Job summary
We are seeking to appoint an additional Consultant Neurologist with a specialist interest in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to join our dynamic neurology team at University Hospitals Plymouth.
This appointment will support the continued expansion of our regional Neuroscience Centre and enhance the delivery of high-quality neurological care across Plymouth and the surrounding area.
In addition to contributing to the general neurology service, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and grow their subspecialty expertise in MS, working within a well-established multidisciplinary team committed to delivering comprehensive care for patients with MS.
Main duties of the job
The role will include providing regular general neurology outpatient clinics and inpatient ward cover, together with the opportunity to develop and lead the MS service. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and advancing MS care within the Trust, supported by a well-established multidisciplinary team.
The role will also include active involvement in the development and leadership of the department, alongside teaching and training responsibilities. The successful candidate will contribute to the education of medical students, junior doctors, nursing staff, and allied health professionals, as well as participate in departmental and regional academic activities, including the hospital grand round, journal club, audit meetings, and research opportunities.
Our department is recognised nationally for excellence and innovation. Plymouth is a GIRFT exemplar site for acute neurology, caring for more patients with acute neurological conditions than any other centre in the UK. We are also one of only five centres nationally where neurologists lead the care of stroke patients from the point of hospital presentation. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking, enthusiastic clinical team delivering cutting-edge neurological care
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached detailed job description (pending RCP approval)
The department benefits from a dedicated space for the investigation and assessment of neurology patients, with emergency stroke admissions managed separately on the Acute Stroke Unit (ASU).
Over the past decade, our workload has steadily increased, and we now admit approximately 2,500 patients each year, of which around 70% are acute admissions. For the past 15 years, we have operated an attending neurologist service, with one consultant leading the inpatient team each week. This model has delivered measurable improvements in patient care, including shorter inpatient stays, while ensuring that the registrar on call has daily access to senior support and advice on all neurology inpatients.
This structure offers a unique training opportunity for our specialty registrars, who gain extensive experience in the management of acute neurology. The service has been recognised nationally and designated as a GIRFT exemplar for excellence in the delivery of acute neurology care.
The Neurology Department previously provided a Monday to Friday Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service, which included a daily advice line for GPs. Although this service ceased in February 2024, it is anticipated that with the expansion of the consultant body we will be able to re-establish and enhance this provision.
The department currently provides an attending neurologist, responsible for all neurology inpatients, post-take ward rounds in the Emergency Department and Medical Assessment Units, and the care of 12 dedicated neurology beds on Hartor Ward, alongside an attending stroke neurologist who oversees patients on the HASU and ASU.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached detailed job description (pending RCP approval)
The department benefits from a dedicated space for the investigation and assessment of neurology patients, with emergency stroke admissions managed separately on the Acute Stroke Unit (ASU).
Over the past decade, our workload has steadily increased, and we now admit approximately 2,500 patients each year, of which around 70% are acute admissions. For the past 15 years, we have operated an attending neurologist service, with one consultant leading the inpatient team each week. This model has delivered measurable improvements in patient care, including shorter inpatient stays, while ensuring that the registrar on call has daily access to senior support and advice on all neurology inpatients.
This structure offers a unique training opportunity for our specialty registrars, who gain extensive experience in the management of acute neurology. The service has been recognised nationally and designated as a GIRFT exemplar for excellence in the delivery of acute neurology care.
The Neurology Department previously provided a Monday to Friday Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service, which included a daily advice line for GPs. Although this service ceased in February 2024, it is anticipated that with the expansion of the consultant body we will be able to re-establish and enhance this provision.
The department currently provides an attending neurologist, responsible for all neurology inpatients, post-take ward rounds in the Emergency Department and Medical Assessment Units, and the care of 12 dedicated neurology beds on Hartor Ward, alongside an attending stroke neurologist who oversees patients on the HASU and ASU.
Person Specification
Education, qualifications and special training
Essential
- MRCP (UK) Entry on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist register via: a)Certificate of Completion of training (CCT). Proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of the interview. b)Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) c) European Community Rights
Desirable
- Higher degree or within 12 months of submission Postgraduate prizes and awards.
Particular skills and experience
Essential
- Demonstrate evidence of ample acute neurology experience and appropriate specialist experience in MS.
Desirable
- Attended appropriate courses, fellowships or equivalent.
Research and Clinical audit
Essential
- Evidence of a research interest and clinical audit
Desirable
- Presentations at local/regional/ national/international meetings. Relevant audit projects. Published as first author in peer reviewed journals
Teaching
Essential
- Able to demonstrate experience in having taught junior doctors
Desirable
- Evidence of enthusiasm and experience in teaching
Management
Essential
- Participated in some sort of management process (ie service or research)
Desirable
- Evidence of interest and ability in management. Attended appropriate courses or gained qualification in management. Evidence of effective multidisciplinary team working and leadership supported by multi-source feedback or other workplace-based assessments.
Practical Requirements
Essential
- Ability and willingness to work hours of the job, shifts, on-call with any reasonable adjustments to take into account local requirements or disability.
Desirable
- To have access to own transport to fulfil duties on the role.
Communication & Interpersonal skills
Essential
- A well presented CV Team working skills Ability to delegate appropriately
Desirable
- Good presentation skills - prizes / awards IT technology skills including evidence where such skills have improved patient care Leadership skills
Person Specification
Education, qualifications and special training
Essential
- MRCP (UK) Entry on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist register via: a)Certificate of Completion of training (CCT). Proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of the interview. b)Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) c) European Community Rights
Desirable
- Higher degree or within 12 months of submission Postgraduate prizes and awards.
Particular skills and experience
Essential
- Demonstrate evidence of ample acute neurology experience and appropriate specialist experience in MS.
Desirable
- Attended appropriate courses, fellowships or equivalent.
Research and Clinical audit
Essential
- Evidence of a research interest and clinical audit
Desirable
- Presentations at local/regional/ national/international meetings. Relevant audit projects. Published as first author in peer reviewed journals
Teaching
Essential
- Able to demonstrate experience in having taught junior doctors
Desirable
- Evidence of enthusiasm and experience in teaching
Management
Essential
- Participated in some sort of management process (ie service or research)
Desirable
- Evidence of interest and ability in management. Attended appropriate courses or gained qualification in management. Evidence of effective multidisciplinary team working and leadership supported by multi-source feedback or other workplace-based assessments.
Practical Requirements
Essential
- Ability and willingness to work hours of the job, shifts, on-call with any reasonable adjustments to take into account local requirements or disability.
Desirable
- To have access to own transport to fulfil duties on the role.
Communication & Interpersonal skills
Essential
- A well presented CV Team working skills Ability to delegate appropriately
Desirable
- Good presentation skills - prizes / awards IT technology skills including evidence where such skills have improved patient care Leadership skills
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.
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.
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).
