Advertised role location: Craigavon Area Hosp-Main Building
Official document: Consultant in Palliative Medicine CAH (Oct2026) (pdf)
CONSULTANT IN PALLIATIVE
MEDICINE
Job Description

HSC VALUES
The below diagram details the values and associated behaviours that we expect staff working
within Health and Social Care (HSC) to display at all times;
HSC Value What does this mean?
What does this look like in practice? -
Behaviours
Working
Together
We work together for the best
outcome for people we care for
and support. We work across
Health and Social Care and with
other external organisations and
agencies, recognising that
leadership is the responsibility of
all.
• I work with others and value everyone’s
contribution
• I treat people with respect and dignity
• I work as part of a team looking for
opportunities to support and help people in
both my own and other teams
• I actively engage people on issues that affect
them
• I look for feedback and examples of good
practice, aiming to improve where possible
Compassion
We are sensitive, caring,
respectful and understanding
towards those we care for and
support and our colleagues. We
listen carefully to others to better
understand and take action to
help them and ourselves.
• I am sensitive to the different needs and
feelings of others and treat people with
kindness
• I learn from others by listening carefully to
them
• I look after my own health and well-being so
that I can care for and support others
Excellence
We commit to being the best we
can be in our work, aiming to
improve and develop services to
achieve positive changes. We
deliver safe, high-quality,
compassionate care and support.
• I put the people I care for and support at the
centre of all I do to make a difference
• I take responsibility for my decisions and
actions
• I commit to best practice and sharing
learning, while continually learning and
developing
• I try to improve by asking ‘could we do this
better?’
Openness &
Honesty
We are open and honest with
each other and act with integrity
and candour.
• I am open and honest in order to develop
trusting relationships
• I ask someone for help when needed
• I speak up if I have concerns
• I challenge inappropriate or unacceptable
behaviour and practice

SUMMARY OF POST:
• This is a full-time replacement post which will be combined with the existing 2 Palliative
Medicine Consultant posts within the Trust.
• This post will participate in a 1:4 Category B on-call rota (3%).
• This post will attract a salary of £110,681 - £145,517 per annum.
• This is a full-time (10PA’s) position, however anyone interested in working part-time / job
share is also welcome to apply.
• Annual leave will be 32 days per annum pro rata initially rising to 34 days after 7 years’
seniority, plus 10 statutory and public holidays pro rata.
• The post also has an attractive study leave entitlement of up to 30 days paid leave with
expenses in any period of three years.
• A relocation package may also be available if appropriate.
• The Southern Trust has established a dedicated revalidation support team which
ensures all doctors have an annual appraisal with a trained appraiser and supports all
doctors through the revalidation process. The Trust has also appointed corporate,
Consultant Leads for appraisal and revalidation.
• The Trust supports the requirements for continuing professional development (CPD) as
laid down by the GMC and is committed to providing time and financial support for these
activities.
• The post will attract all the terms and conditions and employment benefits associated with
an NHS post e.g. NHS indemnity; access to NHS pension scheme and many additional
benefits.
JOB TITLE: CONSULTANT IN PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
DEPARTMENT: Surgery & Clinical Services
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
BASE/LOCATION: All posts are appointed to the Southern Health and Social Care
Trust. The base hospital for this post is CRAIGAVON AREA
HOSPITAL with sessions in DAISY HILL HOSPITAL.
RESPONSIBLE TO: Dr A Uprichard - Clinical Director for Cancer and Clinical Services
ACCOUNTABILE TO: Mr D McClements – Interim Director of Surgery & Clinical Services

SOUTHERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE TRUST
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is
one of the largest employers in Northern Ireland
and provides integrated patient / person centred
services to a population of c.388,688 people in
the local areas of Armagh, Banbridge,
Craigavon, Dungannon, South Tyrone, Newry
and Mourne.
Employing over 15,000 staff, the Trust provides
a wide range of hospital, community and primary
services. General acute in-patient hospital
services are located at Craigavon Area Hospital
and Daisy Hill Hospital. Acute Mental Health
and intellectual Disability in-patient hospital services are located in the Bluestone Unit, also on
the Craigavon Area Hospital site.
Working in collaboration with GP’s and other agencies, Trust staff provide locally based health
and social care services in Trust premises, in people’s own homes and in the community. The
Trust purchases some services, such as domiciliary, residential and nursing care and day care
from private and voluntary organisation.
SOUTHERN TRUST ETHNIC MINORITES STAFF NETWORK
The Southern HSC Trust is an inclusive organisation, inclusive of different races, ethnicity and
cultural backgrounds. We believe that every employee should have the opportunity to flourish
and reach their full potential without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
As part of this commitment to diversity and inclusion we have established a Staff Support
Network to support our ethnic minority colleagues (this would include international doctors and
nurses). We would encourage all staff who self-identify as a member of an ethnic minority
group to join.
Such a network within the Trust provides an opportunity for individuals to come together in a
safe, welcoming and shared working environment, to share ideas, raise awareness of
challenges and provide support to each other.
DETAILS OF THE POST
This is a 1.0 WTE Palliative Medicine Consultant post to join the existing 2 Palliative Medicine
Consultant posts within the Trust. The local hospice, Evora Hospice (formerly known as
Newry Hospice) employ 1 Palliative Medicine Consultant. The WTE represents both in hours
and OOHs work.
• Acute Consultant: Dr Sarah Cousins 0.85 WTE (Trust Lead for Palliative Medicine)
• Community Consultant: Dr Gemma Ryder 0.7 WTE
• Hospice Consultant: Dr Osmond Morris 0.7 WTE

Service development
The development of Specialist Palliative Care in Southern Trust has been driven by various
publications including ‘Transforming Your Care’; Living Matters: Dying Matters and more
recently the Health Committees Inquiry into Palliative Care in Northern Ireland. The appointee
will have a major role in the development and support of the specialist Palliative Care Service
throughout the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
An Acute and Community vision
Currently the Hospital Specialist Palliative Care Service delivers inpatient liaison on 2 Acute
Hospital sites (Daisy Hill and Craigavon Area Hospital), 2 outpatient clinics per week. The
Community Specialist Palliative Care MDT provides the specialist CNS community nursing
support for the area and is unique in Northern Ireland for this. The Community and Acute
Palliative medicine consultants work together to ensure that in hours, the SPC MDT across the
Trust have a consultant to phone for advice.
A multi-disciplinary approach
The consultant workforce benefits from close collaboration with senior Health Care
Professionals including Nursing, Pharmacist, AHP and Social workers, many of whom are
qualified as non-medical prescribers.
OOHs
The Southern Trust runs a Consultant Palliative Medicine Out of hours telephone advice
service, doctor to doctor for hospital, hospice and OOHs GPs. See below for more detail.
SERVICE INFORMATION
STAFFING
Hospital Palliative Care Team
• Specialist Nurses in CAH and DHH
• Occupational Therapist based in CAH
• Specialist Pharmacist covering CAH and DHH
• Palliative Care Secretary’s/Admin staff
Patients are discussed daily at morning business meetings.
Community Specialist Palliative Care Team
• Specialist Palliative Care nurses across 3 teams (defined by area)
• Newry and Mourne
• Portadown, Lurgan, Armagh and Dungannon
• Community Specialist Palliative Care AHPs & Social Worker (trust wide posts):
The community MDT links daily at 3.30pm to review all new referrals to the service and
discuss complex cases.

WORKLOAD
Hospital Palliative Care Team
In 2022, there was an average of 116 new referrals per month across CAH and DHH. This
lead to an average of 466 (CNS and medical staff only) face to face contacts per month and
650 telephone contacts a month. There are two Palliative Medicine Clinics – 0.5 PA at DHH
and 2 PAs at CAH.
Community
In 2022, there was an average of 126 new referrals per month across the two community
teams. The need is increasing overall and currently, there are approximately 160 patients
under the care of the Community Palliative Care Team at any one time.
DUTIES OF THE POST
The appointee will:
• Provide Consultant Palliative Medicine assessment and SPC management of patients in
CAH and DHH. Engage with clinical colleagues to identify patients palliative care needs
and will be active in the assessment and management of these patients. Ensure good
communications with patients, carers, families, and other health care professionals.
• Work with Trust Palliative Medicine consultants to provide consultant advice in hours to
Trust SPC teams.
• Out of hours, participate in medic to medic, telephone to hospital, hospice and GP OOHs.
(As part of 1 in 4 weekly oncall rota)
• Participate in planning and implementation of high quality teaching and training for SPC
colleagues, generalists (Community and Hospital) and undergraduates.
• Aim for quality improvement by undertaking medical audits and engaging in other
governance activities e.g. risk management, CPD, incident reporting, participation in
quarterly Palliative Care Morbidity and Mortality meetings and/or CAH General Medicine
M&Ms to the Trust required standard.
• Be involved in implementing the Palliative and End of Life Care strategy locally through
membership of the Trust palliative and End of Life care steering group, and regional
strategy groups.
OTHER PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Participation in the Northern Ireland Regional Palliative Medicine Group, Regional Audit and
involvement in NACEL is encouraged.
CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC
There is access to a full range of clinical diagnostic facilities on the Craigavon Area Hospital
and Daisy Hill Hospital sites.

The Department of Radiology has up-to-date technology including a repertoire ranging from
general radiographic and radiological procedures, through specialised radiological
examinations, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine and CT scanning.
The hospital pathology department provide full laboratory facilities on Craigavon Area and
Daisy Hill Hospital sites, including biochemistry, haematology, microbiology and histopathology
as an area service.
Comprehensive pharmacy service exists on both hospital sites and a palliative care
pharmacist is attached to the palliative care team at both Craigavon Area Hospital and Daisy
Hill Hospitals and provides an outreach service to Hospice and community.
OTHER FACILITIES
The appointee will be provided with a Trust laptop for remote working given the logistics of the
post.
Admin/ Secretarial and IT support will be provided.
LIBRARY AND TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES
Craigavon Area Hospital has a Medical Education Centre with excellent library facilities
provided in association with the Medical Library at the Queen’s University, Belfast. There is
access to electronic online medical databases, such as Med-line and Cochrane.
Regular teaching sessions take place in the Medical Education Centre and general
practitioners are invited to participate in and attend meetings.
Craigavon Area Hospital and Daisy Hill are recognised teaching hospitals for Queen’s
University Medical School and the University of Ulster and attracts a large number of
undergraduates.
The post holder will be expected to participate in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
and general teaching within the Trust.
The doctors in the Southern Trust already have access to a mentoring service in an informal
basis. However the Trust is proceeding to making this a formal mentoring service for doctors
and this will be facilitated for the appointee.
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The appointee will be expected to undertake medical audit and engage in the GMC
requirements for continued professional development.
The Trust supports the requirements for continuing professional development (CPD) as laid
down by the GMC and is committed to providing time and financial support for these activities.
APPRAISIAL AND REVALIDATION
The post holder will be expected to participate in Annual Appraisal and Revalidation
processes and will be supported to do so - both in terms of SPA time
and financial support for study leave.

PROVISONAL WEEKLY TIMETABLE
This job description is not exhaustive and with the timetable acts as a guide which may be
amended after 3 months in post and if needed in the future after discussion with the post holder.
This will be in line with the job planning process for the Trust.
DAY
TIME WORK ACTIVITY
LOCATION
HOURS
Total
Prem
DCC SPA APA EPA
Mon

09:00 - 13:00
Ward Round CAH 4
13.00 – 17.00
SPA CAH 4
Tues
09:00 - 13:00
OPC (dependent on
room availability) & Ward
Round DHH 4
13.00 – 17.00
Ward Round CAH 4
Wed

09:00 - 13:00
Ward Round CAH 4
13.00 – 17.00
SPA CAH 4
Thur
s

09:00 - 13:00
Ward Round CAH 4
13.00 – 17.00
OFF CAH
Fri

09:00 - 13:00
Ward Round CAH 4
13.00 – 17.00
Ward Round CAH 4
TOTAL HOURS
PAs
Programmed Activities Number of PA’s/ Sessions
Direct Clinical Care 7.0
Supporting Professional Activities 2.0
On call 1.0
Total PA’s 10PA
This is the PA allocation for the first year. Please see section “Balance between Direct Clinical Care and Other Programmed
Activities” for more details on SPA allocation beyond the first year.
Emergency Work
On-call Rota Frequency: 1 in 4 (Weekly
change over Friday)
Agreed Category:
(consultants only)
Category B
On-call % Supplement 3%
On-call summary :
Weekday evenings 5pm to 9am next day, Weekend days and Bank Holidays 9am to 9am.
JOB PLAN REVIEW
Job Plans are subject to review at least once a year with the Clinical Director before
being approved by the Director of Acute Services. In the case of a
new employee, a review of the Job Plan will take place 3 months

after commencement and annually thereafter. If it is not possible to agree a Job Plan, either
initially or at an annual review, there are agreed procedures for facilitation and appeal with the
final decision normally being accepted by the Trust Board. The allocation of SPAs included in
the Job Plan will be subject to review.
Balance between Direct Clinical Care and Other Programmed Activities
The Trust expects that all full-time consultants undertake a minimum of 1.5 SPAs (6 hours) in
their job plan every week, however the Southern Trust has agreed that all new consultant
appointments will be allocated 2 SPAs per week for a period of 12 months to facilitate
induction and orientation into the organisation and the role. This position will be reviewed after
the consultant completes 12 months in post.
The Trust also recognises that there are various activities as identified by all the Divisional
Medical Directors in each directorate and approved by the Medical Director where additional
SPA time will be necessary. Where a newly appointed consultant will be involved in these
additional SPA commitments, the precise balance of Programmed Activities in their job plan
will be reviewed on appointment and agreed as part of their individual Job Plan review. These
supporting professional activities may include participation in training of other staff, medical
education, continuing professional development, formal teaching of other staff, audit, job
planning, appraisal, research, clinical management and local clinical governance activities are
recognised within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
Programmed Activities for additional HPSS responsibilities and external duties will also be
allocated for special responsibilities that have been formally approved and/or appointed by the
Trust.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
This post will be contracted in accordance with:
Consultant Terms and Conditions which can be viewed at:
CLICK HERE
If you would like any additional information about this post, for example details of the
specialty or existing staff, please contact Dr Sarah Cousins – Consultant in Palliative
Medicine. Email: Sarah.Cousins@southerntrust.hscni.net
RAISING CONCERNS - RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of
openness and transparency.
2. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act
in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and
their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
The post holder will be required to:
1. Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through their own
actions and those of any staff for whom they have responsibility.
2. Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements,
reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to their manager, and maintaining a
clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and
staff.
3. The HSC Code of Conduct for Employees sets out the standards of conduct expected
of all staff in the Southern Health & Social Care Trust and outlines the standards of
conduct and behaviours required during and after employment with the Trust.
Professional staff are expected to also follow the code of conduct for their own
professions.
4. Adhere at all times to all Trust policies including for example:
• Smoke Free policy
• IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
5. Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your
designated area of work.
6. Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection
prevention and control.
7. All employees of the trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as
part of their business within the Trust including patients/clients, corporate and
administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All
such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited
exception, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Acts 1998. Employees are required to be
conversant with the Trusts policy and procedures on records management and to seek
advice if in doubt.
8. Take responsibility for their own ongoing learning and development, including full
participation in KSF Development Reviews/appraisals, in order to maximise their
potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.
9. Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to
patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom they comes
into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.
This post may evolve over time and this Job Description will
therefore be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances

and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible however should be regarded as providing
guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate
to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within the
Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.

JOB TITLE Consultant in Palliative Medicine
DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Palliative Medicine – Surgery & Clinical
Services
LOCATION: Craigavon Area Hospital
SALARY £110,681 - £145,517 pa based on full-time
hours
HOURS Full-time
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage
although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it
clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not
being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.
Factor Criteria
Method of
Assessment
Qualifications/
Registration
E1 Hold Full registration with the General Medical Council
(London) with Licence to Practice with the GMC.
[1]
Shortlisting by
Application Form
E2 Hold a higher professional diploma i.e. MRCP, MRCGP,
FRCA or equivalent qualification.
E3 Entry on the GMC (London) Specialist Register via
▪ CCT in Palliative Medicine (or within 6 months of
award by the date of interview)
▪ Portfolio Pathway (or within 6 months of award by
date of interview, evidenced by Portfolio Pathway
application submitted to GMC*)
*Please provide evidence including dates submitted and
acceptance of submission from GMC.
Other
E4
Hold a full current driving license valid for use in
Northern Ireland and have access to a car on
appointment.
1
SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/
selection stage:
Knowledge /
Skills / Abilities
E5
Understanding of the role of the Palliative Care Service
within the acute hospital service the Southern Health and
Social Care Trust area.
Interview
E6 Knowledge of evidence based approach to clinical care.
E7 Awareness of recent strategic developments.
E8 Understanding of the implication of clinical governance.
E9 Have an interest in teaching and research.
E10 Ability to lead and engender high standards of care.
[1]
If successful at interview, applicants will be required to provide proof of their GMC application. Applicants must
be registered, with a licence to practice at the time of appointment.
1
This criterion will be waived in the case of a suitable applicant who has a disability which prohibits them from
driving but who is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements in order to meet the requirements of the post
in full. Visit NI Direct website to check if a driving licence issued outside Northern Ireland is valid for use.

E11 Ability to develop strategies to meet changing demands.
E12 Willingness to work flexibly as part of a team.
E13 Good communication and interpersonal skills.
E14 Ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team.
E15
Ability to effectively train and supervise medical
undergraduates and postgraduates.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to
ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet
these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted
Factor Criteria
Method of
Assessment
Experience /
Qualifications
D1 Have some formal training in teaching methods.
Shortlisting by
Application Form
D2 Have management experience.
D3 Have interest in Information Technology.
D4 Hold appropriate higher degree e.g. Master/MD/PHd or
equivalent.
D5 Have an interest and/or experience in Acute Palliative
Care.
Ref No: 73826097 Date: September 2026
Notes to applicants:
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet
the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should
clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
2. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below,
using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note The
Organisation reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at
shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the
desirable criteria.
3. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of
employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for The Organisation to
carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this
post can be confirmed.
THE ORGANISATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants:
• may be required to attend for a Health Assessment
• can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher
starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person
appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post.
• are able to request Flexible Working from the 1
st
day of their employment. A number of
flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time
working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated
hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking
for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken.
Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible
Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing
employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.
If you are interested in this consultant post but are perhaps not due to obtain your CCT
within the next 6 months we would still be very keen to hear from you. Please feel free
to register your interest in this post by forwarding an expression of interest and your
expected CCT date via email to Medical.Recruitment@southerntrust.hscni.net