Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated junior doctor to join UHP as a Trust Doctor in Acute Frailty (ST1-2 equivalent), working with a well-established multidisciplinary team in our expanding Frailty Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC). As part of ongoing service development, frailty care at UHP is evolving to deliver innovative, patient-centred pathways, with the SDEC unit playing a key role in providing timely assessment & avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions.

This post is suited to doctors seeking experience at core training level, including those taking time out of training or returning to clinical practice. The role is well suited to those considering a career in Geriatric Medicine, General Practice or Acute Internal Medicine. UHP has an excellent reputation for education, supervision & supporting doctors in progressing to higher specialty training.

We are seeking a flexible, proactive & dynamic individual with a solid clinical foundation, strong communication & interpersonal skills & the ability to work both independently & within a multidisciplinary team. Opportunities to contribute to teaching, quality improvement & service development are available.

Applicants must have completed the Foundation Programme (or equivalent) & should have a minimum of 4 months' experience in Emergency Medicine, General Practice or Acute Medicine. Experience working with older patients living with frailty is essential. Experience in teaching & audit is desirable.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as part of the multidisciplinary frailty team, predominantly based within the Trust's 10-space Frailty Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit, while also supporting patients across the Emergency Department, ambulatory care, and acute medical wards. The role involves delivering high-quality, patient-centred care to older adults presenting on the frailty pathway through undertaking Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), supporting timely clinical decision-making, and facilitating safe and effective patient flow within a same-day emergency care setting.

Please see job description for detailed roles and responsibilities

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities

• Work primarily within the Frailty Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit as the central hub of the frailty pathway, delivering high-quality, patient-centred care to older adults presenting with frailty.
• Support and interface with the Emergency Department, ambulatory care, acute medical wards, and Geriatric Medicine services, ensuring seamless patient flow into and out of Frailty SDEC.
• Undertake and lead Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), including assessment of physical, cognitive, functional, and social needs.
• Provide rapid assessment and management of patients referred to SDEC, initiating appropriate investigations and treatment plans.
• Develop and implement proactive management plans aimed at avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions and facilitating same-day care where appropriate.
• Coordinate safe and timely discharge from SDEC, liaising closely with the Frailty Virtual Ward, Urgent Community Response (UCR), primary care, and community services to ensure continuity of care.
• Proactively identify and stream appropriate patients from the Emergency Department and acute wards to the Frailty SDEC service.
• Manage common frailty syndromes, including falls, delirium, reduced mobility, and polypharmacy.
• Liaise with Consultant Geriatricians and the multidisciplinary team, including nursing, therapy, and allied health professionals, to deliver coordinated care.
• Work collaboratively with specialty teams and diagnostic services to optimise patient care, including arranging urgent investigations.
• Maintain oversight of patient flow within SDEC, supporting prioritisation and queue management alongside senior nursing staff.
• Review investigation results in a timely manner and arrange appropriate follow-up via outpatient, community, or virtual ward pathways.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to support clinical decision-making, discharge planning, and service development.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and expansion of the Frailty SDEC model, including evolving links with virtual ward and community services.
• Ensure clinical care is evidence-based and support dissemination of best practice across the frailty pathway.

Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• Full GMC registration with licence to practice
• Completion of Foundation Programme (or equivalent)

Desirable

• MRCP (Part 1 or above) / MRCGP or equivalent
• ALS/ACLS or equivalent (or willingness within 6 months
• Postgraduate qualification in medical education (e.g. PGCert)

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Minimum 2 years NHS experience, including Foundation competencies or equivalent
• Experience in Emergency Medicine, General Practice, Acute Medicine, or Geriatric Medicine
• Experience in assessment and management of acute medical patients
• Sound clinical knowledge and ability to apply this in practice
• Experience of teaching or supporting learners in a clinical environment
• Basic IT skills

Desirable

• Experience working in Geriatric Medicine or frailty services
• Experience in undergraduate medical education Wider clinical experience across specialties
• Experience of audit, research, or quality improvement

Skills & Abilities
Essential

• Competent in clinical assessment, history taking, and examination
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team
• Sound clinical judgement and awareness of limitations
• Leadership and organisational skills
• Problem-solving ability and flexible approach to work

Desirable

• Presentation and teaching skills
• Evidence of leadership in clinical or educational settings
• Knowledge of audit and governance processes

Personal Qualities / Attitudes
Essential

• Commitment to delivering high-quality, holistic, patient-centred care
• Compassionate, professional, and reliable approach
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Commitment to continuous professional development
• Ability to establish good working relationships within a multidisciplinary team
• Interest in Geriatric Medicine, Acute Medicine, or Medical Education
• Commitment to audit and quality improvement activity

Desirable

• Clear motivation towards a career in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, or General Practice
• Interest in pursuing MRCP and further postgraduate training

Other Requirements
Essential

• Ability to work within Trust policies and clinical governance frameworks
• Willingness to participate in rota including weekend working
• Understanding of NHS systems and values
• Ability to contribute to service development and innovation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.