Job summary
The Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing high quality services to the diverse population of Hackney. The Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local catchment area including obstetrics, bariatric surgery, tertiary level fetal medicine, neonatology and fertility. The anaesthetic department is the first in the UK to receive an Anaesthesia Clinical Service Accreditation.
There are currently more than 5800 deliveries per year in the maternity unit and the labour ward services a diverse population with a high proportion of complex and challenging cases. This post will offer ample opportunity to gain experience in managing the high risk parturient.
Applicants are invited to apply for a fellowship in obstetric anaesthesia. These fellowships would start in either August 2024. This fixed term appointment (12 months) would suit those wishing to further their expertise in obstetric anaesthesia. Alongside developing clinical acumen and participating in research, the post holder will gain skills essential to perform as a consultant within the NHS.
See job description for further details and personal specifications.
For additional information please contact Dr Sara Bowman (bariatrics), Dr Desikan Rangarajan (obstetrics), or Dr Haresh Mulchandani (simulation).
Main duties of the job
The fellow will be responsible to a nominated consultant and to the Clinical Director of the department and will be expected to work to maintain high standards, facilitate education and develop both clinical and nonclinical acumen and skills.
The successful candidate will work a full shift pattern and will provide elective and emergency cover. In addition, protected time will be allocated for research and quality improvement initiatives. This post offers ample opportunity to gain experience in the management of the high risk parturient under supervision from experienced obstetric anaesthetists. The post holder will have the opportunity to attend high risk obstetric and anaesthetic clinics. Flexibility is essential to ensure smooth service provision alongside training.
About us
The anaesthetic department at the Homerton is situated at the heart of the hospital. Anaesthetic services are provided by 22 consultants and 30 junior anaesthetists. A further 6 consultants manage a busy 10 bedded intensive care unit. The main theatre suite and the adjacent labour ward house 7 modern theatres, two of which are dedicated to Obstetrics. The Day Stay Unit has an additional 3 theatres.
The busy labour ward houses 11 delivery suites and 2 midwifery led rooms with birthing pools. In addition, there are two beds dedicated to providing enhanced maternal care for the sick mother, with capability to deliver invasive monitoring.
The department provides 24-hour cover for obstetric anaesthesia and offers an on-demand epidural service. The epidural uptake rate is 30%. There are currently more than 5800 deliveries per year with a 30% caesarean section rate and a high incidence of challenging and complex obstetric issues. There are daily elective Caesarean Section lists.
Two anaesthetic middle grades are dedicated to the labour ward 24 hours a day to ensure safe obstetric service provision. These aneasthetists have immediate access to an experienced consultant at all times.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This 12 month post would be suitable for an anesthetist holding the FRCA (or equivalent) seeking to expand their experience in obstetric anaesthesia. Training closely matches the advanced curriculum set out by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and will allow the post holder to develop as a well-rounded clinician, equipped to meet the challenges of a consultant role. An enthusiasm for working as a member of a multidisciplinary team is essential.
TEACHING, STUDY AND TRAINING
The successful candidate will be allocated to an educational supervisor, who will ensure that training and competencies are developed in accordance with the RCOA guidelines. The fellow will also have direct supervision for research and clinical governance activities.
The post holder will be nurtured to improve management and leadership skills in preparation for a consultant post.
There are bi-weekly academic anaesthetic meetings at the Trust, which the appointed anaesthetist is expected to attend and contribute to. The Homerton Anaesthetic Department has a selection of up to date reference texts plus network computers allowing access to the internet, intranet and preparation of PowerPoint presentations. The Postgraduate Medical Education Centre runs regular lunchtime meetings for trainees, and there is a well-equipped library and audiovisual department.
RESEARCH AND CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
Though previous research experience is not essential, the fellow will be expected to participate in ongoing projects. There is ample opportunity to join ongoing activities at both a local and multicenter level. In addition, the appointee will be encouraged to develop and initiate novel projects under guidance and with help from our well established and approachable research and development department.
The appointee will also be expected to contribute to departmental clinical governance activities essential in preserving a quality service, for example auditing practice standards and developing or updating guidelines. These activities will again be fully supported. A paperless K2 system is embedded into the Homerton Obstetric service. This system contains a wealth of information, from a high risk population, that is amenable to data mining and which is invaluable in monitoring service provision.
The fellow will also have a role as an educator and will mentor junior anaesthetists. Over the period of the fellowship, the appointee will ideally design and manage a juniors projects. The Homerton also has a strong tradition of cross discipline learning and the appointee will have opportunity to participate in multidisciplinary labour ward teaching and training. These will include didactic sessions as well as simulation, both in situ and in our high fidelity simulation centre. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the further development and smooth running of the enhanced maternal care area on the delivery suite.
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
The post comes with an option to combine clinical and research interests with development of management and leadership skills. The fellow will have the opportunity to become a part of strategic groups (managers, clinicians and other stakeholders) to improve efficiency and safety across the hospital (e.g. improving theatre efficiency, reducing cancellations or increasing surgical productivity). They will also shadow senior managers, gaining experience and skills in management. By actively engaging in these processes, the candidate will gain a good understanding of the management structure of the NHS hospital. This is vital to function as an effective consultant and is often overlooked during the training period. In addition, the candidate will be encouraged to lead on an aspect of service development /improvement project. The successful candidate will be expected to attend a management and leadership course during the appointment.
To fulfil these activities, the fellow will have protected time. Data will be presented in established internal forums and also at national/international meetings and through publication in peer reviewed journals as appropriate The appointee will be encouraged to attend a research methodology and development course.
Please see attached Job description and person specification for full details of the role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This 12 month post would be suitable for an anesthetist holding the FRCA (or equivalent) seeking to expand their experience in obstetric anaesthesia. Training closely matches the advanced curriculum set out by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and will allow the post holder to develop as a well-rounded clinician, equipped to meet the challenges of a consultant role. An enthusiasm for working as a member of a multidisciplinary team is essential.
TEACHING, STUDY AND TRAINING
The successful candidate will be allocated to an educational supervisor, who will ensure that training and competencies are developed in accordance with the RCOA guidelines. The fellow will also have direct supervision for research and clinical governance activities.
The post holder will be nurtured to improve management and leadership skills in preparation for a consultant post.
There are bi-weekly academic anaesthetic meetings at the Trust, which the appointed anaesthetist is expected to attend and contribute to. The Homerton Anaesthetic Department has a selection of up to date reference texts plus network computers allowing access to the internet, intranet and preparation of PowerPoint presentations. The Postgraduate Medical Education Centre runs regular lunchtime meetings for trainees, and there is a well-equipped library and audiovisual department.
RESEARCH AND CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
Though previous research experience is not essential, the fellow will be expected to participate in ongoing projects. There is ample opportunity to join ongoing activities at both a local and multicenter level. In addition, the appointee will be encouraged to develop and initiate novel projects under guidance and with help from our well established and approachable research and development department.
The appointee will also be expected to contribute to departmental clinical governance activities essential in preserving a quality service, for example auditing practice standards and developing or updating guidelines. These activities will again be fully supported. A paperless K2 system is embedded into the Homerton Obstetric service. This system contains a wealth of information, from a high risk population, that is amenable to data mining and which is invaluable in monitoring service provision.
The fellow will also have a role as an educator and will mentor junior anaesthetists. Over the period of the fellowship, the appointee will ideally design and manage a juniors projects. The Homerton also has a strong tradition of cross discipline learning and the appointee will have opportunity to participate in multidisciplinary labour ward teaching and training. These will include didactic sessions as well as simulation, both in situ and in our high fidelity simulation centre. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the further development and smooth running of the enhanced maternal care area on the delivery suite.
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
The post comes with an option to combine clinical and research interests with development of management and leadership skills. The fellow will have the opportunity to become a part of strategic groups (managers, clinicians and other stakeholders) to improve efficiency and safety across the hospital (e.g. improving theatre efficiency, reducing cancellations or increasing surgical productivity). They will also shadow senior managers, gaining experience and skills in management. By actively engaging in these processes, the candidate will gain a good understanding of the management structure of the NHS hospital. This is vital to function as an effective consultant and is often overlooked during the training period. In addition, the candidate will be encouraged to lead on an aspect of service development /improvement project. The successful candidate will be expected to attend a management and leadership course during the appointment.
To fulfil these activities, the fellow will have protected time. Data will be presented in established internal forums and also at national/international meetings and through publication in peer reviewed journals as appropriate The appointee will be encouraged to attend a research methodology and development course.
Please see attached Job description and person specification for full details of the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential
- FRCA or equivalent
- MB BS or equivalent
- Evidence of audit and or research
Desirable
- CCT ALS, ATLS, APLS
- Good Medical Practice Certificate
Previous experience
Essential
- Experience of working obstetric on call
- Equivalent to ST5 level at time of application
- Able to independently treat, resuscitate and stabilize the vast majority of critically-ill patients and able to seek advice and help appropriately
Desirable
- Experience of mentoring junior team members
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Able to lead a clinical team out of hours
- Able to organise self and others.
- Able to communicate at all levels with colleagues, managers, staff, patients and relatives
- Able to present complex ideas clearly and coherently.
Other requirements
Essential
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential
- FRCA or equivalent
- MB BS or equivalent
- Evidence of audit and or research
Desirable
- CCT ALS, ATLS, APLS
- Good Medical Practice Certificate
Previous experience
Essential
- Experience of working obstetric on call
- Equivalent to ST5 level at time of application
- Able to independently treat, resuscitate and stabilize the vast majority of critically-ill patients and able to seek advice and help appropriately
Desirable
- Experience of mentoring junior team members
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Able to lead a clinical team out of hours
- Able to organise self and others.
- Able to communicate at all levels with colleagues, managers, staff, patients and relatives
- Able to present complex ideas clearly and coherently.
Other requirements
Essential
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
