Applications are invited for the above full time substantive post. We are expanding our current team in order to match increasing demand for pre-assessment due to the expansion of surgical services with the addition of new theatres.

The appointee will join a group of six consultants in providing the daily high-risk patient pre-assessment clinics and in supporting the nurse-led Pre-assessment service. The purpose-built pre-assessment clinic area contains nine fully equipped clinic rooms, patient waiting facilities and the hub, which provides administrative support. The remaining job-planned time will be available for providing, anaesthetic services, general on-call duties and supporting programmed activities

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic consultant to join our progressive and energetic Anaesthetic department. The Department consists of 45 Consultants, 11 Specialty Doctors, and 36 Doctors in Training. Our existing consultant team each have a range of interests, including, ICU, Acute Pain, Regional Anaesthetics, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Bariatrics and complex Head and Neck surgery

The appointment will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of service for the 2003 consultant contract (England).
Main duties of the job

The Key tasks for the role of a Consultant in Anaesthetics with an interest in Preassessment are

• Maintenance of the highest clinical standards in the management of patients undergoing anaesthesia.
• Undertake Pre-assessment clinics and engage fully with the preassessment service.
• To undertake duties as part of the on call out of hours rota.
• To work constructively with colleagues in the Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care Medicine and Integrated Pain Management to provide the best care for patients
• Teaching and training of intermediate grade and junior medical staff, nursing staff and medical students.
• To actively participate in both departmental and Trust matters concerning Clinical Governance and audit.
• To have responsibility for and actively participate in continuing professional development (CPD).

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.

Luton Hospital is a regional centre of excellence for several key specialties, including Obesity research and surgery, Maxillofacial surgery and Head and Neck Cancer surgery. The Maternity Unit cares for over five thousand deliveries each year. There is an Integrated Pain Management Service, tertiary level NICU and one of the largest centres for breast screening in the country.

The hospital is undergoing significant redevelopment and currently we are building an acute services block with the creation of a 22 bedded Intensive Care Unit. The new acute serviced block will include a new maternity floor and NICU and the expansion of the theatre suite providing and addition 8 theatres. It is due for completion in August 2024.

Job description
Job responsibilities

These are replacement and new posts created to meet increasing demand due to the expansion of surgical services with the addition of new theatres.

The Pre-assessment service Consultant lead works alongside the Nursing lead who leads a team of three sisters, six nurses, nine HCAs and four support staff. A prescribing pharmacist is part of the service and runs clinics in the dedicated pre-assessment unit 5 days a week. Paediatric and Ophthalmological Surgery, breast surgery and Bariatric Surgery patients are preassessed by separate nurse-led teams. All elective surgery patients are assessed preoperatively by the preassessment service, and any medical conditions diagnosed or optimised prior to surgery.

The hospital has an Enhanced Recovery Service led by Irene Fitt, which is integrated with the Preassessment service.

The hospital offers a full range of diagnostic procedures including MRI, CT, X-Ray, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Endoscopy and Cardiac Catheterisation labs.

The appointee will undertake one preassessment clinic per week and administrative time for this clinic is provided. Occasionally, the appointee may be required to provide prospective cover for absent colleagues. The remaining clinical time will initially be devoted to theatre sessions or obstetric cover, the choice of surgical speciality covered will be decided by mutual agreement.

The detailed Job Plan will be agreed in consultation with the Clinical Director, with the approval of the Medical Director and Chief Executive or his/her representative. A Job Plan meeting review will be scheduled after three months.

The pattern of work may change in the future to meet local changing service needs and annual review meetings will take place in line with the new Consultant Contract, Job Planning and Appraisal arrangements.

The Trust is currently building the Acute Services Block (ASB) due for completion in August 2024. The ASB will provide an additional eight theatres and house a 22 bedded integrated Intensive Care Unit. The ASB will also house a new Labour ward including three theatres, and a CMU for obstetric patients. NICU will also be located in the ASB providing intense care and SCBU cots.

The General Consultants work a 1:20 (including this post) on call rota with prospective cover with an availability supplement of 3%.

Leave entitlement as per the 2003 Consultants contract. Leave is approved in line with Trust and local departmental policy. The Trust is committed to supporting CME/CPD for Consultants. Consultants will be allocated 30 days study/professional leave over a 3-year period along with an associated budget for the funding of Study leave.

Teaching is an integral component of the role. The successful candidate will be expected to share in the departmental teaching and training programs for junior and middle grade anaesthetic staff and medical students.

The new appointee will be offered a senior consultant who will act as mentor assisting with any professional and pastoral difficulties, which may arise.

The wellbeing of our staff is a high priority. There is a dedicated wellbeing lead for the department who facilities and supports a range of wellbeing services.

There is a rolling programme of half-day sessions for audit allowing the various surgical disciplines to meet with anaesthetists on a bi-monthly basis. These are sessions include an opportunity for implementation of Clinical Governance.

The successful candidate will have access to desk space within shared office accommodation, with an internet-enabled computer.

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 Lutons 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.

Residence is required within ten miles by road or thirty minutes travelling time of the Hospital.

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 as part of our recruitment process for this post.

Closing Date: 18th June 2023

Assessment Date: 13th July 2023

Interview Date: 24th July 2023

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

Person Specification
Registration & Training
Essential

• Full GMC Registration with a Licence to Practice
• Entry on GMC Specialist Register in Anaesthetics/ICM or eligibility to enter it within 6 months from the time of the interview

Clinical Governance
Essential

• Able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles and elements of clinical governance.
• Knowledge of principles of evidence based practice.
• Knowledge of principles of clinical audit and direct experience of audit.
• An interest which improves the core clinical service for patients of the Trust.

Desirable

• Evidence of implementing relevant evidence-based medicine
• Implementation of evidence based guidelines.
• Evidence of participation in relevant audit projects or Quality Improvement projects.
• Recent published clinical research in peer reviewed journal.

Research
Essential

• Knowledge of the principles of research and ability to interpret and apply clinical research.
• Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical and surgical problems.

Desirable

• Recent published clinical research in peer reviewed journal.
• Ability to supervise postgraduate research.

Teaching
Essential

• Knowledge and ability to teach all grades of trainees and medical students.
• Understanding of learner centred teaching.
• Completed a Teaching the Teachers or similar course.

Desirable

• Interest in teaching medical, nursing and other groups of staff.

Qualifications
Essential

• MB ChB or equivalent
• FRCA or equivalent

Desirable

• ALS, ATLA, APLS
• Membership of the Preoperative Association
• Qualification in perioperative medicine
• MRCP or other relevant postgraduate qualification

Clinical Experience
Essential

• Evidence of thorough and broad training and experie
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