Vitreoretinal Ophthalmology Fellow

12 month Fixed Term with possible extension

November 2024 onwards

Barts Health NHS Trust is one of UK's top teaching hospitals, in the rapidly growing North East of London where through a programme of unprecedented investment Britain's biggest hospital aims to improve services and most of the needs of our local population.

We are currently seeking a motivated ophthalmologist to take up the position of Ophthalmology fellow. This is an important post within the department, and we are hoping to recruit an innovative and committed individual.

We would strongly encourage all prospective candidates to make contact with the department (names below) to find out more about the potential options and whether you would be a suitable candidate.

Main duties of the job

This successful applicant will work innovatively with our clinical team and a range of partners to research, design and deliver this service. Key partners will be the Trust A& E Departments, Optometrist, GPs, Nurses and Managers in primary and secondary care.

The successful candidate will be based in the day unit where the Outpatient Clinic and Day Case Surgical unit are located. The post holder will be involved in general and specialist retina clinics, in addition to supporting the eye casualty service. The post is not recognized by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists for Higher Surgical Training but will provide excellent clinical experience and teaching opportunities in a newly constructed Eye Clinic.

The post holder will receive training in Medial and Surgical Retina and participate in the on-going provision of Ophthalmology services in the Eye Treatment Centre and contribute to the development of the unit. There is the possibility of some cover to the trauma centre at the London Hospital, which would offer additional surgical experience of ocular trauma.

About us

Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, and one of Britain's leading healthcare providers.

The Barts Health group of NHS hospitals is entering an exciting new era on our improvement journey to becoming an outstanding organisation with a world-class clinical reputation. Having lifted ourselves out of special measures, we now have the impetus and breathing space to chart a fresh course in which we are continually striving to improve all our services for patients.

Our vision is to be a high-performing group of NHS hospitals, renowned for excellence and innovation, and providing safe and compassionate care to our patients in east London and beyond. That means being a provider of excellent patient safety, known for delivering consistently high standards of harm-free care and always caring for patients in the right place at the right time. It also means being an outstanding place to work, in which our WeCare values and behaviours are visible to all and guide us in how we work together.

We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment where staff treat one another with dignity and respect. We aim to create an equitable working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential.

Job description
Job responsibilities

The post holder will help us build upon the successes of recent years, which include:

Dedicated twin ophthalmology theatres (August 2004).Dedicated Eye Outpatient Clinic (June 2005).Increased throughput of vitreoretinal surgery through close working relations with regional NHS Trusts and maximal use of operating facilities under local anaesthesia. Successful implementation of Action on Cataract achievement of 3 month waiting times for cataract surgery pilot site for Choice for Cataract, NELSHA. We are a major cataract service delivering over 4000 procedures a year through efficient practices and team working. Achievement of 13-week target times for new Outpatient appointments. With the planned reduction of waiting times and sustained increase in referrals, innovative solutions to capacity/activity mismatch will be encouraged. Flexible approach to new working practices and care pathways in clinics and operating theatres: Onestop clinics and high day-case rates (> 95%).Practical implementation of clinical computing for patient care, continuous prospective audit, and clinical governance. Internal investment in major capital items (OCT, FFA/ICG camera, YAG and Argon Lasers) achieved through funding derived from waiting list initiatives. Improved cooperation with Primary care and local Optometrists. Chronic Eye Disease Pilot studies with R& WF PCT in Glaucoma, AMD, and LVA funded through NHS Modernisation Agency.

Person Specification
Education & Qualification
Essential

• MB BS or equivalent
• MRCOphth or equivalent
• GMC Registration

Desirable

• Higher degree

Experience & Clinical Skills
Essential

• 2-3 years as an Ophthalmic SHO or equivalent and- 2 years as Ophthalmic Registrar/SpR or equivalent
• Surgical experience at Registrar/SpR level
• Broad general ophthalmic training
• Capable of performing unsupervised phacoemulsification cataract surgery
• Exposure to basic vitreoretinal and medical retina clinics/theatre
• Understanding principles of vitreoretinal surgery
• Understanding of the basics for interpretation of fluorescein angiograms and OCTs

Desirable

• Previous experience of vitreoretinal surgery
• Research experience

Personal Attributes
Essential

• Determination and application
• Ability to work with clinical colleagues
• Good communication skills
• Good timekeeping and time management
• Basic computer skills

259-MED0683WXH