Job summary
Do you share our health board values; Caring for each other; working together; always improving? If so, we would love for you to come and work for Swansea Bay University HB.
We are looking for Senior Clinical Fellow in Neonatal Care to work alongside our dedicated team. The post is fixed term. We are looking for individuals to start in March and September 2023.
The Singleton unit is the regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for SW Wales, an area with a birth rate of around 10,000 pa and is a busy level 3 unit. There are 6 fully funded intensive care cots, 8 high dependency cots and 10 special care cots although the unit often works well over its funded capacity and there are plans for further expansion.
A dedicated transitional care unit allows as to provide a higher level of care for some babies without separating them from their mother. The unit provides the full range of medical neonatal care from 22 weeks' gestation and above including novel modes of ventilation, HFOV, nitric oxide. We look after 80-100 babies born < 1500 grams a year. Facilities for cerebral function monitoring and therapeutic total body cooling when required, one of the few NICUs in the UK to have the predictive heart rate characteristics monitoring to detect early illness (HeRO). The unit contributes one week in every three to the Welsh Neonatal Transport Service (CHANTS).
Main duties of the job
This post would allow training in either echocardiography or enhanced neurodevelopmental assessment depending on the preference of the applicant. The post allocated dedicated time for supporting professional activities. These will be distributed as follows:
The departmental weekly teaching program (Thursday afternoon)
- The Tuesday 'grand round'
- The remainder to be delivered flexibly with in the week to allow training and attendance in outpatient clinic activity related to neurodevelopment or echocardiography.
It is highly desirable that candidates have previous experience of working in the NHS with knowledge of NHS working practices and systems or equivalent. It would be useful, though not mandatory, to have previous paediatric or neonatal experience.
Critical care cot provision is expected to increase following service reconfiguration within the Health Board. We have recently opened a state of the art new transitional care facility and special care area adjacent to the refurbished postnatal ward. The unit is the lead level 3 unit for the SW Wales and functions as part of the Wales Neonatal Network. The unit supports an area with a birth rate of around 10000 deliveries and attracts high risk infants requiring critical care from the local population and elsewhere in the network. In 2018, there were 1719 days of intensive care, 2086 days of high dependency care and 3224 days of special care.
About us
We nurture a very pleasant working environment and passionate about providing the highest standard of care. The unit has excellent benchmarked outcomes and is recognized for high quality innovative practices including programmes on antibiotic stewardship, family integrated care, neurodevelopmental follow up programme and predictive monitoring. We have pioneered the use of transcutaneous bilirubinometer for community screening and early detection of neonatal jaundice.
We believe staff are our best asset and wewant you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show thatour commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery,with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see Job description for full details
This post would allow training in specialist Neonatal skills such as point of care ultrasound, echocardiography or enhanced neurodevelopmental assessment depending on the preference of the applicant.
The work programme rota for this post is shown at Appendix 1. Overall the post is equivalent to 14 sessions per week. Time for supporting professional activities will be included in the rota pattern. This will include:
- The departmental weekly teaching program (Thursday afternoon)
- The Tuesday grand round
- The remainder to be delivered flexibly with in the week to allow training and attendance in outpatient clinic activity related to neurodevelopment or echocardiography or an alternative specialist interest (such as simulation training/education) depending on the needs of the successful applicant.
Echocardiography Training
The unit has an excellent level of expertise in echocardiography, with three of the consultants having undergone echocardiography training, and two experienced cardiorespiratory technicians who is fully trained in paediatric echocardiography. We have dedicated ultrasound machines which are networked and can transmit images by telemedicine to distant centres. We are well supported by the tertiary paediatric cardiac service at Cardiff, with whom we have excellent working relations.
The post holder will be given opportunity to learn echocardiography and will be encouraged to avail himself/herself of the following learning opportunities:
- Attendance on formal echocardiography courses
- Regular echo practice on the neonatal unit
- Regular attendance at cardiology clinics run by Drs Nittur, Morris and Mansour.
- Review of echocardiograms performed by the post holder by Drs Nittur/ Morris/Mansour.
- Maintenance of a logbook for ECHO training is recommended. Please liaise with Dr S Nittur early, if you have an interest in Paediatric Cardiology.
Neurodevelopmental Assessment
Singleton has a well-developed and structured neurodevelopmental follow up programme for high-risk preterm and other at-risk infants for well over a decade. A number of consultants are trained in undertaking structured neurodevelopmental assessments including Bayley 3 and General Movement Assessments (Prechtl). The programme is well supported by a team of paediatric physiotherapist, neonatal occupational therapist and outreach community nurses. The long term outcome data are collated in our annual report. The post holder would be supported to attend the following learning opportunities:
- Attendance on formal neurodevelopment assessment courses
- Regular attendance at neurodevelopment follow up clinics run by Drs Banerjee/Webb/ Perkins/Makri to develop competency in structured neurodevelopmental assessment
- Develop insight and management skills to establish and manage a structured neurodevelopment service.
- Please liaise with Dr J Webb early, if you have an interest in Neonatal Neurodevelopment and would like to pursue this during this post.
Neonatal Transport (CHANTS)
Singleton NICU provides neonatal transport services as part of the All Wales Neonatal Transport Services (CHANTS). This is a specialized Consultant delivered service. Senior Clinical Fellows are not routinely posted to this service. But if this is a particular area of interest, Fellows could undertake transport along with the Consultant as a pre agreed study leave.
Teaching and training
The unit has a very good reputation for teaching and training, and the post holder will not only benefit from being a recipient of this but may also wish to develop his/her own teaching skills. Excellent experience is offered in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. At undergraduate level the unit has close links with Swansea University Medical School, which is one of the fastest growing medical schools in the UK. There are ample opportunities for taking part in formal teaching sessions under the guidance of experienced tutors. The unit has a well-established programme of simulation training using high fidelity manikins and the post holder would be able to assist in the delivery of this training should he/she wish to do so.
This post is covered by the National Health Service Terms & Conditions of Service Specialty Doctor (Wales). Details of these may be obtained from the Medical HR Department.
You will be required to participate in the shift system for the second tier of medical staff which includes out of hours duties. Ten clinicians participate in the 1st tier rota. The rota operates as a full shift system with annual leave built in. The 2nd on call rota for neonatology has 9 clinicians participating including 2 advanced neonatal nurse practitioners (ANNPs). 11 consultant neonatologists support the unit as well as a number of other specialists. The unit is well known for its friendly and supportive atmosphere and the excellent teaching and training provided. You will be expected to work within all clinical areas including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency and Special Care areas, Transitional Care, Postnatal ward and delivery suite, including attending high risk deliveries.
It is highly desirable that candidates have previous experience of working in the NHS with knowledge of NHS working practices and systems or equivalent. It is essential to have undertaken at least 6 months experience as first on call in a tertiary level neonatal unit. It is also desirable to have experience as second on call in neonatology. The Person Specification is shown at Appendix 2 of the attached job description.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see Job description for full details
This post would allow training in specialist Neonatal skills such as point of care ultrasound, echocardiography or enhanced neurodevelopmental assessment depending on the preference of the applicant.
The work programme rota for this post is shown at Appendix 1. Overall the post is equivalent to 14 sessions per week. Time for supporting professional activities will be included in the rota pattern. This will include:
- The departmental weekly teaching program (Thursday afternoon)
- The Tuesday grand round
- The remainder to be delivered flexibly with in the week to allow training and attendance in outpatient clinic activity related to neurodevelopment or echocardiography or an alternative specialist interest (such as simulation training/education) depending on the needs of the successful applicant.
Echocardiography Training
The unit has an excellent level of expertise in echocardiography, with three of the consultants having undergone echocardiography training, and two experienced cardiorespiratory technicians who is fully trained in paediatric echocardiography. We have dedicated ultrasound machines which are networked and can transmit images by telemedicine to distant centres. We are well supported by the tertiary paediatric cardiac service at Cardiff, with whom we have excellent working relations.
The post holder will be given opportunity to learn echocardiography and will be encouraged to avail himself/herself of the following learning opportunities:
- Attendance on formal echocardiography courses
- Regular echo practice on the neonatal unit
- Regular attendance at cardiology clinics run by Drs Nittur, Morris and Mansour.
- Review of echocardiograms performed by the post holder by Drs Nittur/ Morris/Mansour.
- Maintenance of a logbook for ECHO training is recommended. Please liaise with Dr S Nittur early, if you have an interest in Paediatric Cardiology.
Neurodevelopmental Assessment
Singleton has a well-developed and structured neurodevelopmental follow up programme for high-risk preterm and other at-risk infants for well over a decade. A number of consultants are trained in undertaking structured neurodevelopmental assessments including Bayley 3 and General Movement Assessments (Prechtl). The programme is well supported by a team of paediatric physiotherapist, neonatal occupational therapist and outreach community nurses. The long term outcome data are collated in our annual report. The post holder would be supported to attend the following learning opportunities:
- Attendance on formal neurodevelopment assessment courses
- Regular attendance at neurodevelopment follow up clinics run by Drs Banerjee/Webb/ Perkins/Makri to develop competency in structured neurodevelopmental assessment
- Develop insight and management skills to establish and manage a structured neurodevelopment service.
- Please liaise with Dr J Webb early, if you have an interest in Neonatal Neurodevelopment and would like to pursue this during this post.
Neonatal Transport (CHANTS)
Singleton NICU provides neonatal transport services as part of the All Wales Neonatal Transport Services (CHANTS). This is a specialized Consultant delivered service. Senior Clinical Fellows are not routinely posted to this service. But if this is a particular area of interest, Fellows could undertake transport along with the Consultant as a pre agreed study leave.
Teaching and training
The unit has a very good reputation for teaching and training, and the post holder will not only benefit from being a recipient of this but may also wish to develop his/her own teaching skills. Excellent experience is offered in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. At undergraduate level the unit has close links with Swansea University Medical School, which is one of the fastest growing medical schools in the UK. There are ample opportunities for taking part in formal teaching sessions under the guidance of experienced tutors. The unit has a well-established programme of simulation training using high fidelity manikins and the post holder would be able to assist in the delivery of this training should he/she wish to do so.
This post is covered by the National Health Service Terms & Conditions of Service Specialty Doctor (Wales). Details of these may be obtained from the Medical HR Department.
You will be required to participate in the shift system for the second tier of medical staff which includes out of hours duties. Ten clinicians participate in the 1st tier rota. The rota operates as a full shift system with annual leave built in. The 2nd on call rota for neonatology has 9 clinicians participating including 2 advanced neonatal nurse practitioners (ANNPs). 11 consultant neonatologists support the unit as well as a number of other specialists. The unit is well known for its friendly and supportive atmosphere and the excellent teaching and training provided. You will be expected to work within all clinical areas including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency and Special Care areas, Transitional Care, Postnatal ward and delivery suite, including attending high risk deliveries.
It is highly desirable that candidates have previous experience of working in the NHS with knowledge of NHS working practices and systems or equivalent. It is essential to have undertaken at least 6 months experience as first on call in a tertiary level neonatal unit. It is also desirable to have experience as second on call in neonatology. The Person Specification is shown at Appendix 2 of the attached job description.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Full GMC/GDC Registration
- MB BS or recognised equivalent
- 4 years full-time postgraduate training (or part-time equivalent), at least 2 of which will be in a specialty training programme in a relevant specialty Or as fixed-term specialty trainee in a relevant specialty OR equivalent experience / competencies
- Evidence of C.P.D.
- Newborn life support course within the last three years (or commitment to achieve this within three months of taking up post)
- Level 2 safeguarding children training (or equivalent). Or commitment to achieve this within three months of taking up post
Desirable
- Further relevant degree/diploma/teaching qualification
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of working in an UK Tertiary Neonatal setting and effectively as a part of a multidisciplinary team
- At least 6 months full time neonatology on a level 3 unit at level one training
- Commitment to team approach and multi-disciplinary working
- Up to date with current practices in neonatal medicine
- Working as part of the management team
- Teaching and training of post/undergraduate medical staff
- Evidence of participation in, progressing and completing audit
- Knowledge of research techniques and governance
Desirable
- Liaison with other agencies
- Previous experience of working in the NHS/experience of NHS working practices and systems or equivalent.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to take independent clinical decisions when necessary and to seek advice from senior doctors as appropriate
- Experience of the assessment of emergencies
- Clinical Skills consistent with second on call experience in neonatal care
- Understanding of clinical risk management and clinical governance
- Ability to manage own time and work load and possess good verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills - ability to communicate sensitively with patients, relatives and staff
- Understanding of information systems and technology
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites when required
- Self motivation and initiative
- Flexible and adaptable to competing demands
- Commitment to modern practices
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Full GMC/GDC Registration
- MB BS or recognised equivalent
- 4 years full-time postgraduate training (or part-time equivalent), at least 2 of which will be in a specialty training programme in a relevant specialty Or as fixed-term specialty trainee in a relevant specialty OR equivalent experience / competencies
- Evidence of C.P.D.
- Newborn life support course within the last three years (or commitment to achieve this within three months of taking up post)
- Level 2 safeguarding children training (or equivalent). Or commitment to achieve this within three months of taking up post
Desirable
- Further relevant degree/diploma/teaching qualification
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of working in an UK Tertiary Neonatal setting and effectively as a part of a multidisciplinary team
- At least 6 months full time neonatology on a level 3 unit at level one training
- Commitment to team approach and multi-disciplinary working
- Up to date with current practices in neonatal medicine
- Working as part of the management team
- Teaching and training of post/undergraduate medical staff
- Evidence of participation in, progressing and completing audit
- Knowledge of research techniques and governance
Desirable
- Liaison with other agencies
- Previous experience of working in the NHS/experience of NHS working practices and systems or equivalent.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to take independent clinical decisions when necessary and to seek advice from senior doctors as appropriate
- Experience of the assessment of emergencies
- Clinical Skills consistent with second on call experience in neonatal care
- Understanding of clinical risk management and clinical governance
- Ability to manage own time and work load and possess good verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills - ability to communicate sensitively with patients, relatives and staff
- Understanding of information systems and technology
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites when required
- Self motivation and initiative
- Flexible and adaptable to competing demands
- Commitment to modern practices
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).
