Applications are invited for the above full time post for this 660 bedded acute hospital serving a local population of approximately 400,000. The appointment will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of service for the 2003 consultant contract (England).

This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly and well-established team. The successful candidate will complement the consultant capacity to deliver both inpatient and outpatients care for patients with a wide range of complex Diabetes and Endocrine conditions.

Main duties of the job

The Key tasks for the role of Consultant are;

• The post holder will work to a 10 PA plan
• The job plan follows a twelve week cycle (four weeks ward cover, four weeks in-reach, four weeks delivering outpatient care)
• Maintenance of the highest clinical standards in the management of all patients presenting to the Hospital.
• Sub-speciality interest of relevance to a DGH diabetes/ endocrinology department will be considered, as is an enthusiasm for teaching, audit and research.
• Actively participate in both departmental and Trust matters concerning Clinical Governance and audit.

To have responsibility for and actively participate in continuing professional development.

About us

Our Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

Job description
Job responsibilities

The post holder will work with the other Consultants to provide speciality diabetes/endocrinology advice and support to patients within the Trust. The specialty commitment of this post includes the provision of specialist and general clinics with the associated administration.

Currently some of the clinics have dedicated SpR support depending on SpR availability. There is no requirement for formal Educational Supervision of a SpR. Clinics are 3.5 hours with 30 minutes of urgent administration (1.0 PA). An additional 1.5 hours of administration per clinic is allocated. They will attend multi-disciplinary departmental meetings and will be expected to help support and train the SpRs and other junior medical staff in diabetes/ endocrinology/ general medicine, and the Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Additional SPA in line with Medical Education commitments will be discussed and agreed when the Job Plan is reviewed at 3 months. Where possible, the post-holders will be encouraged to develop a research interest, compatible with the background of the department and its facilities. Audit will be a mandatory part of the role.

The Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinical Service Line has close links with local General Practitioners and there is an active teaching program for them, and also for all grades of doctors within the Trust. The post holder will be encouraged to continue teaching and training at all levels. Where a consultant takes part in regular teaching other than on the job teaching this will be negotiated as part of the job plan review process and additional PAs allocated.

Luton & Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital Trusts have merged to form the Bedfordshire Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust since April 2020. The diabetes/endocrine teams at both hospitals have a long standing close working relationship and have many shared projects and objectives. At present there is no expectation that there is cross site working for consultants in the specialty for direct clinical care duties.

The Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) has always been renowned for its friendly atmosphere and good working relationships. The Hospital has an excellent track record of financial and senior executive stability.

The Trust has University Hospital status which provides an academic environment to the hospital. In addition to postgraduate training, we welcome medical students from the UCL Medical School throughout the year and by arrangement with the medical school provide a programme of clinical placements to support their education. We have an excellent reputation for junior staff training. Within the Centre of Multi-Professional Educational & Training (COMET) is the Medical Education Department, the library including an IT suite, and the Training & Development Department. The main aim of the Medical Education Department is to promote postgraduate and continuing medical education and training for all doctors and dentists. The Hospital actively promotes career development and progression for all staff.

The Hospital has excellent access to the surrounding areas with easy access to central London and the rural Chilterns. The rural areas include many attractive villages and towns within easy reach of the Hospital including St Albans and Harpenden. Excellent schools are found nearby. There is also very good access to the Midlands and North by road using the M1 or A1, or by rail to one of the Luton's three stations. A direct link using the new Busway takes passengers from Luton Train station just 7 minutes to reach a stop that is within a short walking distance of the hospital. London Luton Airport is within fifteen minutes of the hospital.

Applicants must be fully registered on the UK General Medical Councils Specialist Register and have MRCP. Specialist Registrars may apply if within 6 months of CCT.

Candidates unable for personal reasons to work full-time are also invited to apply.

The appointment will be subject to full Occupational Health Clearance and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for the successful candidates prior to commencement.

Please note that all shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a pre-interview assessment process and thereafter successful applicants will be invited to interview for the post.

Closing Date: Sunday 12th February 2023

Assessment Date: Friday 10th March 2023

Interview Date: Friday 24th March 2023

Please refer to the Job Description for full details of the post.

Person Specification
Training
Essential

• Training and experience equivalent to that required for UK CCT (or within 6 months of it being issued). Up to date ALS.

Registration
Essential

• Entry on GMC Specialist Register in General (Internal) Medicine and Diabetes/Endocrinology or eligibility to enter it within 6 months from the time of the interview and hold a Licence to Practice.

Qualifications
Essential

• MB ChB or Equivalent
• MRCP

Desirable

• MD or equivalent Higher Degree or evidence of relevant research

Clinical Experience
Essential

• Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in General Medicine and Diabetes/Endocrinology.
• Able to offer expert clinical opinion on all aspects within general medicine and Diabetes/Endocrinology
• Able to take full and independent responsibility for delivering service without direct supervision.

Desirable

• Expertise and leadership in a sub-specialty area of Diabetes and Endocrinology eg. Diabetes in young adults/ adolescent, insulin pump therapy.

Clinical Effectiveness
Essential

• Understanding of clinical governance and ability to demonstrate ongoing CPD.
• Experience of guideline appraisal.
• Participation in relevant local audits.
• Ability to interpret and apply clinical research.

Desirable

• Evidence of implementing relevant evidence based medicine.
• Participation in relevant national audits.

Professional interest
Essential

• An interest which improves the core clinical service for patients with acute medical and diabetic/endocrine problems presenting to the Trust.

Teaching
Essential

• Knowledge and ability to teach all grades of trainees and medical students.
• Understands learner centred teaching

Desirable

• Has attended Teaching the Teachers or similar course.

Management
Essential

• Evidence of management experience or training

Desirable

• Ability to share departmental management duties e.g. staff rotas.

Clinical Governance
Essential

• Able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles and elements of clinical governance.

BMJ Ref: BMJ-108141/418-M-GM-605-A