Consultant Medical Microbiologist

Job summary

The appointee, together with consultant colleagues, will be responsible for the provision of a comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective clinical medical microbiology service that includes;

• Advice regarding appropriate specimens
• Involvement in specimen analysis
• Validation and interpretation of results for transmission to wards
• Regular ward visits (incl. ITU/HDU each day)
• Attendance at various multidisciplinary team meetings (cardiology, haematology, orthopaedic, spinal, vascular)
• Advice on antimicrobial prescribing including regular antimicrobial ward rounds
• Regular review of patients with C. difficile infection and involvement in the management of individual patients through full clinical liaison

It is expected that, on average within each five-week period, each Consultant will spend;

• One week "first on" for clinical duties for Musgrove Park Hospital, and on-call
• One week "second on" for clinical duties (surgical specialties) for Musgrove Park Hospital
• One week on clinical duties for Yeovil District Hospital (which will involve visits to Yeovil)
• GP's and community hospital duties are shared between "second on" and Yeovil clinical duties

Participation in the out-of-hours service: The on-call rota is currently 1 week in 5 with prospective cover. Saturday (and Bank Holiday) mornings include work in Musgrove Park Hospital, but Sunday mornings are usually worked from home.

Main duties of the job

Each Consultant has designated responsibility for a specific area/service(s), these include:

• Clinical Service Lead of Microbiology Department
• Infection Control Doctor for SFT
• Infection Control Doctor for Somerset ICB
• Infection Control Doctor for independent sector treatment centre Practice Plus Group Hospital at Shepton Mallet
• Lead Consultant for Antimicrobial Stewardship for Somerset
• Lead Consultant for Laboratory Technical Liaison

Individual roles will be allocated following discussions between all Consultant Microbiologists in post, with input from the Associate Medical Director and DIPCs. These responsibilities will be included in the final job plans and will be reviewed after 3 years. Job plans are reviewed annually.

Teaching, examination and accreditation duties as required - including teaching of 3rd year medical students (from Bristol University) attached to Somerset Academy and contribution to postgraduate and continuing medical education activities.

Consultants in the department have the opportunity to participate in research or develop their own research portfolio. All consultants are expected to critically appraise and evaluate scientific and medical publications, including guidelines, relevant to their work.

About us

Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.

Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!