Specialty Doctor in Elderly Medicine

Applications are invited for the above full time posts for this 660 bedded acute hospital serving a local population of approximately 400,000. The appointment will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of service for the 2003 consultant contract (England).

We are entering an exciting period of development within Elderly Medicine at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital. The Department of Elderly Medicine (DME) at Luton & Dunstable Hospital is supported by 8 WTE Consultants and their junior teams. The organisation is fully committed to improving the quality of care delivered to its frail and older population and is looking for dynamic individuals who are flexible about ways of working and keen to work as part of a multi-professional team to deliver high quality care for older people. We would welcome applications from candidates who are motivated to lead further developments and initiatives and able to work closely with colleagues in primary care networks, community and social services. Significant investment has occurred in DME over the last 4 years that reflects the valued contribution of the DME service to the management of frail, complex and vulnerable patients.

Main duties of the job

Be required to provide a senior level of support to the department

Attend ward & board rounds both with the Consultants and with the Specialty Training Doctors / Foundation Year 2 doctors. The Specialty Doctor may be responsible for unaccompanied ward rounds

Work under the supervision of and be responsible to his/her respective consultant, or the on call consultant and, ultimately the Clinical Director for Medicine for the Elderly

The time-table will be reviewed by the Clinical Director as part of the annual appraisal process.

Regular contribution to departmental meetings, Journal club and Medical Grand rounds of the hospital.

So far as is consistent with the proper discharge of the above duties undertake to deputise from time to time for absence colleagues.

Undertake, exceptionally, to perform additional duties in occasional emergency and unforeseen circumstances.

In case of difficulties of any kind, the Specialty Doctor will seek the advice of the appropriate consultant. The Specialty Doctor is not expected to participate in any work beyond their level of expertise.

The appointee will undertake, exceptionally, to be available for such irregular commitments, outside normally rostered duties as are essential for patient care.

Communicate with patients, their relatives and carers, members of the multidisciplinary team, other specialties, GPs and the wider community services.

Our Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.