicine.
The Geriatrics department is a small and manageable size with a 28 bedded inpatient ward and various other outlier beds.
Currently no formal geriatric outpatient services are offered with the exception of a Parkinson's / Movement clinic. The department will be looking to develop these in conjunction with skill set of a successful applicant.
The Geriatrics department comprises 3 consultants in elderly care medicine supported by 15 specialty registrars, 9 core medical trainees and FY2's and 9 FY1's working full shifts for GIM on call.
Each consultant will be offered a budget and 30 days of study and professional leave over each 3 year period to pursue their career development activities. Furthermore there is an active Postgraduate Medical Centre which acts as a focus for contract between doctors at all levels an in all disciplines.
Consultants will be encouraged to actively participate in teaching and training of juniors throughout their tenure.
Requirements of this position are:
Senior geriatric medicine specialists looking to work towards their CESR application or secure their first consultant role in the NHS are encouraged to apply
An excellent opportunity for a dynamic & motivated Consultants in Elderly Care Medicine to join a friendly and enthusiastic team. The large and dynamic department is focused in providing the highest quality care possible for older patients. The position provides an opportunity to negotiate job plans to fit specialist interests. They have a new Medical School at the centre of their community, a focus on research, clinical leadership and making their trust a rewarding and friendly place to work, there’s never been a better time to join them.
This is a great opportunity for overseas Consultants who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE?
The NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest hospital trusts in the country, serving a population of around 759,000 people. The trust operates several hospitals and healthcare facilities. They provide a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including specialist services in areas such as cancer care, cardiology, respiratory medicine, and neurology. The NHS Foundation Trust also works closely with local healthcare partners, such as primary care providers and community services, to ensure coordinated and integrated care for patients.
The NHS Foundation Trust has a strong interest in improving the health of the communities they serve through research and innovation. Their hospitals take part in many clinical research studies and recruit high numbers of patients into research trials. They are a teaching Trust, which play a vital role in the education and training of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, working closely with local universities.
The NHS Foundation Trust\'s greatest asset is their hardworking, talented and dynamic workforce - they strive for excellence every day, providing quality care and support to those who use their service.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Acute Geriatric services are provided on all 3 main Trust sites. The department provides a multidisciplinary, multi-agency falls prevention service across acute sites. The service has been operating since 2002 and has grown considerably. The Geriatricians are responsible for providing emergency care of the older person from ED/ emergency floor through to discharge. The wards are supported by daily board rounds led by a Consultant Geriatrician and strong multidisciplinary team.
The sites operate an age-related take at admission, but are implementing frailty identification early in the emergency pathway to enable prompt CGA initiation, working closely with an established Integrated Discharge Team and their community partners. The frail patients with acute medical illnesses are admitted directly to a Frailty ward from A&E. The service provides a comprehensive osteoporosis service, and has a Dementia Team, comprising of a Matron and 2 Band 6 nurses supported by Clinicians.
The post holder is expected to communicate effectively with all other medical and service departments within the hospital, and with GPs and other hospitals, to ensure continuous care for each patient. The post holder is expected to undertake non-emergency work during premium time as required. The post holder will lead on Parkinson disease and movement disorders.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?
Life in the area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with a variety of attractions and amenities to enhance the quality of life for residents. The area is renowned for its stunning coastline, featuring picturesque beaches, cliffs and seaside towns, and a vibrant atmosphere during the summer months. The region has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The city also offers a wealth of history, with cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and a vibrant arts scene. The area boasts a diverse and picturesque countryside.
The area is home to several reputable educational institutions, and it has good transportation links. The area is served by rail connections, including the high-speed train service that connects Canterbury and Thanet to London. The place offers a range of recreational activities to cater to different interests. From visiting historical sites and museums to enjoying water sports, golfing, or exploring the countryside, there are numerous opportunities for leisure and relaxation.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
The NHS Foundation Trust is one of the most research-active acute Trusts in the region and they encourage all newly appointed Consultants to take on the role of Principal Investigator, with full training and support. The successful candidate will play their part in teaching the next generation of doctors, nurses and other clinical staff. The NHS Foundation Trust will ask you to help recruit junior staff and supervise their education, including their educational contracts, regular appraisal, study leave, annual leave and rotas – and make sure you keep up-to-date on educational development.
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ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
Non-EEA Candidates:
UK based applicants
An exceptional opportunity awaits geriatricians looking to join the dynamic and forward-thinking Older Person\'s Unit (OPU) at a prominent district general hospital plays a pivotal role in the healthcare landscape of the town it is located in and its surrounding areas, consistently achieving an impressive Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating, which underscores its commitment to maintaining exceptional standards of patient care, safety, and service quality.
The department within the OPU covers a wide spectrum of specialized interests, including falls, movement disorders, dementia, surgical liaison, ortho-geriatrics, palliative care, and advanced care planning. One of the department\'s significant strengths is its emphasis on acute geriatric assessment, supported by several specialized wards within the \'Older Persons\' Unit\' (OPU). These include the Older Persons Assessment Unit (OPAU) for acute frailty, Combe ward focused on dementia management, Waterhouse ward dedicated to Parkinson\'s disease patients, Midford-Older Persons Unit Short Stay (Midford-OPUSS), Cheselden ward for medically stable patients awaiting social care, and a robust orthogeriatric service on the Hip Fracture Unit.
The hospital enjoys strong academic affiliations with Universities, fostering opportunities for research and collaboration across various medical disciplines. Many consultants hold honorary appointments at these universities, and several staff members occupy honorary chairs, contributing to a rich tradition of research and education. A dedicated Research and Development Department plays a pivotal role in promoting and facilitating research, ensuring that the hospital remains at the forefront of medical advancements.
Beyond the professional sphere, it\'s location is a city steeped in history, offers a unique blend of urban and rural living. Educational opportunities are plentiful, thanks to institutions, enhancing the quality of life for families. The town\'s robust transportation links connect it to major cities such as Bristol and London, as well as nearby airports. Housing options vary from historic townhouses to modern developments. The town offers a well-rounded lifestyle, combining culture, nature, education, and convenience, making it an attractive place to call home while pursuing a rewarding career in geriatric medicine!
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
Non-EEA Candidates:
UK based applicants