Job summary
We invite applications for a Locum Consultant position to enhance the services of our large department, which serves a population of approximately 1.2 million. We are seeking a Locum Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with a sub-speciality interest in Adult and Paediatric Strabismus, and Emergency, to provide exceptional patient care within our forward-thinking organisation.
MTW is responsible for providing ophthalmology services to the people of Mid and West Kent. General and sub-speciality ophthalmology services are provided at the Eye, Ear, and Mouth Unit (EEMU), a modern, purpose-built facility attached to Maidstone Hospital, with further outpatient facilities at Tunbridge Wells Hospital (Pembury), Medway Maritime Hospital, and Sevenoaks Hospital, in a "hub and spoke" model.
Main duties of the job
To provide a high standard of care to any patient for whom you have clinical responsibility. This will include any patients cared for by you personally.
To participate in clinical and other service activities and developments to ensure a high standard of patient care.
To take an equal share in providing subspecialty cover and covering for colleagues during the period of absence. This will include electronic triage of referrals.
To work in close co-operation with other medical, professional and managerial colleagues, both within and outside the speciality, to providehigh-qualityy health care to the Trust's patients, and to make a contribution to future thinking about the Trust's strategic direction.
To ensure at all times that you comply with the General Medical Council's published guide "Good Medical Practice", including the Duties of a Doctor.
The post holders willalso be required to perform duties in occasional emergencies and unforeseen circumstances at the request of the Clinical Director or General Manager for Ophthalmology.
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff, we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Click here to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits
- Blue Light card eligibility
- And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative team comprising 17 consultants, speciality and trust-grade doctors, fellows, speciality trainees, nurse practitioners, orthoptists, optometrists, and a substantial team of ophthalmic nurses, technicians, and healthcare assistants. The department also benefits from an ECLO, two ophthalmology failsafe co-coordinators and a supportive senior management team within the Head and Neck Directorate.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative team comprising 17 consultants, speciality and trust-grade doctors, fellows, speciality trainees, nurse practitioners, orthoptists, optometrists, and a substantial team of ophthalmic nurses, technicians, and healthcare assistants. The department also benefits from an ECLO, two ophthalmology failsafe co-coordinators and a supportive senior management team within the Head and Neck Directorate.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered with GMC
- Possession or within 6 months of CCT for specialist registration
- FRCOphth or Equivalent
Desirable
- Distinctions, scholarships, prizes
- Other degrees, e.g. BSc, MSc MD
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT in ophthalmology
- Recognised sub-specialty training in oculoplastic ophthalmic surgery
- Ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinics and theatre lists
- Demonstrable experience in Clinical Audit and/or Research
- Evidence of competence in contemporary management strategies in Oculoplastic surgery
- Personal log demonstrating competence in Ophthalmology surgery with audited outcomes
Desirable
- Experience of risk management processes
- Experience in setting up multi-disciplinary clinics
- Virtual Clinics
- Laser surgery
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of leadership
- Organisational ability
- Able to take responsibility and cope with stressful situations
- Able to get on with other members of the multi-disciplinary team
- Credibility and integrity
- A sympathetic approach to patients and relatives
- Ability to establish good professional relationships with others
Desirable
- Critical and enquiring approach to knowledge acquisition
- Postgraduate communication skills course
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered with GMC
- Possession or within 6 months of CCT for specialist registration
- FRCOphth or Equivalent
Desirable
- Distinctions, scholarships, prizes
- Other degrees, e.g. BSc, MSc MD
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT in ophthalmology
- Recognised sub-specialty training in oculoplastic ophthalmic surgery
- Ability to take full and independent responsibility for clinics and theatre lists
- Demonstrable experience in Clinical Audit and/or Research
- Evidence of competence in contemporary management strategies in Oculoplastic surgery
- Personal log demonstrating competence in Ophthalmology surgery with audited outcomes
Desirable
- Experience of risk management processes
- Experience in setting up multi-disciplinary clinics
- Virtual Clinics
- Laser surgery
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of leadership
- Organisational ability
- Able to take responsibility and cope with stressful situations
- Able to get on with other members of the multi-disciplinary team
- Credibility and integrity
- A sympathetic approach to patients and relatives
- Ability to establish good professional relationships with others
Desirable
- Critical and enquiring approach to knowledge acquisition
- Postgraduate communication skills course
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).
