Consultant Neurophysiologist

Job responsibilities

There are 41 Neurologists, 19 neurosurgeons, 11 Neuroradiologists, 4 Neurophysiologists, 2 Neuropathologists, 4 pain relief consultants, 6 Neurorehabilitation, a team of 17 Neuroanaesthetists, 2 Neuropsychiatrists and 6 Neuropsychologists. Juniors in the Centre comprise 13 F2/CMT doctors, shared with neurosurgery. F2/CMT staff provides the first on call role, and their neurology work is supervised by 9 neurology SpRs The majority of these consultants provide a general neurological out-patient and consultation service at one or two district hospitals, in addition to their clinics in the Centre. There are 40 rehabilitation beds and 20 beds for Neurology (most of which are on Chavasse ward which opened in 2013) with access to day beds within the Centre for some investigative procedures, and a dedicated Neuro-Intensive Care Unit.

The full time position is a 10PA post. There is flexibility in the job plan, which may be negotiated between the successful candidate and the Trust. The draft job plan includes direct clinical activity associated with EEG reporting (including invasive telemetry) and up to four sessions of EMG. Applications are welcomed from those with specialist interests and those wishing to develop their knowledge and skills further. Requests for flexible working will also be considered.

The job plan will be adjusted during stereo monitoring weeks to accommodate additional reporting times. If EMG sessions are to be undertaken, the EMG/NCS sessions (4 hours) would usually accommodate 4 x 1 hour appointments, including one inpatient. They are sometimes arranged to supervise a parallel physiologist NCS/Carpal Tunnel Clinic or Specialist registrar clinic. The case mixes are varied ranging from focal and generalised peripheral neuropathies to complex lower motor neurone syndromes. Single fibre EMG examination and more complex EMG studies will be given 2 slots to accommodate the long and complex study. All clinics are supported by an HCA responsible for patient reception/preparation and general clinic support. This should allow a workload of 850-950 EMG/NCS and 300 - 350 CTS studies in a year.

1.5 SPAs will be awarded by right and be taken up with administration, teaching, research, audit and Continuing Medical Education and supervision / appraisal. Further SPAs will be granted as part of job plan reviews dependent upon other non-clinical duties, as per local policy. A sample timetable is set out below.

Teaching and supervision of the specialist registrars is an important part of the consultant role and specialist registrars are often attached to the consultant clinics. In these circumstances some patient studies may be allocated to the specialist registrars with appropriate adjustments to number of patients in the consultant clinic, for example the number will be reduced from 5 to 4.

Reporting sessions for EEGs will include outpatient and inpatient EEGs, Ambulatory and Video Telemetry studies (and stereo EEGs for applicants wishing to support that service). Sufficient session time will be allowed for checking and approving reports, though in practical terms checking and approving will take place whenever opportunities arise. This is an adult EEG service and there will be no requirement to report paediatric EEGs, though some consultants have previously maintained links to the local childrens hospital, to provide holiday cover etc., to maintain skills. Responsibility for supervising the in-patient Video Telemetry is arranged on a rota basis via home remote access, to review weekend telemetry cases and liaise with Clinical Physiologist on site. Rate of pay for out of hours work is an enhanced rate.

All EP(VEP, SSEP and BSEP) are reported by our Trainee Consultant Clinical Scientist.

At a strategic level the Trust has an integrated Research, Innovation and Medical Education function and leadership team, this ensures postgraduate academic development at all stages is considered at the most senior level in the Trust. The innovative integrated structure facilitates and enhances the collaboration between Trust academics, researchers and medical educators.

Provision of quality and meaningful educator development is a key objective and we have recently appointed a consultant lead for medical education appraisal to support clinicians in their roles as educators.

The Trust has a comprehensive programme of postgraduate medical education. There is a regular weekly series of clinical meetings, lectures, journal club and subspecialty meetings including neuromuscular disorders, epilepsy, movement disorders, functional neurology and neuropathology. The Wednesday PGME programme consists of a Grand Round and a Lunchtime Lecture and is a highlight for medical staff at the trust providing protected time for Both Sutcliffe Kerr and the weekly Lunchtime Lecture Series attract eminent national and international Neuroscience experts to speak at the Trust.

We support postgraduate regional teaching for all our specialties and frequently host Consultant led PGME national and regional education events and conferences, facilitated by the Walton education department. The purpose-built education facilities based in Sid Watkins Building were opened in 2015 and include a Lecture Theatre with a capacity of 100, equipped with the latest audio visual aids, video conferencing facilities. There are several seminar rooms, a clinical skills room and a simulation suite. Recently the Trust has invested in a NeuroVR simulator, the first of its kind in the UK.

The Trusts library facilities are provided through LUHFT Library and Knowledge Services. Most library resources are now virtual and accessible onle, including UpToDate. LUHFT have two library sites with the main physical library based at the Royal site, at Aintree there are extensive study spaces at the learning zone based on the second floor of the Clinical Sciences building. This is close to the Walton Centre main building and has additional seminar rooms and teaching areas which can be booked out by WCFT staff.

8. Audit and Clinical Governance

Audit and Continuing Medical Education are important parts of the Clinical Neurophysiologist post. The trust supports the requirements for Continuing Medical Education as laid down by the Royal College of Physicians and is committed to providing time and support for these activities. The department has developed an active audit programme and it is expected that the post holder will participate in the intra-departmental assessments of practice (EEG Reporting, EMG studies etc.) and also undertake specific audits into their own practice. It is a requirement of all consultants that they undergo an annual appraisal and attend mandatory training.

9. Teaching

In addition to the commitment to teach and supervise the specialist registrars, it is expected that the post holder will also participate in teaching the student physiologists and qualified physiologists within the department and nurses from other units. There is also a teaching programme for junior medical staff within the Walton Centre and for medical students who attend the Walton Centre as part of their core curriculum. It is expected that the post holder will contribute to the teaching of these groups and any other medical and clinical/nursing staff within the unit or at the satellite hospitals as required, especially foundation year doctors in training.

10. Continued professional development

Consultants are expected to maintain their personal portfolios in accordance with the requirements of the Royal College of Physicians, including the acquisition of the appropriate CPD points.

11. Arrangements for leave

Study and annual leave are arranged in consultation with the Clinical Lead, Service Manager, Divisional Clinical Director and conforms to the WCFT policies for Consultant Leave in operation at the time of leave requests. It is expected that only in exceptional circumstances would simultaneous leave be granted to three or more Consultant Neurophysiologists and a minimum of 6 weeks notice for leave is usually required.

12. General provisions and summary of main conditions of service

The appointment is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Service for Consultants (New Contract 2002)

General Provisions

(a) The appointee will be expected to work with local managers and professional colleagues in the efficient running of services, and will share with consultant colleagues in the medical contribution to management. Subject to the provision of the Terms and Conditions of Service, he/she is expected to observe the Trust's agreed policies and procedures drawn up in consultation with the profession on clinical matters, and to follow the standing orders and financial instructions of the Trust. The appointee will be expected to follow the local and national employment and personnel policies and procedures. He/she will be expected to make sure that there are adequate arrangements for hospital staff involved in the care of their patients, to be able to contact a Consultant Neurophysiologist when necessary.

(b) All medical staff are expected to comply with appropriate Health and Safety policies.

(c) The appointee will have responsibility for the training and supervision of Junior Medical Staff who work with him/her and will devote time to this activity on a regular basis. If appropriate, he/she will be named in the contracts of doctors in training grade as the person responsible for overseeing their training, and as a main source of advice to such doctors on their careers.

Personality

Essential

• Motivation to develop Neurophysiology service and individual skills
• Commitment to Unit and to Department
• Punctuality and effective use of time.
• Motivation and enthusiasm to undertake teaching and research activity.

Qualifications

Essential

• MB BS (or equivalent)
• M.R.C.P. ( or College recognised equivalent)
• Full General Medical Council Registration.

Experience

Essential

• CCST in Clinical Neurophysiology (or equivalent) or entry on the Specialist Register for Clinical Neurophysiology
• Clear Experience of Clinical Neurophysiology particularly Adult EEG including management of complex cases.
• Stereo EEG.

Desirable

• Intraoperative Monitoring.

Ability

Essential

• Understanding of Clinical Neurophysiology principles and role of Clinical Neurophysiology in diagnosis and management of Neurological disorders
• Practical and technical ability to undertake Neurophysiological studies and effective use of Neurophysiological testing equipment.
• Ability to clearly document testing results, adhere to departmental / trust protocols for reporting and keep appropriate clinical records.
• Ability to work as part of a team but show individual initiative when required.
• Ability to travel to satellite clinic
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.

Motivation

Essential

• Motivation to develop Neurophysiology service and individual skills
• Commitment to Unit and to Department
• Punctuality and effective use of time.
• Motivation and enthusiasm to undertake teaching and research activity.

Audit

Essential

• Understand principles of Clinical Audit
• Commitment to undertake Audit of personal and departmental activity

Desirable

• Publication of Audit Results

Research and Teaching

Essential

• Understand principles of research, requirements of research governance and ethical responsibilities.
• Enthusiasm to participate in Teaching to Physiologists, Junior Medical Staff (including SpRs) and undergraduates
• Evidence of Teaching ability

Desirable

• Record of Research Publications.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).