Job summary
We are seeking to appoint a Consultant Geriatrician with a specialist interest in Oncology to join our team at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. This post sits within the Supportive Oncology Directorate, a dynamic and patient-centred directorate focused on improving the quality of life and holistic care for people living with and beyond cancer.
The post is ideally offered on a full-time basis (10 Programmed Activities [PAs] per week); however, flexible working arrangements will be considered for suitable candidates unable to work full-time under a permanent contract with the Trust.
The successful applicant will work across both the Senior Adult Oncology (SAO) and Acute Oncology teams, playing a key role in delivering integrated, high-quality care for complex older adults with cancer.
The job description is subject to Royal College approval
Main duties of the job
o Conduct consultant-led outpatient SAO clinics and support the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), providing and coordinating care for complex older patients with cancer and frailty who are either planned to start or are undergoing anti-cancer treatments, with a particular focus on frailty, managing multimorbidity and polypharmacy.o Establish an Acute Frailty and inpatient liaison service to support the patient's primary oncology team during an admission for selected cases.o Deliver Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGA) as part of a multidisciplinary team approach for selected cancer patients living with frailty, to inform treatment decisions and optimise outcomes.o Provide clinical supervision, support, and education to junior doctors and Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) working within both the inpatient and outpatient settings.o Maintain effective communication and coordination with the patient's Oncology Team, ensuring shared decision-making and seamless care planning for older adults with complex needs.o The postholder will not be responsible for making oncology treatment decisions. These will remain under the care of the patient's Oncology Team, who will provide registrar and consultant-level input and support as required.
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Consultant Geriatrician post is for 10 Programmed Activities (PAs) per week to provide expert inpatient and outpatient care for complex older patients with cancer at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. This is a pivotal clinical and leadership role, supporting the Trusts commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care for older adults with cancer. This is a strategic priority for The Christie and is reflected in its 2023-2028 strategy. The successful applicant will work across both the Senior Adult Oncology (SAO) and Acute Oncology teams at The Christie, contributing to integrated care for older adults with cancer in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The SAO multidisciplinary team sits within the Directorate of Supportive Oncology, which is a first of its kind in the UK which has brought together complementary services with the vision to addressing the challenges posed by the growing number of cancer survivors, reducing morbidity, alleviating economic strain and easing pressure on our local healthcare system through an integrated, patient centered approach. By prioritising patient optimisation, equitable access, and multidisciplinary care integration, we aim to transform the cancer care continuum, benefiting survivors and strengthening the public health landscape. The Supportive Oncology Directorate consists of: Art & Relaxation Bereavement and Mortuary Cancer Information Centre Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Dementia Diabetes Dietetics Endocrinology Enhanced Supportive Care Health Advisory service Integrative Oncology Nutrition Service Occupational Health Palliative Care Physiotherapy Psycho-oncology Senior Adult Oncology Speech and Language Therapy The division of Clinical Support and Specialist Surgery (CSSS) which encompasses the directorates of Anaesthesia, Theatres and Surgery (ATS), Radiology, Supportive Oncology & Pathology (Joint Venture), Acute & Inpatients, Central Services (including Transformation team). Role Purpose Acute Frailty with inpatient care As the first Consultant Geriatrician at The Christie, the successful applicant will establish and lead a new inpatient referral service. The post holder will deliver a specialist geriatric liaison service, providing senior clinical advice for inpatients identified with frailty and complex medical needs. The aim of this new service is to enable a personalised, holistic approach to treatment and improve patient outcomes. This is a consultative role, functioning on a referral-based model to support the patient's primary oncology team. To support this model, the inpatient geriatric sessions will not be fixed; they will occur in response to referrals. The Geriatrician will make themselves available based on clinical demand and inpatient pressures, scheduled flexibly around their leave. These sessions will be annualised within the job plan, with each session comprising 3.5 hours of Direct Clinical Care (DCC) and 30 minutes for associated administration. The Christies existing inpatient service manages a highly selected group of patients admitted for non-elective care, where the reason for admission is directly related to their cancer or its treatment. All patients are already under the care of a Christies oncologist. The established admission pathway operates via a 24-hour triage hotline, which directs patients to the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU). Within the AAU, senior inpatient care is provided collaboratively by the patients Oncology Team and the Hospitalist Team. The Geriatrician will complement this structure by providing expert consultative input upon referral from these teams to help manage geriatric syndromes and optimise patient care plans. Outpatient care The post holder will provide senior clinical care within the Senior Adult Oncology (SAO) outpatient service. This established multidisciplinary team (MDT) is dedicated to addressing the complex needs of older adults with cancer and frailty who are undergoing treatment. The SAO team is a comprehensive MDT which includes a Consultant Oncologist, a GP with a special interest in Frailty, an Occupational therapist, a Specialist Nurse, a Physiotherapist, a Pharmacist, and a Dietitian. The team is supported by a secretary providing 15 hours of dedicated administrative time to the service. The Geriatricians role includes delivering outpatient clinics and actively participating in MDT discussions. Patients are referred to the SAO team for a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). The purpose of the CGA is twofold: To inform and support complex oncology treatment decisions. To develop targeted rehabilitation and support strategies to run alongside the patient's cancer treatment. This work is performed in close collaboration with the patients referring Oncology Team and is supported by other key services such as the Supportive Care, Bone Health, and Psycho-oncology teams.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Consultant Geriatrician post is for 10 Programmed Activities (PAs) per week to provide expert inpatient and outpatient care for complex older patients with cancer at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. This is a pivotal clinical and leadership role, supporting the Trusts commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care for older adults with cancer. This is a strategic priority for The Christie and is reflected in its 2023-2028 strategy. The successful applicant will work across both the Senior Adult Oncology (SAO) and Acute Oncology teams at The Christie, contributing to integrated care for older adults with cancer in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The SAO multidisciplinary team sits within the Directorate of Supportive Oncology, which is a first of its kind in the UK which has brought together complementary services with the vision to addressing the challenges posed by the growing number of cancer survivors, reducing morbidity, alleviating economic strain and easing pressure on our local healthcare system through an integrated, patient centered approach. By prioritising patient optimisation, equitable access, and multidisciplinary care integration, we aim to transform the cancer care continuum, benefiting survivors and strengthening the public health landscape. The Supportive Oncology Directorate consists of: Art & Relaxation Bereavement and Mortuary Cancer Information Centre Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Dementia Diabetes Dietetics Endocrinology Enhanced Supportive Care Health Advisory service Integrative Oncology Nutrition Service Occupational Health Palliative Care Physiotherapy Psycho-oncology Senior Adult Oncology Speech and Language Therapy The division of Clinical Support and Specialist Surgery (CSSS) which encompasses the directorates of Anaesthesia, Theatres and Surgery (ATS), Radiology, Supportive Oncology & Pathology (Joint Venture), Acute & Inpatients, Central Services (including Transformation team). Role Purpose Acute Frailty with inpatient care As the first Consultant Geriatrician at The Christie, the successful applicant will establish and lead a new inpatient referral service. The post holder will deliver a specialist geriatric liaison service, providing senior clinical advice for inpatients identified with frailty and complex medical needs. The aim of this new service is to enable a personalised, holistic approach to treatment and improve patient outcomes. This is a consultative role, functioning on a referral-based model to support the patient's primary oncology team. To support this model, the inpatient geriatric sessions will not be fixed; they will occur in response to referrals. The Geriatrician will make themselves available based on clinical demand and inpatient pressures, scheduled flexibly around their leave. These sessions will be annualised within the job plan, with each session comprising 3.5 hours of Direct Clinical Care (DCC) and 30 minutes for associated administration. The Christies existing inpatient service manages a highly selected group of patients admitted for non-elective care, where the reason for admission is directly related to their cancer or its treatment. All patients are already under the care of a Christies oncologist. The established admission pathway operates via a 24-hour triage hotline, which directs patients to the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU). Within the AAU, senior inpatient care is provided collaboratively by the patients Oncology Team and the Hospitalist Team. The Geriatrician will complement this structure by providing expert consultative input upon referral from these teams to help manage geriatric syndromes and optimise patient care plans. Outpatient care The post holder will provide senior clinical care within the Senior Adult Oncology (SAO) outpatient service. This established multidisciplinary team (MDT) is dedicated to addressing the complex needs of older adults with cancer and frailty who are undergoing treatment. The SAO team is a comprehensive MDT which includes a Consultant Oncologist, a GP with a special interest in Frailty, an Occupational therapist, a Specialist Nurse, a Physiotherapist, a Pharmacist, and a Dietitian. The team is supported by a secretary providing 15 hours of dedicated administrative time to the service. The Geriatricians role includes delivering outpatient clinics and actively participating in MDT discussions. Patients are referred to the SAO team for a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). The purpose of the CGA is twofold: To inform and support complex oncology treatment decisions. To develop targeted rehabilitation and support strategies to run alongside the patient's cancer treatment. This work is performed in close collaboration with the patients referring Oncology Team and is supported by other key services such as the Supportive Care, Bone Health, and Psycho-oncology teams.
Person Specification
EXPERIENCE Job Specific
Essential
- Wide experience in the care of complex older patients with ability to offer expert clinical opinion in the field of Geriatric medicine.
- Experience working in acute setting.
- Expertise in frailty, comprehensive geriatric assessment and discharge planning.
Desirable
- Oncology experience.
- Experience of Rehabilitation
Research / Publications
Essential
- Participation in relevant research in the field of oncology and/or geriatrics
Desirable
- Publication in peer-reviewed journals
Professional Qualifications
Essential
- Full GMC registration within the specialist register with a license to practice as Geriatrician (or be eligible for full registration within 3 months of the interview date)
- Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT in Geriatric Medicine
- Entry on the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register via one of the following: a.Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) (the proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of interview) b.Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)
Desirable
- Qualifications in Oncology.
Qualifications
Essential
- Doctor of consultant grade MRCP (UK) or equivalent qualification (non-UK)
Desirable
- An appropriate higher degree (e.g. MD, PhD or equivalent)
TRAINING
Essential
- Training in the care of complex older patients
Desirable
- Training in the care of cancer patients.
Management / Audit
Essential
- Experience of clinical audit and quality improvement
Desirable
- Experience in team management
TEACHING
Essential
- Evidence of contributing to teaching and clinical supervision
Leadership
Essential
- Evidence of clinical leadership skills
Desirable
- Proven ability to lead a team
Self- reliance
Essential
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Flexibility, commitment and teamwork with colleagues and staff
Motivation
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure Self-motivator and able to motivate team. Enthusiastic. Professional demeanor.
Person Specification
EXPERIENCE Job Specific
Essential
- Wide experience in the care of complex older patients with ability to offer expert clinical opinion in the field of Geriatric medicine.
- Experience working in acute setting.
- Expertise in frailty, comprehensive geriatric assessment and discharge planning.
Desirable
- Oncology experience.
- Experience of Rehabilitation
Research / Publications
Essential
- Participation in relevant research in the field of oncology and/or geriatrics
Desirable
- Publication in peer-reviewed journals
Professional Qualifications
Essential
- Full GMC registration within the specialist register with a license to practice as Geriatrician (or be eligible for full registration within 3 months of the interview date)
- Clinical training and experience equivalent to that required for gaining UK CCT in Geriatric Medicine
- Entry on the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register via one of the following: a.Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) (the proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of interview) b.Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)
Desirable
- Qualifications in Oncology.
Qualifications
Essential
- Doctor of consultant grade MRCP (UK) or equivalent qualification (non-UK)
Desirable
- An appropriate higher degree (e.g. MD, PhD or equivalent)
TRAINING
Essential
- Training in the care of complex older patients
Desirable
- Training in the care of cancer patients.
Management / Audit
Essential
- Experience of clinical audit and quality improvement
Desirable
- Experience in team management
TEACHING
Essential
- Evidence of contributing to teaching and clinical supervision
Leadership
Essential
- Evidence of clinical leadership skills
Desirable
- Proven ability to lead a team
Self- reliance
Essential
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Flexibility, commitment and teamwork with colleagues and staff
Motivation
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure Self-motivator and able to motivate team. Enthusiastic. Professional demeanor.
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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
