Post: Consultant Neurologist with sub-specialty interest in Epilepsy
Location: Department of Neurology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Reports to: The Clinical Director, Neurology
Responsible to: The Chief Executive

General Information
Neurology across Northern Ireland is a top priority for development and is the subject of a service review by DOH. The service currently falls short in meeting demand, in workforce and in meeting the needs and expectations of people with neurological conditions and their families.

With Neurology being given a Regional focus to improve and modernise, it is an ideal time to join the team. The Neurology workforce in Northern Ireland work closely together and clinicians are taking the lead to design and provide evidence-based models of care, which are safe, accessible, effective and person-centred.

The Belfast Health Care Trust
The Belfast Trust delivers integrated health and social care to approximately 340,000 citizens in the greater Belfast area and provides the majority of regional specialist services for the population of Northern Ireland (1.9 million people). With an annual budget of over £1.3bn and a workforce of over 20,000, we are also a Trust with teaching hospitals and have strong links with our local university partners providing high quality training for medical and other health care professionals across all disciplines.
Further details about the Trust can be found on the Trust's website www.belfasttrust.hscni.net

Job Summary / Main Purpose
The main duty of the consultant will be the provision with consultant colleagues of a Regional Neurology Service in Northern Ireland with responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, and the proper functioning of the department.
This is a new post and the post-holder will be expected to have a demonstrable subspecialist interest and expertise in the management of epilepsy. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will have a key role, with colleagues, in developing the provision of epilepsy services not just within the Belfast Trust but across N Ireland.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for patients referred to the neurology unit for investigation and treatment in the hospital wards and outpatient clinics.
• Attends outpatient sessions and is responsible for the appropriate management of these patients, either within the hospital or advising the referring practitioners on appropriate care.
• Will be required to consult in various areas of the hospital outside the Neurology Department, and other hospitals within Northern Ireland.
• Undertakes the administrative duties associated with the care of patients and in the running of the Clinical Department.
• Actively participates in the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students including Nursing and Allied Health Professionals.
• Participates in Departmental Governance Meetings and Postgraduate Conferences.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Undertake administrative duties associated with the care of patients and the running of the department in conjunction with colleagues.
• Be expected to be involved in the planning, implementation and management of the neurological services.
• Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to the level of staff within their control, while retaining overall responsibility and accountability for results.
• Take such action as may be necessary in disciplinary and grievance matters in accordance with the procedures laid down and approved by the Trust.
• Identify objectives with the Clinical Director and agree an action plan ensuring personal development.
• Participate in the selection and appointment of staff in accordance with hospital procedures.

Essential Criteria

• Full GMC registration plus a Licence to Practise.
• Membership of the Royal College of Physicians in the UK (MRCP UK) or equivalent qualification.
• Entry on the GMC Specialist Register for Neurology via CCT (proposed CCT date within 6 months of interview date), CESR or European Community Rights.
• Demonstrable sub-specialty expertise and experience in all aspects of epilepsy as evidenced by completion of an appropriate Clinical Fellowship in epilepsy within/after higher specialist training.
• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues.
• Must have access to a means of transport to facilitate movement between sites.
• Eligibility to work in the UK as per UK Visa and Immigration Regulations.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of original work as demonstrated by publications, research and/or a higher degree.
• Formal qualifications in Medical Education such as PG Certificate or Masters Degree.

Salary
As per current Consultant salary scale in line with the Consultant Terms and Conditions of Service and pay circular HSC (TC8) 9/2013.

Terms and Conditions
This appointment is subject to the Consultant Terms and Conditions of Service (Northern Ireland) 2004, and as amended. Registration with the General Medical Council and License to Practice must be maintained. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory pre-employment health assessment with the Trust's Occupational Health service. Membership of the Health and Social Care (HSC) Superannuation Scheme is voluntary.

Residence
In order to meet the on-call requirements of the post, the appointee is required to reside within a reasonable distance to their principal place of work, as per terms and conditions of service.

Visiting
For further information, or to arrange a visit, contact Dr Stella Hughes, Clinical Director for Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Telephone: 028 96155910.

Canvassing will disqualify. Any approach to a member of the Belfast HSC Trust or a member of any Committee or Panel of the hospital by or at the request of a candidate, will be treated as canvassing.

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.