Consultant - Gastroenterology

Applicants will require
- Basic Medical Qualification (MBChB, MBBS or equivalent)
- R.C.P. or equivalent
- to be on the specialist register with a CCT in Gastroenterology (and preferably General Internal Medicine) or within 6 months of achieving this
- We work in a rotation pattern with time both on and off the ward. The Gastroenterology ward (11 B) is a 23 bed unit with an experienced team. Whilst on-ward, we run an advice and guidance type service for referrals in a hot-week style model, whilst also covering In-patient Endoscopy.
- Whilst Off-ward, Outpatient Clinics and Endoscopy services occur on both sites, with the timetable planned to avoid as much travel between sites as possible. Most Endoscopy happens at the Ormskirk site with within the spacious and recently updated Treatment Centre, but high risk or complex procedures will be performed on the Southport site. We will shortly commence work on a new Endoscopy suite at the Southport site. We have non-medical Endoscopists that work over both sites, as part of an extended Gastroenterology team including Specialist Nurses in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Upper GI Cancer and Alcohol.
- GIM On call cover is currently 1:14, but with the introduction of this appointment we would look to move to a speciality Gastroenterology On-call service 1:6, allowing for 24 hour GI Bleed cover.

The post holder will join an integrated gastroenterology service which comprises: Three consultant gastroenterologists, one locum gastroenterologist, two middle grade Doctors (ST and one SAS), and junior medical staff. There are 6 specialist nurse practitioners; 4 of these endoscope, and some have additional duties such as IBD specialist nurse, and cancer nurse specialists.

We work closely with surgical colleagues with one benign upper GI surgeon and four lower GI surgeons, with interests in colorectal cancer, IBD and EMR.

We would expect the postholder to work flexibly and supportively with all members of the team. Endoscopic training may be required periodically for members of the team.

We would anticipate that the postholder would be highly trained at advanced endoscopic techniques and be JAG accredited in gastroscopy, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, although additional training and support would be available if needed. In addition we would expect experience in gastrointestinal stenting, dilatation and the management of acute upper GI bleeding. If however, further training for these procedures were needed we would meet the training needs in house.

In-patient gastroenterology patients has 17 dedicated inpatient beds on 11B and are managed by the gastroenterology team on a 2 weekly rotation basis, with 1 person on ward and all others off ward. Elective work in out-patients and endoscopy will happen during off ward periods.

The gastroenterology service receives an average of 180 outpatient referrals per month/ 2,160 per year, with a number of these being redirected straight to endoscopy. Upon successful appointment to this post, we would look to develop sub-speciality clinics within the department within 12 months. The structure of these can be agreed based on the applicants experience and interests.

Currently, when the postholder is on-call, it would be expected that they are available to deliver in-house out-of-hours GI bleed cover should it be required. If a non-gastroenterologist is on call and emergency endoscopy is required then an agreement with Aintree hospitals is in place so that the patient can be transferred there for their procedure. Once a Speciality Gastroenterology On-call service is started after this appointment, then all GI bleeding would be covered on-site.

The gastroenterology team meets on a Monday afternoon after MDT, where any issues and service development ideas can be discussed. The monthly medical consultant meeting occurs on the 3rdMonday afternoon of the month, this is cross-speciality and has management representation.

We are a small, friendly department that works closely together. We are able to deliver a wide range of services to the patients of Southport and Ormskirk and want to continue this in a more comprehensive way.

We offer excellent staff benefits to all clinical and non-clinical staff, and can offer you flexible working, in house education programs, annual personal development plans and development opportunities. Striving for continuous improvement and passionate about Excellent, Long Life Integrated Care, we are recruiting staff who can demonstrate our organizational values of Supportive, Caring, Open & Honest, Professional and Efficient to ensure we deliver the best patient care. We encourage a diverse workforce and promote equality throughout the Trust.

Come and join a friendly organisation to enhance your future prospects.

The post holder will
- Undertake Gastroenterology clinics with speciality clinics available depending on clinical interest
- Carry out inpatient ward and board rounds on specialist Gastroenterology ward (du