Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Locum Consultant in Infection

The closing date is 29 September 2025

Job summary

This is a post for a full-time Consultant in Infection (10 PA), fixed term for 1 year, to join the 2 other consultants and a Specialty doctor in infection, and a resident doctor in Microbiology/ID. The post attracts an 8% on-call availability supplement.

Main duties of the job

1. To provide a 24/7 advisory clinical infection service including: advice regarding appropriate specimens, validation and interpretation of results for transmission to ward, clinical supervision of resident doctors and involvement in the management of individual patients through full clinical liaison to support patient management.

2. The clinical advisory service involves infection consults from hospital clinicians, GPs and Virtual Hospital Service clinical teams, ward rounds and multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings including 1 in 3 rota for OOH cover (including weekends and Bank Holidays).

3. To participate in the daily AMU Infection Round and ICU ward during the on-call week on 1:3 basis.

4. Participation in the specialists MDTs such as Orthopaedics, Cardiology, Nephrology, Haematology, TB and HIV etc. will be agreed among the consultants according to personal interest and may rotate between the consultants with mutual agreement. Currently these ward rounds and MDTs are taking place through Microsoft Teams.

5. To participate in Business Planning, including the assessment and introduction of new infections diagnostics and forward planning for staff requirements.

6. To participate in day-to-day IPC activities for the acute NHS support and support the IPCT in all IPC issues.

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Details

Date posted

08 September 2025

Pay scheme

Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade

Consultant

Salary

£109,725 to £145,478 a year 10 PA

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

193-MS1248NCG

Job locations

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Reading

RG1 5AN


Job description

Job responsibilities

1. To provide a 24/7 advisory clinical infection service including: advice regarding appropriate specimens, validation and interpretation of results for transmission to ward, clinical supervision of resident doctors and involvement in the management of individual patients through full clinical liaison to support patient management.

2. The clinical advisory service involves infection consults from hospital clinicians, GPs and Virtual Hospital Service clinical teams, ward rounds and multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings including 1 in 3 rota for OOH cover (including weekends and Bank Holidays).

3. To participate in the daily AMU Infection Round and ICU ward during the on-call week on 1:3 basis.

4. Participation in the specialists MDTs such as Orthopaedics, Cardiology, Nephrology, Haematology, TB and HIV etc. will be agreed among the consultants according to personal interest and may rotate between the consultants with mutual agreement. Currently these ward rounds and MDTs are taking place through Microsoft Teams.

5. To participate in Business Planning, including the assessment and introduction of new infections diagnostics and forward planning for staff requirements.

6. To participate in day-to-day IPC activities for the acute NHS support and support the IPCT in all IPC issues.

7. To participate in enhancing the Trusts commitment to good AMS.

8. To participate on a rotational basis in leading roles overseeing the governance and administrative duties of the microbiology laboratory, he Trust AMS programme and the IPC service.

9. To collaborate with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and regional and national reference and epidemiological facilities in the reporting and investigation of infections, control of outbreaks, assessment of vaccines, development of laboratory methods, involvement in surveys, etc.

10. To participate in the professional training of staff in the department, both medical and non-medical and contribute as required to teaching sessions for other hospital staff including undergraduate and postgraduate medical staff, participate in annual medical staff rounds as well as education and supervision of the junior medical staff

11. Research activities subject to the availability of funding and resources.

12. Participation in medical audit and quality improvement projects.

13. Participation in a recognised scheme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).Funding and study leave is provided for agreed purposes.

14. Participation in clinical governance activities as appropriate.

15. Participation in the Trust's consultant appraisal and GMC revalidation scheme.

16. Such additional duties as may be required from time to time by the Clinical Director of Pathology after appropriate consultation.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. To provide a 24/7 advisory clinical infection service including: advice regarding appropriate specimens, validation and interpretation of results for transmission to ward, clinical supervision of resident doctors and involvement in the management of individual patients through full clinical liaison to support patient management.

2. The clinical advisory service involves infection consults from hospital clinicians, GPs and Virtual Hospital Service clinical teams, ward rounds and multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings including 1 in 3 rota for OOH cover (including weekends and Bank Holidays).

3. To participate in the daily AMU Infection Round and ICU ward during the on-call week on 1:3 basis.

4. Participation in the specialists MDTs such as Orthopaedics, Cardiology, Nephrology, Haematology, TB and HIV etc. will be agreed among the consultants according to personal interest and may rotate between the consultants with mutual agreement. Currently these ward rounds and MDTs are taking place through Microsoft Teams.

5. To participate in Business Planning, including the assessment and introduction of new infections diagnostics and forward planning for staff requirements.

6. To participate in day-to-day IPC activities for the acute NHS support and support the IPCT in all IPC issues.

7. To participate in enhancing the Trusts commitment to good AMS.

8. To participate on a rotational basis in leading roles overseeing the governance and administrative duties of the microbiology laboratory, he Trust AMS programme and the IPC service.

9. To collaborate with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and regional and national reference and epidemiological facilities in the reporting and investigation of infections, control of outbreaks, assessment of vaccines, development of laboratory methods, involvement in surveys, etc.

10. To participate in the professional training of staff in the department, both medical and non-medical and contribute as required to teaching sessions for other hospital staff including undergraduate and postgraduate medical staff, participate in annual medical staff rounds as well as education and supervision of the junior medical staff

11. Research activities subject to the availability of funding and resources.

12. Participation in medical audit and quality improvement projects.

13. Participation in a recognised scheme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).Funding and study leave is provided for agreed purposes.

14. Participation in clinical governance activities as appropriate.

15. Participation in the Trust's consultant appraisal and GMC revalidation scheme.

16. Such additional duties as may be required from time to time by the Clinical Director of Pathology after appropriate consultation.

Person Specification

Professional Qualifications

Essential

  • Primary medical degree. FRCPath by examination in Microbiology or evidence of equivalent qualification
  • Full and specialist registration and a license to practice with the General Medical Council (GMC).
  • If an applicant is UK trained, they must ALSO be a Holder of Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or within six months of award of CCT by date of interview
  • If an applicant is non-UK trained, they will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT

Desirable

  • Higher postgraduate qualification e.g., MRCP or evidence of equivalent qualification, MSc, DTM&H
  • Membership of relevant Specialist societies or Associations

Clinical Experience & Skills

Essential

  • Evidence of working in a Department of Infection for in NHS
  • Fully trained in Medical Microbiology and knowledge and experience of infection prevention and control
  • Take responsibility to deliver the service without direct supervision

Desirable

  • Research commitment and a relevant speciality interest

Clinical Knowledge

Essential

  • On all aspects of microbiology/infection service including infection prevention and control, also demonstrates clear logical thinking and analytical approach
  • Understands evidence-based practice

Audit Manage-ment & IT

Essential

  • Ability to work within clinical governance guidelines
  • Able to manage/prioritise time and information effectively and capacity to organise own workload
  • Undertake audits and present data as required
  • Good IT skills, use of patient and hospital database

Desirable

  • Evidence of clinical leadership role, demonstrating accountability for quality of care, financial controls and efficient management of workforce

Research, Teaching skill & experience

Essential

  • Track record of publications in peer reviewed journals
  • Experience in teaching and training both medical and non-medical staff
  • Evidence or providing good teaching and supervision to trainees to the level of GMC accredited educational supervision level

Desirable

  • Educational qualification

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Ability to communicate with clarity and intelligently in written and spoken English
  • Willingness to take responsibility and exert appropriate authority.
  • Excellent Interpersonal Skills, and able to work within MDT
  • Accountability: ability to take responsibility, lead, make decisions and exert appropriate authority
  • Skills: ability to see patients as people, ability to empathize and work cooperatively with others
Person Specification

Professional Qualifications

Essential

  • Primary medical degree. FRCPath by examination in Microbiology or evidence of equivalent qualification
  • Full and specialist registration and a license to practice with the General Medical Council (GMC).
  • If an applicant is UK trained, they must ALSO be a Holder of Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or within six months of award of CCT by date of interview
  • If an applicant is non-UK trained, they will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT

Desirable

  • Higher postgraduate qualification e.g., MRCP or evidence of equivalent qualification, MSc, DTM&H
  • Membership of relevant Specialist societies or Associations

Clinical Experience & Skills

Essential

  • Evidence of working in a Department of Infection for in NHS
  • Fully trained in Medical Microbiology and knowledge and experience of infection prevention and control
  • Take responsibility to deliver the service without direct supervision

Desirable

  • Research commitment and a relevant speciality interest

Clinical Knowledge

Essential

  • On all aspects of microbiology/infection service including infection prevention and control, also demonstrates clear logical thinking and analytical approach
  • Understands evidence-based practice

Audit Manage-ment & IT

Essential

  • Ability to work within clinical governance guidelines
  • Able to manage/prioritise time and information effectively and capacity to organise own workload
  • Undertake audits and present data as required
  • Good IT skills, use of patient and hospital database

Desirable

  • Evidence of clinical leadership role, demonstrating accountability for quality of care, financial controls and efficient management of workforce

Research, Teaching skill & experience

Essential

  • Track record of publications in peer reviewed journals
  • Experience in teaching and training both medical and non-medical staff
  • Evidence or providing good teaching and supervision to trainees to the level of GMC accredited educational supervision level

Desirable

  • Educational qualification

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Ability to communicate with clarity and intelligently in written and spoken English
  • Willingness to take responsibility and exert appropriate authority.
  • Excellent Interpersonal Skills, and able to work within MDT
  • Accountability: ability to take responsibility, lead, make decisions and exert appropriate authority
  • Skills: ability to see patients as people, ability to empathize and work cooperatively with others

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).

Additional information

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Reading

RG1 5AN


Employer's website

https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Reading

RG1 5AN


Employer's website

https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Consultant Medical Microbiologist (CMM)

Dr George Jacob

George.jacob@royaberkshire.nhs.uk

01183225111

Details

Date posted

08 September 2025

Pay scheme

Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade

Consultant

Salary

£109,725 to £145,478 a year 10 PA

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

193-MS1248NCG

Job locations

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Reading

RG1 5AN


Supporting documents

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