Consultant in Haematology

Job responsibilities

These posts are part of a collaborative venture between the Christie NHS Foundation Trust (CFT) and Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (TGH) to support the development of haematology services across the southern sector of the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Cancer Network (GMCCN) and the delivery of clinical and laboratory haematology on the TGH site. The post will be established at the Christie although the majority of the clinical sessions will be undertaken at TGH. The post holder will be a core member of the Christie leukaemia/myeloma and lymphoma multidisciplinary teams and the post also offers the opportunity to develop a special interest in an area of malignant haematology at the Christie if required to suit the interests of the successful applicant.

The Haematology department based at TGH is run by a highly motivated team providing outpatient, day care and inpatient service to BCSH level 1. At the Christie, the appointment will join the existing team of 14 Consultants and at TGH will complement the current single-handed Haematologist, a Clinical Nurse Specialist/Service Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist.

The appointee will be expected to participate a shared on-call rota (currently with Stepping Hill Hospital) for out of hours work. There will be no on-call commitment on the Christie Site.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The medical establishment provides 14 consultants within the department.

The appointees will be based at Tameside and will report to the Clinical Director of Haematology & Teenage and Young Adult Cancer at The Christie NHS Trust with accountability to the Medical Director at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

• To develop and implement best practice in Haematology
• To support the existing staff at Tameside in delivery of a high quality service
• To be a core member of the GMCCN Southern Sector Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)

Diagnostic support

Radiology (X ray, MRI and CT scan) and Pharmacy services are available at Tameside.

The Pathology Collaborative

Pathology is provided via Tameside.

Diagnostic samples from haematology patients are handled and reported by the Greater Manchester Haematological Cancer Diagnostic Partnership (HODS).

The Haematology Laboratory Department

The haematology laboratory holds full UKAS accreditation status to ISO 15189:2012. The department is registered in the United Kingdom External Quality Assessments scheme for its full repertoire of tests including coagulation, blood transfusion, full blood counts and other general haematology tests.

Haematology, Biochemistry and Blood Transfusion have been merged to provide a combined blood science service. The laboratory is fully CPA accredited and takes part in all relevant NEQAS schemes.

The services consist of:

• Biochemistry
• Haematology
• Blood Transfusion
• Mortuary and Bereavement Services
• Virology (Screening only for Hepatitis otherwise MMMP)
• Microbiology
• Cellular Pathology (Located at UHSM)

Blood Transfusion

There is a well-established hospital blood transfusion committee and team. The committee meets quarterly and deals with current issues and determines long term strategy. It consists of laboratory, A&E, theatre and ward representatives, plus the Hospital Transfusion Practitioner. The Consultant +/- CNS will be invited to the HTC which is held 3 months per year.

The Hospital Transfusion Team meets monthly, performs regular audits and implements improvement and educational strategies. This has ensured the Trust has successfully maximised the use of blood and blood products.

Clinical Haematology

There is both inpatient and outpatient management of a wide variety of benign and malignant haematological disorders as would be typical of a District General Hospital haematology practise.

Haematology has no dedicated inpatient beds, however, they provide a service to the Medical and Surgical Directorates to give haematological assessments when required. This is currently provided by ad-hoc visits as required. Haematology patients receiving out-patient care, including those attending the Tameside Macmillan Unit, that require in-patient treatment remain under the care of the admitting General Physician with the haematologist providing relevant advice. General Physicians also manage patients with venous thromboembolic problems and liaise closely with the anticoagulant service.

There is considerable liaison with local General Practitioners for haematological advice, both written and by telephone along with clinical advice and guidance via the NHS Electronic Referral Service

Pre-COVID pandemic the clinical haematology department reviewed approximately 46 new haematology outpatients and 220 review patients per month. Day case attendances numbered approximately 85 per month (Monday and Thursday)

The current haematology inpatient and outpatient case mix consists of general haematology, low grade haematological malignancy which includes chronic myeloid and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, myeloma plus myelodysplasias and a variety of haemostatic and thrombotic problems. Cases of acute leukaemia in younger patients requiring intensive chemotherapy are referred onward to the specialist haematology unit at the Christie Hospital.

The treatment of haematological malignancies is by protocol and is also based on the BCSH and North West Haemato-Oncology guidelines. Chemotherapy is electronically prescribed using the iQemo computerised system.

When appropriate, patients with haemoglobinopathies are referred to the Sickle cell and Thalassaemia Centre at the Central Manchester Hospital. Patients with haemophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders are referred to the Thrombosis and Haemostasis Centre at the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Out of hours cover and on-call

The appointees will be expected to participate in an out of hours on shared with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (currently 1:4). It is anticipated that the out of hours arrangements may change going forward to include cover for East Cheshire NHS Trust although at reduced frequency.

ATTAINMENTS

Essential

• FRCP / MRCP or equivalent AND FRCPath or equivalent.
• Applicants that are UK trained, must ALSO be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview.
• Applicants that are non-UK trained, will be required to show evidence of equivalence to the UK CCT.
• Experience of teaching/training.
• Evidence of training and expertise in clinical and laboratory Haematology.
• Full and Specialist registration (with a licence to practise) with the General Medical. Council (GMC), or be eligible for registration within six months of interview

Desirable

• MD/PhD.
• Management Training.
• Experience of recent and current research and or relevant publications.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Clinical experience and knowledge in: General Haematology Blood Transfusion Coagulation Malignant Haematology.
• Evidence of continuing personal and professional development and keeps up to date with medical advances.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the core legal, ethical and political issues which govern medical practice.
• Evidence of clinical leadership and people management skills.
• Ensure delivery of a quality service.
• Able to implement policies and plans.
• Effectively review and allocate resources.
• Review and manage progress.
• Clear understanding of performance management and supports a performance culture.
• Accountable for performance of self and others.
• Empowers others to take responsibility.
• Able to develop and recognise the performance of others

Desirable

• Attendance at 'Teaching for Teachers' or similar course.

TEACHING

Essential

• Experience in teaching undergraduates and postgraduates

Desirable

• Teaching qualification

PERSONAL SKILLS

Essential

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Can own/commit to shared goals.
• Can build effective teams and partnerships.
• Flexibility, commitment and compatibility with colleagues and multidisciplinary staff in the department.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Awareness of personal limitations.
• Flexible and adaptable to change.
• Acts with integrity - honest and trustworthy towards both patients and staff Is comfortable dealing with people.

CIRCUMSTANCES

Essential

• Able to return to site within 60 mins if required when oncall.
• Willingness to travel and work on other sites.

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).