JOB DESCRIPTION
FOR
CONSULTANT
in PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
at
Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent
(Honorary contract with East Kent Hospitals NHS
University Foundation Trust)
SUMMARY
This post is an exciting opportunity to become part of a dynamic team of
Palliative Medicine consultants in East Kent. Currently 5 Consultants work
between Pilgrims Hospices (PH) (inpatient and community services) and East
Kent Hospitals NHS University Foundation Trust (EKHUFT).
This clinically focussed post will replace an Associate Specialist who is
retiring. It is based at Pilgrims Hospice, Margate. The hospice sits on the
acute hospital site (the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate)
making working relationships between the sectors close and effective. The
post holder will be expected to undertake clinical commitments at other sites
(Canterbury and Ashford).
Part-time or job sharing arrangements would be enthusiastically considered
provided that the delivery of an excellent service for patients and families and
the smooth running of the organization can be assured.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust serves a population of
over 720,000 (approximately 20% over the age of 65). The population is
spread across a geographical area of over 700 square miles of a largely rural
area with main urban population in Ashford, Folkestone, Canterbury, Dover,
Margate, and Ramsgate.
Pilgrims Hospices serve the same population apart from the Swale area.
Local authority population figures are as follow: Ashford (111,200),
Canterbury (146,200), Dover (106,400), Shepway (99,600), Swale (128,500)
and Thanet (128,600).
Ashford is an expanding business and agricultural centre and has an
International Station linking it to the Continent via the Channel Tunnel. It is a
designated area for growth. Canterbury is an ecclesiastical and business
centre and the University of Kent is based in the city. Margate and the
surrounding coastal towns have a high proportion of elderly and
disadvantaged people and the population increases in the summer with the
influx of visitors. Thanet is an area of regeneration receiving European
funding and Manston airport is being developed to serve Kent.
There are many areas of unspoilt countryside and a wide variety of quiet
secluded beaches. The countryside is mainly arable farm land, but in the
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immediate vicinity of Canterbury fruit and hop farming predominate. The
Stour valley runs through the area and there are areas of great natural beauty
and charm. The Thanet coast is on a list of best wildlife sites in Europe.
Places of historic interest include Canterbury Cathedral and Dover, Deal and
Walmer castles.
There are excellent schools, both private and state. Regular train services
and the M2 and M20 motorways provide easy access to London, and the
Continent is within immediate reach through the Channel ports and Channel
Tunnel. There are also outstanding sporting facilities, both indoor and
outdoor. Sports associated with the coast such as sailing and windsurfing are
well served and golfers can enjoy many courses, including championship golf
courses.
HOSPICE and PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES
Pilgrims Hospices provides inpatient specialist Palliative Care on 3 sites with
a total of 48 beds. The medical team is supported by 9 Advanced Nurse
Practitioners in Specialist palliative Care and 12 Palliative Care Specialist
Nurses. The hospice provides a multi professional community service,
undertaking outpatient clinics, home visits and support for families.
A hospice at home service staffed by senior Healthcare Assistants serves the
whole area and is currently managed from the Canterbury site. Each site
runs Day Hospice, staffed by Associate Practitioners running full days and
programmes of activities with support from other members of the MDT.
Full multiprofessional Palliative Care is delivered by a well-resourced
multiprofessional team on each site including: social work, counselling,
chaplaincy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, complementary therapy.
From the summer 2012, the hospice will be hosting a new Navigation Centre
for End of Life Care. The centre will support all Pilgrims Hospices’ patients
and also all patients on a Palliative Care register in East Kent.
At Consultant level the EKHUFT funds one WTE post which is delivered at
each locality (Canterbury, Ashford and Margate) by locally based Consultants
working with Macmillan Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialists based in the
hospitals.
THE TRUST
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust (EKHUFT) received
authorisation from Monitor in March 2009 and manages three acute district
general hospitals (at Margate, Canterbury and Ashford), two supporting
hospitals (at Dover and at Folkestone) and many teams of healthcare
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professionals working in child care centres. It was originally formed from the
merger of three previous Trusts – April 1999.
The Chairman of the Trust is Mr Nicholas Wells and the Chief Executive is Mr
Stuart Bain. The Medical Director is Dr Neil Martin.
The Trust is one of the largest in the country, employing over 6500 staff with
many part-time employees. The Trust serves a population of over 720,000
and the budget in 2009/10 was in the region of £450m.
The Trust has the vision to be known throughout the world as one of the top
ten hospitals in England and the Kent hospital of choice for patients and those
close to them.
The EKHUFT’s mission is to provide safe, patient focused and sustainable
health services with and for the people of Kent. The Trust recognises that to
achieve this it has a special responsibility for the most vulnerable members of
the population that it serves.
The Trust aims to work with local partners to develop excellent, modern
clinical services, reducing both the length of time patients wait to be seen and
to be treated and to make sure that it meets all the financial obligations.
HOSPITAL SERVICES
EKHUFT provides the majority of its services from the following hospitals:
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQMH), Margate
The Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQMH), Margate
provides the full range of accident, emergency and elective services. The
hospital dates back to the 1930's when the St Peters Road building was
constructed. Between 1996 and 1998 many services were relocated and
expanded into the main site of the QEQMH. Recent developments have
included new operating theatres; ITU facilities; children’s inpatient and out
patient facilities; a cardiac catheter laboratory; out patient department and a
cancer unit completed in 2007.
Kent and Canterbury Hospital
The Kent and Canterbury Hospital provides a range of important inpatient
services, which includes an unselected medical take as well as a new
Emergency Care Centre. The hospital is located on the outskirts of the
Cathedral City of Canterbury. The main hospital building was constructed in
1937, but has been developed considerably since then. The hospital stands
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adjacent to the Kent County cricket ground. New investments have included a
day surgery suite, an endoscopy suite and a state of the art child ambulatory
day centre. It hosts the base for the renal services for Kent which have been
expanded and developed in conjunction with vascular surgery and
interventional radiology within purpose built accommodation. A birthing unit
provides low risk deliveries on this site.
The hospital site hosts one half of a split site Cancer Centre for Kent and
Medway with regular oncology clinics, radiotherapy and chemotherapy
treatments on site.
William Harvey Hospital (WHH), Ashford
The William Harvey Hospital (WHH), Ashford provides a full range of accident,
emergency and elective services. This hospital is located on the outskirts of
Ashford 2 miles from the Ashford International Station and adjacent to the
M20, junction 10. The hospital was commissioned in 1977 and the site has
been developed and substantially upgraded over the years and more recently
been re-organised into medical and surgical floors. Recent developments
have included the development of a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit);
robotic pharmacy facilities; women’s health and stroke units. The site
accommodates the single head and neck unit which will soon include maxillofacial services. It has a cardiac catheter laboratory which undertakes
therapeutic interventions; Primary Coronary Angiography Services began in
April 2010.
EKHUT also provides a smaller range of services from two community
hospitals sites.
The Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH), Folkestone
The Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) provides an important supporting role. The
hospital building is Victorian, but has been upgraded over the years to provide
a minor injuries unit, a Walk-in Centre, a thriving outpatients department, the
Derry Unit which offers specialist genito-urinary outpatient procedures. Many
of these services are provided in partnership with the Eastern & Coastal
Primary Care Trust. Recent plans have been agreed and are progressing to
concentrate services to the west of the site and sell off the remaining
properties.
Buckland Hospital (BH), Dover
The Buckland Hospital (BH) also provides an essential supporting role. The
hospital was built at the turn of the last century in Coombe Valley, Dover. It
has a minor injuries unit; out patient facilities; birthing unit and children’s
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ambulatory unit. There are plans for a purpose built community hospital in
Dover.
Further details about the services available from the different hospitals and
departments can be found at http://www.eastkenthospitalstrust.nhs.uk.
HOSPICE and PALLIATIVE CARE MEDICAL STAFFING
CONSULTANTS
Dr Claire Butler (PHC), Director of Medicine and Research
Dr Pauline Dand (PHC)
Dr Andrew Thorns (PHT)
This post (PHT)
Dr Declan Cawley (PHA)
Dr Jane Marshall (PHA)
Vacant post (PHC/PHA)
NON CONSULTANT STAFF
One Specialty Registrar at each site – London and KSS Deanery rotation
Specialty doctors (0.7/1.0) at PHC/PHA
GP Specialist Trainees at each site
Clinical assistants/GPSI posts
The hospice hosts medical students on attachment from St George’s Hospital
Medical School.
DUTIES OF THE POST
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Pilgrims Hospices
To provide Consultant level clinical care and input to the multidisciplinary
team for patients under the care of the Pilgrims Hospice, Margate (PHT)
(including hospice inpatients, community patients, outpatients and patients
attending Day Hospice).
To support and encourage the development of good practice in Palliative Care
in the community served by Pilgrims Hospice in Thanet, through clinical
practice, liaison with primary care services and education.
To participate in the supervision and training of medical trainees (GPSTs and
Palliative Medicine StRs) working at the Pilgrims Hospices.
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To participate in the education of undergraduate medical students from St
George’s Medical School
To assist the Consultant team in the development and implementation of
policy and strategy for Pilgrims Hospices.
To take an active role in clinical and integrated governance in Pilgrims
Hospices and EKHUFT.
To maintain a full programme of personal CPD in line with current
recommendations and to take appropriate study leave.
To participate in annual appraisal and job planning and to comply with the
requirements of revalidation.
To assist in liaison with such voluntary or other bodies as may assist in
promoting the efficiency and welfare of the hospice.
To ensure that adequate clinical records and case notes for each patient are
maintained in the hospice.
To assist the Nurse Manager and nursing staff at the hospice in the safe
custody and correct usage of all controlled drugs for the hospice and its
patients.
To participate in Kent and Medway Cancer Network palliative care forums and
initiatives.
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation NHS Trust
To share the provision of Consultant level clinical care and input to the
multidisciplinary team for Palliative Care patients in the Queen Elizabeth the
Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM).
To support and encourage the development of good practice in Palliative Care
at the QEQM through clinical practice, liaison and education.
Other responsibilities include:
Junior staff:
NA
Budget:
None for this post directly, relevant budgets are
held by the Director of Medicine and Research
(Pilgrims Hospices) and the Nurse Consultant,
Palliative Care (EKHUFT).
Communication:
This will include responsibility for and arrangement
of:Communication and liaison with all other medical
and service departments within the hospital
including:General
Management,
Medical
Records, Social Work Department
Communication with General Practitioners will
include telephone discussion of problems and
(i)
(ii)
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(iii)
Teaching
writing of letters about cases seen in the
department
Communication with other hospitals and special
departments in other hospitals
Junior doctors and medical students, nurses and
other paramedical staff in the team in speciality
and special interest
ON CALL ARRANGEMENTS
The Consultants share an on-call rota each taking a full share regardless of
their in-hours working time (i.e. part time and full time posts contribute
equally).
The rota will be 1 in 7 once this post and the other vacant post are filled and is
currently worked one week at a time, Monday 9am – Monday 9am providing
2nd on call to support junior and middle grade doctors who cover 1st on call for
the PH. From June 2012, this will include cover for a new Navigation Centre
for End of Life Care which the hospice is hosting for the locality. This will
attract a supplement of 5% of a FTE salary.
In addition, from June 2012, a weekend ward round at one site (1PA) on each
of Saturday and Sunday will be required during the 1 in 7 on call week.
The allocation of direct clinical care PAs for the on call commitment will be
reviewed depending on the activity levels of the new Navigation Centre one
calendar year after its commencement.
The duties and responsibilities in this job description may need further
discussion in the future to ensure that they continue to meet the needs
of the service, future service developments and the post holder.
PATIENT SAFETY,
TRAINING
CLINICAL
GOVERNANCE,
EDUCATION
AND
The PH and the Trust are fully committed to improving patient safety and
experience.
Consultants are expected to comply with the Clinical Risk
Management processes. They must audit their own clinical outcomes, report
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clinical incidents, alert the trust to risk, participate in annual appraisal and
work to foster good team relationships.
It is expected that the appointee will plan a programme of personal
development and continuing medical education (CME) and through the
appraisal process ensure that adequate training is undertaken both to
maintain their skills, knowledge and expertise and to ensure revalidation.
There is extensive local support and reasonable costs for formal study leave.
An annual review of the job plan will take place with the Director of Medicine
and Research of PH and the Consultant in accordance with Trust
arrangements. This will include discussions regarding the needs of the
service, with agreement of objectives for clinical standards, goals and
workload.
Each of the three main EKHUFT hospital sites has a well-equipped
multidisciplinary Education Centre, including internet facilities and a library.
Each runs full programmes of educational meetings.
All Consultants have responsibilities for teaching doctors, students and nonmedical healthcare professionals, and should ensure they use the time
allowed in their working week for duties of teaching and supervision. All
Consultants should include some element of educational development within
their personal development plan, using at least one half day per year of their
external study leave to this end.
RESEARCH
The Pilgrims Hospices has an actively growing research portfolio and links
with the University of Kent.
Research is encouraged and supported both within the Comprehensive Local
Research Network (CLRN) and by an active Research & Development
Department. EKHUFT has strong links with the University of Kent at
Canterbury and Christchurch University.
MAIN CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
The post is covered by the Terms and Conditions of Service of Hospital
Medical and Dental Staff as amended from time to time. The post-holder is
required to be fully registered with the General Medical Council and on the
Specialist Register or eligible for inclusion on the Specialist Register within six
months of the date of interview.
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The appointee will be required to reside not more than 30 minutes away from
their main base. The post-holder's private residence shall be maintained in
contact with the public telephone service.
The Consultant will be provided with suitable office accommodation at PH with
adequate secretarial support and IT facilities.
The passing of a medical examination is a condition of employment.
Any Consultant, who for personal reasons is unable to work full-time will be
eligible to be considered for this post; if such a person is appointed
modification of the job content will be discussed on a personal basis in
consultation with the Director of Medicine and Research. The Consultant
salary scale is currently £74,504 rising to £100,044 for a 10PA job plan.
Annual leave
The annual leave entitlement is six weeks and two days. A minimum of eight
weeks notice of leave arrangements is requested so that adequate cover
arrangements can be made. Annual leave entitlements increased for
consultants with seven or more years of completed service with effect from 1
April 2005 by an additional 2 days.
A lieu day will be given for any Bank Holidays that are worked.
Study leave
Study leave is available according to local agreements. All clinical staff are
required to give eight weeks notice.
Removal Expenses
There will be an allowance for removal expenses.
Pilgrims Hospices before committing to any costs.
Please confirm with
Mentoring
Professional advice and support is available from the Director of Medicine and
Research at Pilgrims Hospices. Opportunities for mentoring are available at
EKHUFT and through the Association for Palliative Medicine.
VISITING ARRANGEMENTS
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Further details and information may be obtained by contacting Dr Claire Butler
(01227 459700) or Dr Andrew Thorns (01843 233920).
Visits by prospective applicants are encouraged and may be arranged
through Human Resources (01227 459700).
CONTROL OF INFECTION
In accordance with the Health Act (2006) all staff are expected to comply with
National and local Infection Control policies and procedures, and any other
related infection prevention policies or procedures. In addition, all staff whose
normal duties are directly or indirectly concerned with patient care should
ensure they have received annual mandatory training (including hand
hygiene). It is expected that all Consultants will lead by example in this area
which receives maximum attention.
PROPOSED JOB PROGRAMME
Please see attached job programme. The programme is open to negotiation
following a period of induction and thereafter will be reviewed on annual basis
within the job planning cycle. The 10 PAs contract will include both direct
clinical care (DCC) and supporting activity (SPA).
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PILGRIMS HOSPICES
(EAST KENT HOSPITALS UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)
CONSULTANT RECRUITMENT
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title of Post:
Directorate:
Consultant Palliative Medicine
Pilgrims Hospices/Oncology
Mandatory
Requirements
1. Qualifications
Generic
Requirements
2. Clinical/
Technical expertise
Essential
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3. Intellect and
Education
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4. Organisation &
planning (both
personal &
departmental)
Date: January 2012
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Professional qualifications
Full GMC registration
Holds CCT or Specialist
Registration in Palliative
Medicine or will obtain within 6
months of interview date
Essential
Desirable
Assessment
Method
Application
form/CV
Desirable
Assessment
Method
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
BLS
Possesses range of clinical
knowledge, skills & information
technology expertise.
Concerned to maintain &
develop this knowledge.
In depth expertise in at least
one specialist field
Displays sound professional
judgement
Exercises sound clinical risk
management
Sees patients within a holistic
context
Shows an approach based on
critical enquiry and evidencebased medicine
Embraces evidence-based
practice & audit
Interest in research &
development
Shows breadth of awareness &
a range of problem-solving skills
Encourages ongoing learning &
an educative culture, both for
self and others
Postgraduate
qualification
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Able to operate effectively in a
committee; contributes to
strategic decision-making
Understands the issues of risk
management & of operating

Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Displays
management &
financial
competence
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5. Communication &
Interpersonal Skills
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6. Teaching skills
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7. Ability to operate
within wider NHS
context
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8. Decisiveness and
Accountability
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9. Partnerships with
Patients
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within a litigious & complaints
culture
Shows self-discipline eg recordkeeping & legibility
Able to juggle a large number of
demands by setting priorities &
planning effectively
Able to manage conflicting &
unpredictable demands
Strong leadership & coordination skills with ability to
direct & organise teams
Able to communicate clearly,
avoiding jargon, with a range of
different people
Builds strong & effective
relationships with patients,
families & colleagues with the
ability to gain their trust &
confidence
Ability to cope with considerable
pressure as well as to adapt to
constant change & new
demands
Demonstrates energy,
enthusiasm & initiative in
pursuing innovation and the
highest standards for patients,
juniors, others, colleagues & the
organisation
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Willing to supervise juniors,
spots talent & nurtures it
Evidence of teaching
experience
Able to operate within a
teaching/training culture
Understands the NHS system:
nationally, regionally & locally
Aware of the issues affecting
current & future NHS practice
Understands the concepts &
principles of clinical governance
Is able to justify decisions
Recognises clinical constraints
& the realities of rationing of
care
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Works with patients as
individuals & not purely as a
collection of symptoms
Able to manage patient
expectations
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
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Specialty Specific
Requirements
11. Ability to work as
part of
multidisciplinary
team
12. Understanding of
voluntary hospice
funding and
organisation
Able to negotiate treatment
plans with patients
Essential
Desirable
Assessment
Method
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Understanding of
voluntary hospice
funding and
organisation
Application
form/CV
Interview
References
Ability to work as part of
multidisciplinary team
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TIMETABLE
This post is 10 PAs: 8 DCC, 2 SPA
am
pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
DCC PA:
0900-1300
Hospice WR
SPA:
0900-1300
Clinical
governance and
CPD
1330-1430 DCC
Hospice MDM
1430-1530 SPA:
local management
team meeting
1530-1730 time
in lieu of for call
DCC: 09001300
Community
out-patients and
home visits
1300-1600 DCC
QOF meeting
attendance.
(Times may
vary within the
week)
1600-1700 SPA
(clinical admin)
DCC: 0900-1300
Community:
out-patients and
home visits
DCC: 09001300
Hospice WR
DCC: 10am-1pm
ward round one
hospice site
(1 in 7)
DCC: 10am-1pm
ward round one
hospice site
(1 in 7)
1300-1500: SPA
Training and
development of
clinical staff,
CPD
1500-1700 time
in lieu for on call
DCC: 13301730 Ward
supervision and
admissions
DCC PA: 13301730
Community:
out-patients and
home visits