Academic Fellowship in Obstetric Anaesthesia

The Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing high quality services to the diverse population of Hackney. The Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local catchment area including obstetrics, bariatric surgery, tertiary level fetal medicine, neonatology and fertility. The anaesthetic department is the first in the UK to receive an Anaesthesia Clinical Service Accreditation.

There are currently more than 5800 deliveries per year in the maternity unit and the labour ward services a diverse population with a high proportion of complex and challenging cases. This post will offer ample opportunity to gain experience in managing the high risk parturient.

See job description for further details and personal specifications.

For additional information please contact Dr Sara Bowman (bariatrics), Dr Desikan Rangarajan (obstetrics), or Dr Haresh Mulchandani (simulation).

The fellow will be responsible to a nominated consultant and to the Clinical Director of the department and will be expected to work to maintain high standards, facilitate education and develop both clinical and nonclinical acumen and skills.

The anaesthetic department at the Homerton is situated at the heart of the hospital. Anaesthetic services are provided by 22 consultants and 30 junior anaesthetists. A further 6 consultants manage a busy 10 bedded intensive care unit. The main theatre suite and the adjacent labour ward house 7 modern theatres, two of which are dedicated to Obstetrics. The Day Stay Unit has an additional 3 theatres.

The busy labour ward houses 11 delivery suites and 2 midwifery led rooms with birthing pools. In addition, there are two beds dedicated to providing enhanced maternal care for the sick mother, with capability to deliver invasive monitoring.

The department provides 24-hour cover for obstetric anaesthesia and offers an on-demand epidural service. The epidural uptake rate is 30%. There are currently more than 5800 deliveries per year with a 30% caesarean section rate and a high incidence of challenging and complex obstetric issues. There are daily elective Caesarean Section lists.

Two anaesthetic middle grades are dedicated to the labour ward 24 hours a day to ensure safe obstetric service provision. These aneasthetists have immediate access to an experienced consultant at all times.

This 12 month post would be suitable for an anesthetist holding the FRCA (or equivalent) seeking to expand their experience in obstetric anaesthesia. Training closely matches the advanced curriculum set out by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and will allow the post holder to develop as a well-rounded clinician, equipped to meet the challenges of a consultant role. An enthusiasm for working as a member of a multidisciplinary team is essential.

TEACHING, STUDY AND TRAINING

The post holder will be nurtured to improve management and leadership skills in preparation for a consultant post.

There are bi-weekly academic anaesthetic meetings at the Trust, which the appointed anaesthetist is expected to attend and contribute to. The Homerton Anaesthetic Department has a selection of up to date reference texts plus network computers allowing access to the internet, intranet and preparation of PowerPoint presentations. The Postgraduate Medical Education Centre runs regular lunchtime meetings for trainees, and there is a well-equipped library and audiovisual department.

RESEARCH AND CLINICAL GOVERNANCE

Though previous research experience is not essential, the fellow will be expected to participate in ongoing projects. There is ample opportunity to join ongoing activities at both a local and multicenter level. In addition, the appointee will be encouraged to develop and initiate novel projects under guidance and with help from our well established and approachable research and development department.

The appointee will also be expected to contribute to departmental clinical governance activities essential in preserving a quality service, for example auditing practice standards and developing or updating guidelines. These activities will again be fully supported. A paperless K2 system is embedded into the Homerton Obstetric service. This system contains a wealth of information, from a high risk population, that is amenable to data mining and which is invaluable in monitoring service provision.

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

To fulfil these activities, the fellow will have protected time. Data will be presented in established internal forums and also at national/international meetings and through publication in peer reviewed journals as appropriate The appointee will be encouraged to attend a research methodology and development course.

Please see attached Job description and person specification for full details of the role.